The Seaside and Coasts – KS1 Geography Unit (6 Outstanding Lessons)

This Key Stage 1 geography unit introduces pupils to the seaside in the UK, covering natural and human features, activities, safety, and map skills. Designed for Year 1 or Year 2 (or Grades 1 and 2), the lessons build pupils’ understanding of coastal environments through practical tasks, discussion, and visual resources.

Included

✔ 6 detailed lesson plans

✔ 6 PowerPoint presentations

✔ 28 printable resources including worksheets, maps, answer sheets and templates

Lesson Overview

★ Lesson 1 – What Is the Seaside?

Starter: Class discussion using beach photographs and a seaside word bank

Main: Identify seaside features and locate resorts on a UK map

Activity: Matching worksheet

Plenary: Reflect on which resort they’d like to visit and why

★ Lesson 2 – Natural Features of the Seaside

Starter: Quick recall quiz

Main: Introduce physical features with images and definitions

Activity: Collage-making with labelled features

Plenary: ‘Guess the Feature’ game and vocabulary recap

★ Lesson 3 – Human Features of the Seaside

Starter: Recap quiz and discussion

Main: Identify built features using photographs and definitions

Activity: Sorting challenge – natural vs human features

Plenary: ‘Feature Riddles’ and reflection

★ Lesson 4 – Activities at the Seaside

Starter: Quiz and discussion

Main: Compare land and water-based activities

Activity: Class survey and pictogram creation

Plenary: ‘Land or Water?’ game and reflection

★ Lesson 5 – Using Maps and Compass Directions

Starter: Quiz

Main: Teach compass points and direction skills

Activity: Direction challenges and design a seaside resort

Plenary: ‘Compass Simon Says’ and discussion

★ Lesson 6 – Seaside Safety

Starter: Quiz

Main: Teach beach safety rules and flag meanings

Activity: Create a safety poster

Plenary: ‘Safe or Unsafe?’ game and final reflection

Why It's Useful:

✔ Differentiated tasks for support and challenge

✔ Includes visual aids, templates, and vocabulary prompts

✔ Suitable for whole-class, small group, or individual work

✔ Covers geography, PSHE, and basic data handling

Ideal for:

✔ KS1 geography topic on the seaside

✔ Year 1 or Year 2 coastal environments unit

✔ Map skills and compass directions

✔ PSHE safety discussions

✔ Cross-curricular links with art and maths

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