Researching Anglo-Saxon Life

Unit: Anglo-Saxon Fact Files

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Age Group: Year 3 (7–8 years)
National Curriculum Link:

Reading – Comprehension, Year 3
- Understand what they read by retrieving and recording information from non-fiction texts (NC PoS: English, Reading – Comprehension, Y3).
Writing – Transcription and Composition, Year 3
- Use dictionaries to check the meaning of words (NC PoS: English, Writing – Transcription Y3).
Vocabulary, Grammar and Punctuation, Year 3
- Develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing by planning or revising; organise paragraphs around a theme (NC PoS: English, Writing – Composition, Y3).

WALT: Use books and online resources to research different aspects of Anglo-Saxon life.
WALT: Take clear, organised notes on daily routines, food, and clothing in Anglo-Saxon times.
WALT: Identify key facts and vocabulary to include in our Anglo-Saxon fact files.

I can find information from books and safe online sources about Anglo-Saxon life.
I can write notes clearly in my own words using headings.
I can use new vocabulary related to Anglo-Saxon life correctly.
I can work cooperatively in a small group to share ideas and research.

Selection of age-appropriate non-fiction books about Anglo-Saxons (10 copies spread across the class)
Pre-selected safe online resources on classroom tablets or computers (Anglo-Saxon themed)
Research note-taking templates with headings: Daily Life, Food, Clothing
Whiteboard and markers
Projector or interactive whiteboard
Word banks with Anglo-Saxon related vocabulary
Dictionaries (for checking meanings)

Activity: Recap of Lesson 1 – Exploring Anglo-Saxon Society
- Quick whole-class discussion using visual prompts from last lesson.
- Discuss questions: "What do you already know about Anglo-Saxons?" and "What interests you most about their lives?"
- Introduce today’s WALT and highlight focus on researching using books and online resources.
Engagement Technique:
- Use a “KWL” chart (Know, Want to know, Learned) on the board. Fill in ‘K’ and ‘W’ sections collectively to set the purpose for research.

Modelling Research Skills:
- Using the interactive whiteboard, demonstrate how to use a non-fiction book for research.
- Show how to locate the contents page, use index, and find key headings.
- Highlight note-taking strategies: writing in bullet points, using own words, and grouping information under relevant headings.
Online Research Introduction:
- Demonstrate how to navigate the classroom safe online resource on Anglo-Saxons, search for relevant sections, and extract key facts for notes.
Highlight Vocabulary:
- Introduce key vocabulary (e.g., tunic, mead hall, wattle and daub, harvest, weaving).
- Encourage use of dictionaries if unfamiliar with these words.

Group Work:
- Divide students into six groups (5 students each).
- Assign each group one aspect of Anglo-Saxon life to research: Daily Routines, Food, Clothing, Homes, Jobs, and Festivals (this extends general learning but focuses in-depth on the main three if time limited).
Instructions:
- Use the provided books and tablets to find information.
- Take notes using the provided template—write in their own words.
- Use the word bank and dictionaries to assist with spelling and meanings.
Differentiation:
- Support: Groups with SEND students will have adult support or use simpler texts and pre-written sentence starters.
- Challenge: Advanced learners encouraged to find and note down interesting Anglo-Saxon facts beyond their topic and prepare to share them with the class.

Group Sharing:
- Each group presents 2-3 key facts from their notes.
- Teacher prompts questions to check understanding and correct misconceptions.
- Add the new learning to the ‘L’ section of the KWL chart.
Self-Assessment:
- Students reflect on their notes and circle one thing they learned and one thing they found tricky.

Visual Supports: Keyword cards and picture prompts for less confident readers.
Mixed-Ability Grouping: Peer support encouraged in groups.
Sentence Starters: Templates for writing notes for those needing writing support.
Extended Challenge: Independent investigation of a related Anglo-Saxon interest (e.g., weapons, kings, or settlements).
Adult Support: For students needing it, an additional adult might help navigate resources or write down dictated notes.

Formative assessment through observation during group work (engagement, use of note-taking skills, use of vocabulary).
Review of students’ notes for accuracy, clarity, and organisation.
Plenary presentations to assess understanding and communication skills.
Self-assessment via reflection sentence to encourage metacognition.

Create their own mini fact file page using researched notes.
Design an Anglo-Saxon ‘Then and Now’ comparison poster.
Write a diary entry in role as an Anglo-Saxon child using notes to inspire content.

Teacher’s Reflection Notes (Post-Lesson):

Evaluate how effectively students used note-taking strategies.
Identify which resources engaged pupils best.
Plan to adapt support and challenges based on group presentations and pupil feedback.

End of Lesson 2 – Ready for next lesson: composing fact file pages using researched notes.