ABSTRACT
This chapter will introduce the ideas, theories and policies concerned with the teaching and learning of history and geography, including requirements from the current EYFS and National Curriculum documents. The main aim of the chapter is an attempt to explain why and how these subjects should be taught in schools. The key issues of learning facts versus developing skills will be considered. There will be suggestions taken from case studies that illustrate ways to support children’s learning in a creative manner, demonstrating that learning from first-hand experiences is significant in developing children’s understanding and the building of a sound knowledge base in these subject areas. The chapter concludes by asserting that there is a place for learning about history and geography in the primary classroom.
