Link it! Prior knowledge - Seasonal Change - Year 1

In the early stages of their education journey, Year 1 students come to the topic of seasonal change with a budding awareness of the world around them. They carry with them observations and experiences from their time in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), where they would have briefly touched upon the concept of seasons. Many children will have noticed the visual transformation of nature, such as the changing colours of leaves, and may associate the term 'autumn' with this phenomenon. Additionally, they are likely to have a basic understanding of the more extreme seasons, recognising that summer brings warmth, while winter is associated with cold temperatures.

To build on these foundational observations, the lesson plan encourages exploration and discussion of these prior experiences. Children are prompted to articulate and record what they already know about seasonal changes in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of their Knowledge Organiser. This approach not only validates their personal observations but also serves as a springboard for deeper learning about how seasons transition. By connecting new information to what they already know from personal experiences, within the same subject or across other subjects, children can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.