14 October 1066 : The Battle of Hastings
Dates with history Series
What’s inside...
One of a series of titles for students at Key Stages 2 and 3 which analyze key dates and events in history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Battle of Hastings was such an important event in history?
How do you think the people felt during the battle?
What would you have done if you were a soldier in the battle?
How do you think the outcome of the battle changed England?
What did you learn about leadership and strategy from the leaders in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by briefly summarizing the events of the Battle of Hastings to ensure your child understands the context.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the events described, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the historical setting, prompting them to consider different perspectives.
Link discussions to current events or personal experiences to make the historical content more relatable.
Praise your child's responses and ideas to boost their confidence and foster a love for history and learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The book portrays the courage of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Hastings, highlighting their bravery in facing a formidable enemy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of courage in their lives by standing up for what is right and facing challenges head-on, whether in school or in personal situations.
Example Lesson: Leadership and decision-making
Explanation: Key figures in the battle, such as William the Conqueror, exhibit strong leadership and strategic decision-making that ultimately determined the battle's outcome.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of leadership in group settings and making thoughtful decisions that can impact themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the actions of individuals and armies led to significant changes in leadership and the course of history.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their actions have consequences and encourages them to think about the outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The battle's challenges show how individuals can remain resilient and focused despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain their effort and focus in adverse situations like academic challenges or personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: By learning about this pivotal event, children gain insight into medieval history and its impact on modern society.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children appreciate the importance of history in shaping the present and encourages a deeper interest in learning about the past.