Today, on the 100th anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the CREW team are remembering those who lost their lives on what is often referred to as ‘the bloodiest day in British Military History’.
Lasting 141 days and killing nearly 20,000 British soldiers on the first day alone, and the loss of life for all sides of the battle was immense.
Making sense of the First World War for primary school children can be a challenge, and while developing our World War 1 workshop, we ensured the drama aspect aided the delivery of information, neither horrifying and scaring the children, or diminishing the gravity of the events of the war and making sure the sentiment to ‘never forget’ was at the forefront of our educational session. And putting the children at the heart of the story with the aid of costumes, props and roles to play seems to ignite their enthusiasm and present a multi dimensional view of history.
Although historic truths require a balancing act of interpretation for a younger audience, it’s important that children hear about these hard and often challenging subjects. Unless we meet these challenges head on, this important part of history will be forgotten. Between 2014 and 2018, CREW is collaborating on various community-based children’s projects throughout the UK to commemorate the First World War.
If you would like CREW to bring the World War One workshop to your school, Museum, Community or Event, contact ros@crew.uk.net
To quote 18th Century Statesman, Edmund Burke, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.”
Further info:
Here are some children’s books about the First World War and the Battle of the Somme (so many good ones to choose from!):
For 5+ years: Flo of the Somme by Hilary Robinson
For 6+ years: Horrible Histories: Frightful First World War by Terry Deary
For 7+ years: The National Archives: World War One Unclassified by Nick Hunter
For 9+ years: Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
Share with us your favourites!!
…and more information for the grown ups:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/ztngxsg