Learning Objectives:

• To identify negative aspects of the 1950s.
• To identify, select and explain their choice of adjectives to describe the late 1940s, early 1950s.
• Pupils should identify positive aspects of the period.
• They should also be able to identify, select and explain adjectives that describe life and aspirations during this period.

 

Possible teaching objectives

• Hand out an envelope to each group containing the first set of cards listed in the resources column. These illustrate negative aspects of British life in the late 1940's and early 1950's.
• While discussing these cards pupils are to select three adjectives that best describe life in 1950s Britain. A brief whole class discussion should follow asking pupils to identify which images or events best explain their choice of adjective.
• While discussing this as a whole class or moving around talking with individuals, use the phrase ‘1950s Britain' to reinforce the period.

 

 

• Placing the negative cards to one side, hand out the second set of cards listed in the resources column. These illustrate positive aspects of life in the late 1940's.
• Using only these new cards pupils identify adjectives to describe how British people were feeling about life during this period.
• Lead another brief whole class discussion encouraging pupils to share and explain their adjectives.

 

Learning outcomes

• Pupils to understand that life during the late 1940s, early 1950s was very hard for British people.
• Pupils to understand that although life was hard for people during the 1950s, there was also much hope for the future.

 

Resources:

• Set of cards on negative aspects of life in the late 1940's and early 1950's Britain.See attachment below: Resource 2
• Set of cards on positive aspects of life in late 1940's and early 1950's Britain. See attachment below: Resource 3
• You could have a word bank of adjectives handy, either on the board or on desks for weaker pupils to use. A brief definition of each word could also be attached.