Link it! Prior knowledge - Lake District - Year 3

As part of engaging Year 3 students with their new geography unit on the Lake District, teachers are encouraged to tap into the children's prior knowledge. The inquiry begins with a simple question: Have they ever visited the Lake District? This prompts children to reflect on their personal experiences and share what they imagine the Lake District might look like if they haven't been there. The discussion may lead to children recalling bodies of water such as lakes or reservoirs they have seen, or they might recognise the name of Cumbria, the county in which the Lake District is located. This initial exploration is an opportunity for students to document what they already know in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of their Knowledge Organiser, setting the stage for further learning.

The Lake District is presented as one of the UK's unique locations, and the lesson aims to uncover why this is the case. By linking this new topic to subjects the children have already studied, to other subjects in the curriculum, and to their own personal experiences, the learning becomes more integrated and meaningful. For example, connections might be made to previous lessons about natural landscapes, discussions in environmental science about ecosystems, or personal memories of family trips to natural parks. This holistic approach helps to create a rich tapestry of understanding, where knowledge is interconnected and grounded in the children's own lives and previous learning.