Romans in Britain

Overview

A 60-minute, highly interactive history session designed for Reception students (aged 4-5) to introduce the concept of why the Romans invaded Britain, focusing on understanding the role of a Roman soldier and the Roman army. The lesson aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the aims of the National Curriculum for History (Key Stage 1 introduction) by nurturing curiosity about the past and developing understanding through storytelling, play, and exploration.

---

National Curriculum & EYFS Links

Relevant Curriculum References

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - Understanding the World: Past and Present

  • ELG: People, Culture and Communities: Children talk about the past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members.
  • Develop an understanding of changes over time and compare “then” and “now”.

• National Curriculum – History (KS1) introduction

  • Children should begin to develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time.
  • Children should learn about significant historical events, people, and places in their own locality and beyond.
  • Understand some reasons why people in the past acted as they did.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, Reception pupils will be able to:

1. Recall simple ideas about why the Romans came to Britain.
2. Recognise a Roman soldier and some equipment they used.
3. Show an understanding of the Roman army as a group of people who worked together.
4. Use everyday language related to time, such as “long ago” or “before we were born.”
5. Participate in a creative role-play activity to deepen their understanding.

---

Resources Needed

• costume props: small plastic helmets, cardboard shields, toy swords (safe & soft materials)
• large world map (or a simple map of Britain and Europe)
• storybook or short animated video about Romans invading Britain (adapted for Reception level)
• Printed pictures of Roman soldiers and the Roman army
• Construction blocks to build a simple ‘Roman fort’
• Whiteboard and coloured markers
• Recording sheet with smiley faces or simple tick boxes for assessing participation and understanding
• Paper, crayons, and glue for craft

---

Lesson Structure (60 minutes)

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 mins)

• Gather & hook (5 mins): Use the map to show where Rome is in Europe and where Britain is.
• Ask: “Have you heard stories about Romans? Who do you think they were?”
• Show pictures of Roman soldiers and introduce the concept that a long time ago Romans came to Britain.
• Learning Focus: Understanding “long ago” and locating places on a map.

2. Story Time: Why the Romans Came (10 mins)

• Tell a short, simple story about the Romans coming to Britain — for example: “A group of Roman soldiers travelled a very long way because their leader wanted to make sure the Romans were safe and had new places to live.”
• Include ideas such as “the Romans wanted to find new lands and make friends, but sometimes they had to fight to keep everyone safe.”
• Use props to represent soldiers in the story.
• Learning Focus: Develop understanding of cause and effect in history and sequencing events.

3. Exploring Roman Soldiers and the Army (15 mins)

• Show pictures and props of Roman soldier equipment (helmet, shield, sword).
• Let students try on safe props.
• Discuss what a soldier does and why the Roman army worked as a team.
• Play a simple game: "March like a Roman soldier" to develop physical engagement.
• Use construction blocks to build a ‘fort’ – discuss how soldiers stayed together to keep safe.
• Learning Focus: Gain knowledge of historical roles and team cooperation.

4. Creative Activity: Designing Your Roman Shield (15 mins)

• Provide shield templates for students to decorate using crayons and collage materials.
• Talk about how shields helped soldiers protect themselves.
• Encourage children to name their shield and say what it protects.
• Learning Focus: Express ideas about the past through creative arts; consolidate learning about Roman soldiers.

5. Reflection and Assessment (10 mins)

• Sit together and recap:

  • Why did Romans come to Britain?
  • What did Roman soldiers wear?
  • How did the Roman army work together?

• Use smiley face or tick box sheet to assess participation and understanding.

• Ask simple questions: "Can you show me how a Roman soldier marches?" or "What did you put on your shield?"

• Give positive feedback and end with a Roman salute goodbye.

---

Assessment & Differentiation

• Assessment: Ongoing observational assessment during activities; use simple recording sheet to note engagement and understanding.
• Differentiation:
  • Provide additional support by modelling activities step-by-step for students who need it.
  • Extend by asking more curious learners to explain the story in their own words or suggest reasons why the army worked together.

---

Additional Notes for Teachers

• Reinforce historical vocabulary naturally: “soldier,” “army,” “helmet,” “shield,” “long ago.”
• Encourage curiosity by linking Romans to things children may see today (roads, buildings, stories).
• Use clear, simple language and lots of visuals to maintain engagement.
• This session develops both historical understanding and communication skills — vital at Reception level.

---

Extension Ideas for Home

• Suggest parents visit local museums or look at simple Roman artefacts online with their children.
• Encourage children to draw their own stories about a Roman soldier.
• Share a simple Roman-themed rhyme or song for repetition and recall.