Second World War - The Home Guard

This lesson explores the Home Guard during World War II, focusing on their recruitment, responsibilities, challenges, and impact. Students will learn about the role of the Home Guard, often referred to as ‘Dad’s Army,’ through video analysis, note-taking, and role-playing activities. The lesson concludes with a writing task to explain the impact of the Home Guard on Britain’s Home Front, using the PEEKA paragraph structure.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Watch a video on the Home Guard and take notes on recruitment, responsibilities, challenges, and impact.

Recruitment:
Discuss who joined the Home Guard and why, including the role of women in auxiliary roles.

Responsibilities:
Explain the duties of the Home Guard, such as manning anti-aircraft guns, patrolling, and handling unexploded bombs.

Challenges Faced:
Discuss the challenges, including shortages of weapons and equipment, and the lack of formal military training.

Impact:
Examine the contributions of the Home Guard to local communities and national security, and their role in maintaining public order and morale.

Role Play:
Write and act out a Home Guard sketch based on a given scenario.
Include as many keywords as possible and be prepared to act them out to the class.

Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining the impact of the Home Guard on Britain’s Home Front.
Mention at least one impact and discuss one limitation.
Use today’s keywords and PEEKA paragraph structure.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the sketches and paragraphs.
Reflect on the significance and legacy of the Home Guard.

Resources:
Video link on the Home Guard
Keyword flashcards
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and sentence starters
Scenario cards for role play

From a series of over 30 Second 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.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.

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