The Blitz Experience

Overview

Year Group: Year 6
Class Size: 20 students
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: History
Topic: The Blitz (WWII)
National Curriculum Reference:

• Pupils should be taught about the significant turning points in British history, including WWII.
• NC History Programme of Study (Key Stage 2): A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
• Develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British history.
• Understand the impact of historical events on people’s lives.

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WALT

• We are learning to understand what the Blitz was and its impact on Britain during WWII.
• We are learning to explore different perspectives of people who experienced the Blitz.
• We are learning to develop empathy and critical thinking through discussions.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain what the Blitz was and why it happened.
• I can describe the impact of the Blitz on people living in Britain.
• I can share my ideas and listen to my partner’s view during Think-Pair-Share activities.
• I can ask questions to deepen my understanding.

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Resources Needed

• Images and maps of Blitz-affected areas (London, Coventry, etc.)
• Short video/audio clip of Blitz experiences (age-appropriate, 2-3 minutes)
• Printed survivor quotes (for reading and discussion)
• Whiteboard, pens
• Think-Pair-Share prompt cards
• Worksheet: What Would You Do? (scenario-based)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Starter (10 minutes)

• Recap on last lesson: How did WWI start? (5-minute quick quiz or mind-map)
• Show a timeline highlighting WWI ending and WWII starting, leading to the Blitz (5 minutes).
• Question for Think-Pair-Share:
  “Why do you think cities like London were targeted during the Blitz?”
  • Think (1 minute)
  • Pair (2 minutes)
  • Share (2 minutes; pairs share with class)
• Teacher notes key ideas on the board.

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2. Introduction to The Blitz (10 minutes)

• Explain what the Blitz was (German bombing campaign of Britain from 1940-41). Use images to show bomb damage and air raid shelters.
• Play a short audio clip of an evacuation announcement or air raid siren to immerse students.
• Think-Pair-Share:
  “How do you think people felt when the air raid sirens sounded? What would you do?”
  • Think (1 minute)
  • Pair (2 minutes)
  • Share (2 minutes)
• Teacher gathers emotional vocabulary and possible actions.

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3. Exploration Activity: Survivor Voices (15 minutes)

• Students read aloud or listen to quotes from Blitz survivors describing their experience (prepared printed cards).
• In pairs, they discuss:
  “What does this quote tell us about life during the Blitz?”
• Groups feedback (Think-Pair-Share embedded):
  Think individually about the key message (1 min),
  Pair to discuss (3 mins),
  Share with the class (3 mins).
• Teacher highlights different perspectives and emotional impacts.

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4. Scenario Investigation: What Would You Do? (15 minutes)

• Distribute scenario worksheets where students decide how to respond in blitz situations (e.g., air raids, blackout rules, sheltering).
• Students complete individually then discuss their choices in pairs.
• Quick whole-class sharing emphasising varied responses and safety measures.
• Teacher reinforces historical context and real-life choices during the Blitz.

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5. Plenary / Reflection (10 minutes)

• Quick quiz or interactive quiz game (e.g., Kahoot or paper-based) on Blitz facts.
• Final Think-Pair-Share question to consolidate learning:
  “What is the most important thing you learned about the Blitz today?”
  • Think (1 min)
  • Pair (2 mins)
  • Share (3 mins)
• Teacher summarises key points and links next lesson on Home Front and children’s experiences.

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Differentiation

• Support:
  • Provide sentence starters for Think-Pair-Share discussions.
  • Use visual aids and scaffolding for reading survivor quotes.
  • Paired with a confident peer for discussion.
• Challenge:
  • Encourage deeper analysis by asking advanced learners to consider the Blitz from both civilian and military perspectives.
  • Extension task: Write a short diary entry imagining a day during the Blitz.

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Assessment for Learning

• Informal assessment through multiple Think-Pair-Share verbal check-ins.
• Observation of paired discussions to gauge understanding and engagement.
• Review of scenario worksheet to assess application of knowledge and empathy.

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Cross-curricular Links

• English: Reading and understanding historical sources; empathetic writing (diary entry extension).
• PSHE: Discussion of feelings and coping strategies during difficult times.
• Art: Potential follow-up with Blitz-inspired propaganda/poster design.

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WOW Ideas to Impress

• Begin the lesson with a “Sirens Sound” immersive moment in the classroom to immediately engage senses and empathy.
• Use real survivor quotes for authenticity and emotional connection.
• Encourage reflective dialogue paired with historically accurate decision-making scenarios.
• Incorporate a quick, interactive quiz using physical response cards or technology to cater to different learners and make assessment engaging.

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This lesson plan is designed to develop children’s historical knowledge, empathy, and communication skills in line with the National Curriculum for England, ensuring the learning is active, collaborative, and impactful.