Lesson 2: Where do people live?

Year 5/6 mixed-age geography lesson pack – settlements in the Amazon rainforest

This Year 5/6 mixed-age geography lesson pack focuses on where people live in the Amazon rainforest and how settlements differ across South America. Part of our Glorious Geography scheme, it is designed to support mixed-age Upper KS2 classes working across a two-year curriculum cycle.

The structure ensures full national curriculum coverage while allowing pupils in Years 5 and 6 to build their understanding without repeating units.

Where do people live? is the second lesson in Cycle B, Block 1: Do People Live in the Amazon Rainforest? Pupils explore patterns of settlement across the region, considering why some areas are densely populated while others remain remote. They begin to understand how physical geography, such as climate and landscape, influences where people choose to live.

This lesson introduces key human geography concepts and encourages pupils to compare urban and rural locations within South America, building a clearer picture of life in and around the Amazon.

Each lesson pack includes:

• An enquiry-led approach that develops geographical thinking
• Detailed lesson plans with vocabulary, misconceptions and assessment opportunities
• Clear teacher guidance and strong subject knowledge
• Editable slides to support teaching and model learning
• Differentiated worksheets and activities to support all pupils

Explore the full primary geography scheme of work.

Browse more Year 5/6 mixed-age geography resources.