Link it! Prior knowledge - Crime and Punishment - Year 4

When embarking on the topic of 'Crime and Punishment' with Year 4 pupils, it's crucial to tap into their existing knowledge and experiences to create a foundation for new learning. Initially, discussions are centred around the importance of rules, using familiar examples such as school regulations, to help children grasp why society requires guidelines for behaviour. The conversation then shifts to the consequences of breaking laws in modern times, offering a real-world context that children can understand and relate to. Pupils are encouraged to share any experiences they may have, such as witnessing the playful re-enactment of historical punishments like being put in stocks at a summer fayre, to illustrate how attitudes towards punishment have evolved.

The exploration of prior knowledge is an interactive process where children are given the opportunity to document what they already know in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of their Knowledge Organiser. This reflective exercise not only helps to consolidate their existing understanding but also sets the stage for delving deeper into the historical changes in crime and punishment. By drawing connections from within the same subject, other subjects, and their personal experiences, students can build a more comprehensive and nuanced view of how societal approaches to crime and punishment have transformed over the ages, laying the groundwork for a more engaging and meaningful learning journey.