Knowledge Organisers for KS1 and KS2
What are knowledge organisers?
A knowledge organiser is a single-page document that holds key information, data and concepts around a particular topic. They generally contain key facts and information, vocabulary, specialist terms, maps, diagrams or other images, timelines and anything else that may help embed understanding. Many teachers use knowledge organisers to show exactly what children should learn and understand by the end of a teaching topic.
Why are knowledge organisers useful?
Knowledge organisers can help children learn, understand and retain information. They are really useful for reducing cognitive load by having easy-to-access information to refer to, allowing learners to apply understanding without worrying about knowledge retrieval.
Knowledge organisers can also help strengthen memory through activities like self-testing, flashcards and writing practice.
How to use knowledge organisers
Knowledge organisers can be placed on children's table during learning time so that they have a constant document to refer to. They can be used to for peer testing or questioning, or as an element of a classroom display. However you choose to use a knowledge organiser, the information included should be clear and easily digestible by the intended learner.
For example, you could challenge children to:
- present the information given in a knowledge organiser into a different format, such as a mind map
- ask children to read information aloud then explain the meaning of what they have written
- ask a partner to define the key vocabulary included
- fill in the blanks for key sentences you read out with missing words or sections
- create a word search or crossword with the key vocabulary to test a friend with
PlanBee's knowledge organisers
PlanBee is developing knowledge organisers for many of its ready-to-teach schemes of work. These knowledge organisers for KS1 and KS2 contain key vocabulary with child-friendly definitions, a big idea where a concept is introduced, thinking questions to get your students' brains working, as well as other things that are relevant to the unit.
We're working hard to create as many knowledge organisers as we can. If you have a request for a particular knowledge organiser, just let us know!
