The Anglo Saxons and the Normans - were they so different?

Who’s who? Do you know your Anglo Saxon from your Norman?

LO: To understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections and draw contrasts (KS2)

LO: To apply the above to the study of an aspect or theme in British history that consolidates and extends pupils’ chronological knowledge from before 1066 (KS3)

A complete activity to help children understand the similarities and differences between the Anglo Saxon and Normans invaders and settlers in Britain between the fall of the Roman Empire and the early medieval period.

The activity consists of:

Teaching Input:

1. A powerpoint identifying the key similarities and differences between the Anglo Saxons and Normans including information about their:
- Origins
- settlements
- everyday lives
- lives of women and children
- laws and punishments
- beliefs
- stories and legends
- legacy.

This can either be run as an introduction, or shared with children in groups or pairs.

Independent Task:

2. A sorting activity consisting of a series of statements which apply to Normans, Anglo Saxons, both, or neither. (This includes a fact sheet for teacher use, providing the correct answers and a series of websites which provide additional source information)

3. A set of different templates to allow you to choose how this information is then represented.

Challenge / Extension / AG&T

Using websites listed, children could try to find additional information about both peoples.

Plenary

Mark with the children, getting them to identify which description applies to which people.

Pose and discuss the statement The Norman invasion destroyed more than it created.