Duration 2 weeks
Two 3rd and 4th class primary school classes gathered information from parents and grandparents about their childhoods, including celebratory holidays and traditions for a curriculum history module, and engaged with the museum to explore the subject.
As a group they also watched the RTE Today Show with Dáithí and Maura for the lovely piece on some of the objects/stories in the Museum of Childhood Ireland’s collection.
https://www.rte.ie/player/series/today/SI0000000197?epguid=IH10002381-24-0118
The class and teachers warmly welcomed the Museum of Childhood Ireland, Músaem Óige na hÉireann with their ‘Museum in a Suitcase’ to their school and the stories and exploration of themes began…
Lesson Plan: History: Schools, Then and Now
Grade: 3rd Class
Subject Area: History
Strand: Local Studies
Strand Unit: Schools, Then and Now / Games in the Past / Games Nowadays
Duration: 2 weeks
Learning Objectives
Fortnight 1: My School
- Investigate the development of present buildings and the history of earlier school buildings.
- Become familiar with the story of the school’s founder(s).
- Attempt to reconstruct a school day in the past using various evidence (memories of former pupils, old textbooks, photographs, etc.)
- Compare school furniture and equipment of the past with those of today.
- Examine old roll books or other records.
Fortnight 2: Games and Pastimes in the Past
- Become familiar with games and pastimes enjoyed in the locality.
- Explore and discuss games and pastimes enjoyed by parents and grandparents.
- Learn about games and pastimes enjoyed by children in ancient societies and in other lands.
Lesson Overview
Fortnight 1: My School
Day 1: Introduction to Schools of the Past
- Discussion (15 minutes): Start with a brainstorming session. Ask students, “What do we know about schools long ago?” Record their ideas on the whiteboard.
- Activity (20 minutes): Read a comprehension passage comparing schools in the past to schools today. Discuss the key differences and similarities.
- Comprehension Questions (15 minutes): Distribute comprehension questions related to the passage. Allow students time to complete them.
Day 2: Exploring the Past
- Class Discussion (20 minutes): Compare and contrast children’s ideas about schools now and schools long ago. Facilitate a discussion on how they feel about each.
- Evidence Gathering (20 minutes): Show examples of evidence (e.g., old textbooks, photographs). If possible, bring in items from former pupils or have students share stories from family members.
- Recording Traditions (10 minutes): Ask students to write down any traditions from their family related to schooling. If they can’t identify any, encourage them to create one for today.
Fortnight 2: Games and Pastimes in the Past
Day 1: Introduction to Pastimes
- Discussion (15 minutes): Start with a discussion about games children play today. Record responses on the whiteboard.
- Exploration (25 minutes): Share stories of games and pastimes from parents and grandparents. Invite students to share what they’ve learned at home.
Day 2: Games in Different Cultures
- Research Activity (30 minutes): In groups, research games enjoyed by children in ancient societies or other cultures. Use books, online resources, or videos.
- Presentation (15 minutes): Each group presents their findings, discussing the games, rules, and how they differ from modern games.
Assessment
- Participation in discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Completion of comprehension questions.
- Group presentations on games and pastimes.
Extensions
- Create a timeline displaying the evolution of schools over the years.
- Create a timeline displaying the evolution of games over the years.
- Organise a “Games Day” where students can play traditional games discussed in class.
