Pudding Lane: The Spark and Spread
Investigating the origins of the fire in Thomas Farriner's bakery and the initial factors that caused it to spread.
Key Questions
- Explain the sequence of events that led to the fire starting in Pudding Lane.
- Analyze the role of strong winds and dry conditions in accelerating the fire's spread.
- Predict how the fire might have been contained if London had different building regulations.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
Samuel Pepys provides a unique window into the past through his famous diary. This topic teaches students about primary sources and how personal accounts help us understand the 'human' side of history. Students learn about what Pepys saw, did, and even what he buried to keep safe during the fire.
By studying Pepys, children develop historical interpretation skills. They learn that history isn't just a list of dates, but a collection of stories from real people. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the act of recording history by creating their own 'primary sources' based on Pepys' observations.
Active Learning Ideas
Gallery Walk: Pepys' Observations
Place 'diary entries' (simplified for Year 2) around the room. Students walk around and draw a picture for each entry, such as Pepys in his boat or people carrying their belongings to the river.
Inquiry Circle: The Buried Treasure
Pepys buried his wine and Parmesan cheese. Groups are given a list of items and must decide which three things they would bury to keep safe from a fire, explaining their choices to the class.
Role Play: Interviewing Samuel Pepys
One student (or the teacher) plays Pepys. The rest of the class acts as 'news reporters' from the future, asking him questions about what he can see and smell from his window.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionSamuel Pepys was the King of England.
What to Teach Instead
He was an official who worked for the Navy. Comparing his life to King Charles II helps students understand different roles in 17th-century society.
Common MisconceptionA diary is always 100% true.
What to Teach Instead
It is one person's perspective. Discussing why Pepys might have been scared or excited helps students understand that primary sources show feelings as well as facts.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Samuel Pepys' diary so famous?
How did Samuel Pepys write his diary?
How can active learning help students understand primary sources?
What did Samuel Pepys bury in his garden?
Planning templates for History
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
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