This engaging resource brings the Anglo-Saxon era to life through hands-on crafts, creative activities, and historical investigations perfect for Key Stage 2 learners. Explore this transformative period in British history from 410 AD to 1066 through immersive, cross-curricular experiences.
Included Resources +
This pack includes nine activity sheets with accompanying lesson plans bringing the Anglo-Saxon period to life through hands-on history, craft, and cross-curricular investigation.
• History Timeline Notebook — interactive notebook for recording and exploring Anglo-Saxon history
• Anglo-Saxon Timeline — visual timeline of key events from Roman withdrawal to the Norman Conquest
• Anglo-Saxon Place Names — investigate the origins and meanings of Anglo-Saxon place names
• Anglo-Saxon Coin Design — create authentic Anglo-Saxon coins exploring art and symbolism
• Anglo-Saxon Riddles — discover the literary tradition of Anglo-Saxon riddles and poetry
• Pea Pottage Recipe — historical cooking experience with authentic Anglo-Saxon recipes
• Anglo-Saxon Ruins — explore archaeological evidence and remains from the period
• Anglo-Saxon Games — experience traditional games and pastimes from Anglo-Saxon Britain
• Sutton Hoo Artefacts — archaeological investigation linking to the famous burial site
Key Details +
• Year Group: KS2 (ages 7–11)
• Key Stage: KS2
• Subject: History
• Resource Type: Activity Sheets + Lesson Plans + History Timeline Notebook
• Format: Instant PDF Download
• Number of Activities: 9
Curriculum Alignment +
Aligned to the KS2 History National Curriculum. Covers Britain's settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots, including the Roman withdrawal from Britain, Scots invasions from Ireland to north Britain, Anglo-Saxon invasions, settlements and kingdoms, the place of Britain in the wider world, and the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England. Develops chronological understanding, historical enquiry, and knowledge of significant people, events, and changes in Anglo-Saxon Britain. Cross-curricular links to Art & Design, DT, Science, and English.
Teaching Tips +
Anglo-Saxon Coin Design works well as an early lesson to hook children into the topic — the art and symbolism discussion is a great entry point. Pea Pottage Recipe is a highlight for immersive Anglo-Saxon Day events — prepare ingredients in advance and link to the DT curriculum. Sutton Hoo Artefacts pairs naturally with a museum visit or virtual tour of the British Museum's Sutton Hoo collection. The History Timeline Notebook works best as a running record built up across the whole unit rather than completed in a single session.
