Link it! Prior knowledge - Castles - Year 1

When embarking on a lesson about castles for Year 1 students, it's valuable to tap into their prior knowledge to enhance their learning experience. Children often come across castles through various mediums, which can be used as a starting point for the lesson. Most children will have encountered castles in fairy tales or stories where they feature prominently. The image of a knight in shining armour is also familiar to many, often as a brave character associated with these medieval structures. Legends and myths surrounding castles may be known to them, sparking their imagination and curiosity about the historical and cultural significance of these fortifications.

In addition to literary and cultural references, some children might have personal experiences with castles. Visits to actual castle sites can provide tangible memories and a sense of scale and grandeur that pictures in books or on screens cannot convey. These experiences can also link to knowledge of castles being involved in historical battles, serving as strongholds and homes for nobility. In the 'Prior Knowledge' section of the Knowledge Organiser, children are encouraged to record what they already know about castles, which helps the teacher gauge the level of understanding within the class. This prior knowledge can be linked to learning within the same subject, across different subjects, or drawn from personal experiences, creating a rich tapestry of context for the question, "Why do we have castles?"