This engaging whole-class reading session develops children’s understanding of rationing during the Second World War, while strengthening their comprehension of non-fiction texts.

The resource includes the original illustrated 2-page reading text and the accompanying slideshow guiding children through the learning activities.

The text explores why Britain introduced rationing, how ration books and coupons worked, and why fair sharing did not always mean identical allowances. It examines how families adapted their meals, grew food through ‘Dig for Victory’ and repaired clothing through ‘Make Do and Mend.’ Children will also learn about the black market, the challenges of limited supplies and why rationing continued long after the war ended.

A vocabulary check, in which new and unfamiliar terms are defined, follows the reading. Varied activities develop retrieval, explanation, inference, comparison, sequencing and summarising skills. Quick-check questions, solo thinking, partner discussions and deeper-thinking challenges encourage children to justify answers with evidence.

Suggested answers, support prompts and teacher guidance are included in the slide notes.

Both the Word text and PowerPoint are fully editable. Best suited to those in upper KS2 (Years 5–6), the session can also be easily adapted for older learners.