Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Teachers' Notes

Resource created by East Riding MuseumsHeritage Learning and Normanby Hall Country Park.

This resource looks at two ways that children contributed to the war effort in the First World War: The Overseas Club and Empire Day.

Curriculum Links

  • KS3 &4 History: World War One
  • KS4 Citizenship:  Community volunteering

Learning Objectives

  • Knowledge of the role children played in the Great War
  • Understanding that all members of society were expected to play their part for the war effort
  • Skills in analysing and interpreting historical evidence

Discussion Ideas

 
Talk about the fundraising methods used during the First World War. How do they compare with fundraising today? What is the same, and what has changed? 
 

Activity Ideas

 
Look at the Christmas 1915 appeal leaflet from the Overseas Club (see Resources)
  • What kind of language does the leaflet use to encourage children to contribute to the fund? 
  • How is the leaflet trying to make them feel? 
  • Do you think it would be successful as a fundraising appeal? Why/why not? 
Design your own Christmas appeal to help soldiers at the front. Think about:
  • Who you are going to help, and how?
  • What sort of groups are you going to target with your fundraising appeal?
  • What you want them to do?
  • How would you persuade them to do it?
  • How you might reach them with your message?