Link it! Prior knowledge - Digestive system - Year 4

In a Year 4 lesson focused on the digestive system, students are encouraged to connect their current learning to their existing knowledge of the human body. The lesson begins by revisiting topics previously covered, such as the basic functions of the human body and elements of food technology. This approach helps to establish a foundation for understanding the journey of food through the digestive system. Pupils are expected to have some initial ideas about the digestive process and may find the subject of excretion particularly engaging. Teachers are advised to stimulate discussion around these concepts to bring out the children's prior knowledge.

As part of the lesson, students are prompted to document what they already know in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of their Knowledge Organiser. This activity not only serves to activate their memory but also to personalize the learning experience, as they draw from within the same subject, other subjects, and their own personal experiences with food and digestion. By making these connections, the lesson aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the digestive system, linking scientific concepts with everyday life. The 'Link It!' strategy is an integral part of the learning process, ensuring that children see the relevance of their prior knowledge as they delve deeper into the workings of the digestive system.