The First World War - Trench Conditions

Lesson Description (75 words):
This lesson explores the harsh conditions of trench warfare during World War I. Students will examine the daily life of soldiers in the trenches, including the physical and psychological challenges they faced. Activities include video analysis, literature review, a relay activity for note-taking, and writing a trench diary entry. The lesson concludes with a peer assessment of the diary entries to reinforce understanding and historical empathy.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:

Watch a video on trench conditions.
Make a list of six adjectives to describe the trenches and discuss with classmates.
Trenches in Literature:

Read extracts from historical texts.
Highlight important phrases and unfamiliar words.
Share findings with the class.
Relay Activity:

In teams, relay run to gather details about six key characteristics of trench life.
Memorise and relay the information to create an accurate replica in their notebooks.
Censorship Discussion:

Discuss why soldiers’ letters were censored and what information might be controlled.
Think-pair-share on what soldiers might do knowing their letters would be censored.
Trench Diaries:

Write a letter home as a soldier, describing daily life in the trenches, including all six key areas covered in the relay task.
Include a cheerful note about camaraderie and friendships.
Tea stain the letter to make it look old and realistic.
Submit the letter for peer censoring.
Peer Assessment:

Use a checklist to assess a partner’s trench diary entry.
Provide specific feedback on historical skills and writing.
Resources:

Video link
Historical text extracts
Relay activity notes
Suggested sentence starters
Peer assessment checklist
Taken from a series of over 30 First World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.

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