Finding out about the Victorians

A 1½ hour session for one class of KS 1 children
2 classes may be accommodated at a time with one class working on provided tasks in the gallery under teacher supervision.

Supports QCA Unit What was it like for children living in Victorian Britain.

Organisation
During the session you will need to divide into groups. When working in groups the Museum Educator will lead the session but adult helpers will lead each group.

Objectives

• Use a range of resources including museum artefacts, museum displays and the building (once a workhouse) to extend their understanding of life in the Christchurch area in the past.
• To learn about the lives of some children in Victorian times

Session outline

Introduction
Welcome to Red House Museum, introduction to the Museum. Health and safety information will be given. Deposit coats and bags. Instructions will be given on how the session will run.

Activities

• Ask ‘Who were the Victorians’ ‘Were they all the same?’ ‘Did anything change in Victorian times?’ Discuss ideas put forward.
• The class group is divided into 2 groups (unless the group is 15 or less).
• Group1 activity (¾ hour approx) Pupils will consider how they will handle museum artefacts with safety for themselves, others and the object. Pupils will in pairs and one pair at a time, in a seated  circle draw a Victorian artefact from a bag and say what they can about it – materials used to make it, construction, what it might do and what it might be.
• The Educator will lead a discussion about the artefacts adding information and asking relevant questions.
• Pupils will build a picture of life in the locality in Victorian times.
• Groups may take a break for a snack at teachers’ discretion.
• Group 2 activity (3/4 hour approx). Pupils will use photographs, trails and other appropriate materials to explore costume, domestic life, medical provision and toys of the Victorian era in the Red House gallery displays. Group leaders will guide pupils around the displays in a structured way to encourage children to ask and answer questions.

Plenary
An opportunity to revisit key ideas and learning points and to ask further questions.

NB The session How did they do the washing in the past may be added onto this session to create a whole-day event.