As summer approaches, the classroom atmosphere often shifts towards lighter, more seasonal topics, and one that always captures the imagination of KS1 children is The History of the Seaside. This delightful topic blends elements of KS1 History and Geography, making it a rich area for hands-on exploration, particularly in Year 2.
At Build to Learn, we have created a workshop that brings this topic to life in a way that is meaningful, interactive, and most importantly… fun. This week, we travelled to a school in London to deliver our History of the Seaside Workshop, and in this post, we are taking you behind the scenes to show you how we transform curriculum learning into a creative experience with LEGO bricks.
Bringing the Seaside into the Classroom
The seaside has long been a place of excitement and adventure. From the bustling Victorian promenade to the family beach holidays many children still enjoy today, exploring the seaside offers a brilliant opportunity to examine what has changed — and what has stayed the same over the last 100+ years.
Our KS1 History of the Seaside workshop begins by helping children understand how holidays in the past looked very different. We explore themes such as transport, clothing, leisure activities, and even how postcards were once an essential part of a seaside visit.
Challenge One: Design Your Own LEGO Seaside Postcard
The first hands-on challenge tasks children with designing a LEGO postcard using a 32×32 baseplate, not as a 3D model, but as a flat LEGO mosaic-style image. Children are invited to choose features they might see at the seaside, from lighthouses to donkeys on the beach, deck chairs to seagulls — all based on what they have learned about Victorian seaside holidays and modern-day comparisons.
This activity encourages pupils to:
Think critically about key historical and geographical features
Recall and apply learning from their class topic
Express themselves creatively using LEGO bricks
We always ensure our visual prompts are age-appropriate and suitable for Key Stage 1, and we bring along several examples to help inspire and guide ideas.
Challenge Two: Seaside of the Future – A Bonus Build!
To end the session, we set the children a final ‘bonus’ challenge — What will the seaside be like in 100 years’ time?
This is always a highlight. Children are free to imagine futuristic inventions, seaside robots, drone lifeguards, or underwater hotels. It is a brilliant way to blend imaginative thinking with storytelling and construction.
To support this activity, we provide visual prompts that act as creative springboards — images designed to spark curiosity and conversations about innovation and the environment.
Hands-on Learning Across Berkshire and Beyond
This workshop is just one example of how Build to Learn delivers curriculum-linked school workshops that are engaging, hands-on, and tailored to suit the learning styles of young children. Whether you are based in Berkshire, London, or elsewhere in the South East, our LEGO-based workshops offer a unique way to enhance your classroom teaching through creativity and play.
Book a Workshop
If your school is exploring KS1 History, KS1 Geography, or looking for Year 2 activity ideas for the summer term, our KS1 Seaside Holidays In The Past Workshop is a fantastic seasonal addition to your topic planning. It blends learning and creativity in a way that leaves a lasting impression on every child.
