The Anglo-Saxons – Planning Overview

Are you a teacher looking for ways to teach your students about one of the most influential civilizations in Britain’s history?

Learning about the Anglo-Saxons is integral to learning British History and can be enjoyable and meaningful for your students.

In this article, we will explore how to successfully plan an engaging and informative unit on the Anglo-Saxons.

From essential reference materials to teaching activities and assessment ideas, we’ll take you through all aspects required to build a practical understanding amongst your pupils. So let’s get started!

Related: For more, check out our article on The History of Benin here.

Introducing the Anglo-Saxons

The Anglo-Saxons were a group of Germanic people who migrated to England from the 5th century onwards. They came from what is now modern-day Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Their migration is not entirely known, but it is believed to be due to economic pressure, conflict, and climate change.

The Anglo-Saxons are essential to history as they significantly impacted the development of England in terms of language, culture and politics.

They introduced the English language, which is still spoken today, and their history and mythology have influenced English literature and art.

The Anglo-Saxon period also saw the rise of powerful kingdoms and rulers who significantly shaped England’s political landscape.

Key Facts about Anglo-Saxon History and Culture

The Anglo-Saxons were a group of Germanic tribes who migrated to England during the Early Middle Ages. Here are some key facts about their history:

Key Facts about Anglo-Saxon History

• The Anglo-Saxon period in Britain began in the 5th century and lasted until the Norman Conquest in 1066.
• The Anglo-Saxon migration was triggered by the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries.
• The Anglo-Saxons were divided into several kingdoms, including Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria.
• The Normans eventually conquered the Anglo-Saxons, led by William the Conqueror, in 1066.

Key Aspects of Anglo-Saxon Culture

• Language: Old English, the language of the Anglo-Saxons, is the earliest form of the English language and has influenced modern English vocabulary.
• Literature: Anglo-Saxon literature includes epic poems such as Beowulf and The Wanderer, as well as riddles and chronicles.
• Religion: The Anglo-Saxons were pagans before adopting Christianity in the 7th century.
• Art: Anglo-Saxon art is characterized by intricate metalwork, jewellery, and illuminated manuscripts.
• Society: Anglo-Saxon society was organized into classes of freemen, ceorls, and enslaved people, and men were expected to be brave warriors.

Resources

The Anglo-Saxons have left an enduring legacy on British society, with rich cultural and historical significance. For teachers looking to educate their students on this fascinating period of history, there is a range of resources available to them.

Educators have a wealth of information, from textbooks and online articles to documentaries and interpretive displays, to bring these ancient times to life.

Artefacts such as coins, weapons, and pottery also provide a tangible link to the past, allowing students to engage with the culture and practices of this influential group.

Additionally, visits to local museums, historic sites, and reenactment displays can offer a more immersive learning experience, bringing the lessons of the classroom to life.

With a range of resources at their fingertips, teachers can inspire students with the enduring legacy of the Anglo-Saxons.

Learning Objectives

When educating young minds, setting clear learning objectives is crucial. The National Curriculum provides a solid framework for what outcomes students should achieve.

Still, it’s up to teachers to take those guidelines and craft meaningful objectives that will help their students reach their full potential. Practical learning objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

They should challenge students to stretch their thinking and skills while providing possible milestones to track progress.

By setting clear learning objectives, teachers can create a shared understanding of what is expected and help students take ownership of their learning journey.

1. Students can locate the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms on a map and describe their geographic features.
2. Students will be able to identify and explain the significance of key historical events, such as the Anglo-Saxon migration or the Battle of Hastings.
3. Students will be able to compare and contrast Anglo-Saxon society with modern society, including the roles of men and women, the social classes, and the lifestyle.
4. Students will be able to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources related to the Anglo-Saxons, such as manuscripts, artwork, and artefacts.
5. Students will be able to describe daily life in Anglo-Saxon England, including food, clothing, and housing.
6. Students will be able to explain the impact of Anglo-Saxon literature on English literature, including epic poems such as Beowulf.
7. Students will be able to identify and analyze significant works of Anglo-Saxon literature, such as Beowulf or The Wanderer.
8. Students will be able to describe the role of the Anglo-Saxon military in defending against invaders and maintaining peace.
9. Students will be able to explain the significance of Anglo-Saxon art, including metalwork, jewellery, and illuminated manuscripts.
10. Students will be able to describe the influence of the Anglo-Saxon language (Old English) on modern English language and vocabulary.
11. Students will be able to compare and contrast ancient Anglo-Saxon religions with modern religions, such as Christianity or Buddhism.
12. Students will be able to explain how the Norman Conquest of England affected Anglo-Saxon society and culture.
13. Students will be able to analyze and interpret the cultural and artistic legacy of the Anglo-Saxons, including their influence on music, literature, and art.
14. Students will be able to identify and explain the significance of Anglo-Saxon political leaders, such as Alfred the Great or Edward the Confessor.
15. Students will be able to compare and contrast Anglo-Saxon contributions to Western civilization with those of other cultures, such as the Greeks or Romans.

These objectives can be used as a guide for lesson planning and assessment of student learning about the Anglo-Saxons in a unit.

Planning Activities

Planning stimulating and informative activities is an essential aspect of teaching that can help students retain information and develop a love for learning. Incorporating a diverse range of activities in the classroom can ensure that students are exposed to all areas of the curriculum.

From creative writing exercises to interactive maths games, there are various options.

To cover the science curriculum, experiments and hands-on learning activities can be incredibly effective. Debates and group discussions can be incorporated to promote teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Finding the right balance and the endless opportunities can make all the difference in creating a dynamic and engaging classroom environment.

Lesson Plan 1: Exploring Anglo-Saxon Literature

Objective

Students will be able to identify and analyze significant works of Anglo-Saxon literature.

Materials Needed

Copies of Beowulf or other Anglo-Saxon literature, paper, and pencils.

Procedure

1. Start by introducing students to Anglo-Saxon literature and its significance to English literature.
2. Provide copies of Beowulf or other Anglo-Saxon literature and instruct students to read the text.
3. In pairs or small groups, have students analyze the text by creating a list of themes or characters in the story.
4. Once they have analyzed the text, students will write a brief reflection on their experience and select a passage that represents the text’s significance.
5. Using the selected passage, have students present their findings to the class.

Lesson Plan 2: Anglo-Saxon Jewelry Making

Objective

Students will be able to create a replica of an Anglo-Saxon piece of jewellery.

Materials Needed

Materials needed for jewellery making: beads, string, wire, scissors, pliers, books or images to reference.

Procedure

1. Start by discussing the importance of jewellery in Anglo-Saxon society.
2. Provide images of Anglo-Saxon jewellery as a reference and instruct students to create a replica design.
3. Using beads, string, wire, and pliers, have students make their Anglo-Saxon-inspired jewellery design from their replicas.
4. Encourage creativity, and once everyone has completed their design, students will have a mini-fashion show and share their designs.

Lesson Plan 3: Comparing Anglo-Saxon and Modern Society

Objective

Students will be able to compare and contrast Anglo-Saxon society with modern society.

Materials Needed

Whiteboard, markers, images or literature about modern society.

Procedure

1. Start by discussing the differences between Anglo-Saxon society and modern society.
2. Write a list of modern-day characteristics on the whiteboard and ask students to identify whether or not they exist in Anglo-Saxon society.
3. In small groups, have students discuss and compare modern and Anglo-Saxon societies.
4. For a follow-up activity, ask students to write an essay comparing and contrasting the two societies and how different factors shape our lives today.

These lesson plans demonstrate how the information discussed earlier by the Anglo-Saxons can be used in the classroom. These activities are both creative and educational and can be used as a standalone or incorporated into a larger unit of study.

Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies are an integral part of the teaching and learning process. Evaluating whether students have met the desired objectives and gauging their understanding of the subject matter is essential as a teacher.

Student understanding can be assessed through various methods such as quizzes, tests, group projects, or observation.

It is necessary to use a combination of assessment strategies to gain a comprehensive insight into each student’s learning process.

By adopting effective assessment strategies, educators can identify areas for improvement and tailor their teaching methods to suit their students’ needs.

This will ensure that the desired learning objectives are met and foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter among students.

Using Technology in the Classroom

Technology has revolutionized the way we learn, making information and knowledge readily accessible to all. Today, technology in the classroom is an essential tool for learning, and its role continues to expand.

For instance, it can be applied to support learning about ancient civilizations such as the Anglo-Saxons. Technology can help by providing up-to-date multimedia resources that can engage students and stimulate their curiosity.

Additionally, technology can facilitate research and group project collaborations, allowing students to share their ideas and learn from one another.

Finally, technology can simulate historical scenarios and help students visualize what learning about the Anglo-Saxons would have been like in reality.

By leveraging technology, teachers can provide engaging and innovative ways of teaching and ensure students achieve a rich and well-rounded learning experience.

Teaching about the Anglo-Saxons can be daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a fulfilling and exciting experience.

By introducing your students to this vital part of history, using resources to enhance learning, setting learning objectives based on national curriculums outcomes, suggesting activities to support student’s understanding and creating assessment strategies for each topic, you can ensure that your lesson plans are detailed enough to keep your students engaged.

Technology has come a long way in allowing teachers to explore more creative approaches to learning, so why not incorporate digital tools into the classroom when teaching Anglo-Saxon topics?

This will ensure all the necessary information is addressed during the unit of work. Now that you understand some steps required when planning a lesson about the Anglo-Saxons, go forth and teach!

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