Anglo-Saxon Society

Lesson 3 of 7: Understanding Anglo-Saxon Society

Year Group: 3
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Unit: Anglo-Saxon Fact Files
Subject: English (History cross-curricular links)

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National Curriculum Linkages

• History - Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4):

  • Pupils should be taught about:
    • Changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age (including Anglo-Saxons)
    • Anglo-Saxon invasions, settlements and kingdoms: place names and village life
  • Develop chronological understanding and use a range of historical sources.

• English - Key Stage 2 Reading and Writing:

  • Develop speaking and listening skills through discussions.
  • Plan and organise factual writing (fact files) using appropriate vocabulary.

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand the social structure of Anglo-Saxon society.
• Identify and explain the roles of kings, nobles, and peasants.
• Create a simple diagram illustrating the relationships between these groups.

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Success Criteria

• I can name key social groups in Anglo-Saxon society.
• I can describe the role of the king, nobles, and peasants.
• I can organise information into a clear, labelled diagram.
• I can participate in class discussions by asking and answering questions.

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Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed role description cards (King, Noble, Peasant)
• Large paper or A3 sheets for diagram making
• Coloured pencils/markers
• Example diagram of Anglo-Saxon social structure (simplified)
• Sticky notes or small cards for sorting activity

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Starter Question:
  "Who do you think was the most important person in Anglo-Saxon society? Why?"
• Brief recap of previous lesson (units and kings) to activate prior knowledge.
• Introduce today's WALT and success criteria; write on board for reference.

2. Interactive Whole-Class Discussion (10 minutes)

• Using the whiteboard, introduce the three main social groups: King, Nobles (Earls and thanes), Peasants (Freemen and Slaves).
• Explain each role with simple definitions and examples:
  • King: Leader of the people, in charge of laws and protection.
  • Nobles: Helped the king and owned land.
  • Peasants: Worked the land and paid taxes.
• Use role description cards, read aloud by different volunteers.
• Discuss relationships: who had power, who worked for whom?

3. Group Sorting Activity – “Who’s Who?” (15 minutes)

• Divide class into 6 groups of 5.
• Each group receives mixed role cards and sticky notes.
• Task: Sort the cards into groups (King, Nobles, Peasants) and place relationships (e.g. who serves whom) using sticky notes.
• Encourage discussion within groups to build understanding.

4. Diagram Creation (15 minutes)

• Demonstrate how to draw a simple hierarchical diagram on the board (triangle shape or flow chart).
• Students create their own colourful diagrams on A3 paper showing social structure and relationships.
• Labels must clearly identify each group and include 1-2 brief role descriptions.
• Circulate and support.

5. Plenary and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Invite 3-4 students to showcase their diagrams and explain.
• Class discusses similarities and differences.
• Use mini whiteboards for an exit question:
  "Why do you think it was important to have different roles in Anglo-Saxon society?"
• Collect responses and highlight key points.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For SEND learners:

  • Provide simplified role cards with images/pictograms.
  • Use partner support in the sorting activity.
  • Offer writing frames and sentence starters for diagram labelling.

• For EAL students:

  • Pre-teach key vocabulary (king, noble, peasant, leader, work).
  • Use visual aids and gestures during explanations.
  • Encourage use of bilingual dictionaries where appropriate.

• For Lower Attaining Pupils:

  • Provide partially completed diagrams for reference.
  • Pair with stronger peers for support.

• For Higher Attainers:

  • Challenge to add an additional social group (e.g. monks or craftsmen) with researched descriptions.
  • Create a short written paragraph explaining why the king was more powerful than nobles or peasants.

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Extension Activities

• Research and present a short fact about an Anglo-Saxon king or noble family.
• Write a diary entry imagining a day in the life of an Anglo-Saxon peasant.
• Create a 3D model of an Anglo-Saxon village showing where different social groups lived.

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Assessment for Learning

• Ongoing formative assessment during group discussions and sorting activity.
• Review diagrams against success criteria.
• Exit question responses inform understanding of social roles and their importance.

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Homework Suggestion

Draw or write about one Anglo-Saxon person’s role in society and what they might do in a day.

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This lesson plan blends history knowledge with English language skills, engages multiple learning styles, and gives teachers structured yet flexible content to inspire young learners about Anglo-Saxon society.