This History video introduces teachers to strategies for supporting early years pupils in comparing and contrasting characters from stories, including significant individuals from the past. It explains how activities can build on children’s prior experiences – such as noticing differences in photos – to help them identify similarities and differences between fictional characters and real historical figures. It emphasises the importance of whole class discussions before independent exploration, using visual prompts like puppets, dolls, and dressing-up props to encourage historical thinking through play and storytelling.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History scheme – adventure. It supports teachers in implementing Development Matters and early national curriculum objectives, using oral storytelling, role play, and cross-curricular resources to help children begin developing historical vocabulary, observation skills, and a sense of the past in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

History, Reception, Reception units, Adventures through time