N.B. This unit was produced before the 2014 curriculum and therefore while much of the advice is still useful, there may be some out of date references or links. 

Much has been written about the benefits of teaching history in the primary school.  A sense of history provides identity.

Understanding history improves our decision-making and judgment. History shows us models of good and responsible citizenship and ways in which to recognize change and societal development.

However, for the youngest children in the foundation stage and Key Stage 1, how these messages are delivered and received, how they learn about who they are and how they come to understand their world and what has gone before them in a meaningful context arguably requires an even more thoughtful approach to teaching and learning that skilfully weaves ideas of the past through narrative, character and event and carefully chosen and relevant themes.