Resource

The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 5-11)

Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026.

Overview

The law affects every aspect of our lives, but children and young people rarely learn about it in the classroom. We want to empower teachers to start a conversation about the law in schools.

Running throughout February 2026, The Big Legal Lesson provides the tools you need to confidently introduce the law into your classroom.

What’s in the resource packs?

The Big Legal Lesson is a starting point for pupils to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. In the lessons and spark activities, pupils explore questions such as:

  • What is the law and how does it affect my daily life?
  • Who has the power to make and change the law? How do recent changes to the law affect me
  • What new laws would I like to see and how can I make my voice heard by those in power?

Each lesson pack gives you everything you need to teach the session in one place, including a full PowerPoint, a lesson plan, and both printable and non‑print alternatives for every activity.

A Spark activity is a short, ready‑to‑use prompt designed to quickly get pupils thinking, talking, and exploring big ideas in an age‑appropriate way. Each Spark uses a simple picture and a small set of questions to “spark” curiosity, discussion, and reflection without the need for any specialist knowledge.

They work for circle time, lesson starters, assemblies, or quick drop‑in moments, helping pupils connect the law to their own lives through accessible examples and guided conversation.

Share the good news!

Send us your photos, ideas and feedback via social media @YoungCitizensUK using the hashtag #TheBigLegalLesson.

“I had positive feedback from every class due to the active nature of the [lessons], and the children thoroughly enjoyed learning about their rights and responsibilities.”

Primary School Teacher, The Big Legal Lesson

Looking for the secondary and further education resources? Access the resource pack for ages 11-18+ here.

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