What was life like in the trenches in World War 1? - Teacher's Notes

The educational unit on World War 1 trenches aims to provide children with a vivid understanding of the harsh conditions soldiers faced during the conflict. The primary objective is to convey the severity of trench life, ensuring that students grasp the grim reality of warfare during this period. To achieve this, the lesson begins with visual aids, such as photographs, which offer a glimpse into the environment of the trenches. Following this, students are directed to watch a specific educational video from BBC Bitesize that delves into the topic of trench warfare, providing a more in-depth look at the daily experiences of the soldiers.

After absorbing the visual materials, students are encouraged to jot down their initial reactions and thoughts on what it might have been like to fight in the trenches. This exercise aims to engage their critical thinking and empathy. Building on these reflections, the lesson plan guides students to conduct further research on specific aspects of trench life. They explore the debilitating condition known as Trench Foot, the geographical spread of trenches across Europe, the type of food soldiers had to subsist on, the duration of soldiers' stints in the trenches, and the significant battle at Gallipoli. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only learn about the physical conditions but also the broader impact of trench warfare on soldiers' health and the overall war effort.