PG3100 (Learning outside the classroom) assignment

[Ali]

Have you thought about where you are planning to visit for your assignment? You may like to consider a book for a literacy aspect of your assignment. For example, if you were going to visit the Globe theatre, you might want to plan reading Traitor!; if you were going to the Gillespie Recycling Centre in Islington you might want to read Stig of the Dump; if you were going to the park with EYFS you might read Voices in the Park and if to the Museum of Childhood with KS1, Dogger. Any other ideas?

[Zaid]

Hi Alison,

I've pretty much settled on visiting the Epping Forest Field Centre for an educational visit on Minibeasts! Age range yet to be decided but plenty of science cross-curricular links including the variation/classification of living things, habitats and lifecycles amongst others.

I never considered the literacy aspect of the assignment so appreciate your post in igniting me to research this area. Maybe you can advise of some good minibeast literature? I have researched a few possibilities, including; ‘Minibeasts' by Brian Moses, ‘Charlotte’s Web' by E.B White or indeed ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carl to name a few.

[Ali]

I'd consider the age of the children you're writing about, and think about the book(s) from that angle. I would say that Charlotte's Web is more a book for KS2 than KS1 children, but since you'd probably be going to look at minibeasts in the summer, even Y1 children could enjoy James and the Giant Peach.

[Zaynab]

Hi Alison,

I was thinking of The Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green for my assignment. I used to walk past it everyday when I was working in a Primary school close by. I remember it was a trip that a few of the classes went to. I think it would be quite interesting and fun for children to explore historical toys and see how learning differed to the present day. This incorporates aspects of History, Science, Art and Design Technology. I will definitely look into reading Dogger for the Literacy aspect! Thank you!

[Ali]

Zaynab wrote: "Hi Alison,

I was thinking of The Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green for my assignment. I used to walk past it everyday when I was working in a Primary school close by. I remember it was a trip t..."

Hi Zaynab. The Museum of Childhood is definitely a great place to plan a trip to. If you go before 4th Sept you can see the Judith Kerr exhibition, too! Dogger's a wonderful book, and there are many other great books about toys: Old Bear, Nothing or Nutcracker are other options!

[Beccy]

I'll be planning a visit for a year 6 class to go to the Houses of Parliament for the assignment. The reasoning behind this, and my choice of literature, is that it would form part of a cross curricular project on Britain post 1930. The Central Lobby was rebuilt after the Second World War, and in it you can see a statue of Winston Churchill. For this reason I'd likely use several texts about World War 2 to be read by groups of children, so they could each bring a different perspective to discussion on the impact of the war;
The Boy in the Stiped Pyjamas http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54...
When The Sirens Wailed
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...
And for all of us to read afterwards, We are all born Free- The Declaration Of Human Rights;
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30...

[[deleted user]]

Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be moving over to the UK next week from Ireland. Any ideas to help me out, please?
Maeve

[Beccy]

Maeve wrote: "Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be moving over to the UK next week from Ireland. Any ideas t..."


Hi, you might want to have a look at Time Out's listings for some inspiration: http://www.timeout.com/london/kids/

[Ali]

Beccy wrote: "I'll be planning a visit for a year 6 class to go to the Houses of Parliament for the assignment. The reasoning behind this, and my choice of literature, is that it would form part of a cross curr..."

Great ideas, Beccy, have a look at Citizenship at KS2 "active role as citizens" strand http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-sta...

[Ali]

Maeve wrote: "Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be moving over to the UK next week from Ireland. Any ideas t..."

Hi Maeve, perhaps have a think of the places you'd like to visit yourself, and how they might link to the National Curriculum? http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-sta... Our "local" museum is the Docklands museum http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/Dock... which has a great Education department.

[Beccy]

Alison wrote: "Beccy wrote: "I'll be planning a visit for a year 6 class to go to the Houses of Parliament for the assignment. The reasoning behind this, and my choice of literature, is that it would form part o..."

Thanks for the link. I had a bit of a look at it, and also aspects of the Maths, Art and Geography curriculum that it could cover too- was thinking along the lines of projects relating to polling and statistics on the Maths front, making propaganda posters for Art, exploring the facts and figures of the countries involved in the war for Geography (including issues such as emigration and immigaration and diasporic literature)...as well as more obvious things like doing mock elections and getting the children involved in public speaking and running ballots, writing their own manifestos and speeches, reasearching other well known politicians and writing to an MP about something they feel strongly about....oodles of stuff!

[Ali]

Beccy wrote: "Maeve wrote: "Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be moving over to the UK next week from Irelan..."

Great idea. A city farm would be a great visit- our closest is at Mudchute on the DLR or Stepney.

[Ali]

Beccy wrote: "Alison wrote: "Beccy wrote: "I'll be planning a visit for a year 6 class to go to the Houses of Parliament for the assignment. The reasoning behind this, and my choice of literature, is that it wo..."

Definitely, and a great choice. http://www.parliament.uk/education/ might help as well.

[[deleted user]]

Beccy wrote: "Maeve wrote: "Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be moving over to the UK next week from Irelan..."

Thanks Beccy! much appreciated..

[[deleted user]]

Alison wrote: "Beccy wrote: "Maeve wrote: "Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be moving over to the UK next week..."

Thanks Alison, I have been browsing through the link that Beccy passed on and I've seen the city farms! what a great idea and it relates to my home life too! I will do some research and make a decision!

[Ali]

Maeve wrote: "Alison wrote: "Beccy wrote: "Maeve wrote: "Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be moving over to..."

You've got time to think about it, and there is information for teachers at most venues to help with curriculum links and practicalities such as places for lunch, toilets, handwashing after touching animals etc.

[[deleted user]]

Alison wrote: "Maeve wrote: "Alison wrote: "Beccy wrote: "Maeve wrote: "Hi!

I have no idea of where to visit for the assignment. I am not terribly familiar with London so I'm drawing a complete blank. I'll be mo..."

Wonderful, thank you.

[Zaid]

Alison wrote: "I'd consider the age of the children you're writing about, and think about the book(s) from that angle. I would say that Charlotte's Web is more a book for KS2 than KS1 children, but since you'd pr..."

Thanks for the ‘food for thought’ Alison (in the form of a peach!). I feel that Y2 children would gain a great deal from a Minibeast adventure. Sometimes you've got to keep things simple and not overlook the classics and James and the Giant Peach is certain to be a popular choice amongst most children of this age phase. Couple this with great illustrations from Quentin Blake and there is a definite winning formula to help support an effective educational visit!

[Michael]

I would like to plan a class trip to 'The Railway Children' at Waterloo Station Theatre. I think it would apply to KS2 and could cover citizenship, drama, literature (English), Victorian Britain (History) and Forces and motion (science).

[Carina]

Could you tell me where I can find more information about this assignment please?

[Ali]

Carina wrote: "Could you tell me where I can find more information about this assignment please?"

https://welcometouelprimary.pbworks.c... It is the final document in the list. If you have a specific question, post it on the Induction wiki- but please don't panic! You're not expected to write it before you have any taught input! You may however want to be thinking about the venue for your trip, possible areas of the curriculum it could enrich and be thinking about practicalities such as cost, travel etc.

[Ali]

Michael wrote: "I would like to plan a class trip to 'The Railway Children' at Waterloo Station Theatre. I think it would apply to KS2 and could cover citizenship, drama, literature (English), Victorian Britain (H..."

That could be interesting, but I'd suggest looking at the cost. £22.75 is the cheapest ticket listed.

[Carina]

Alison wrote: "Carina wrote: "Could you tell me where I can find more information about this assignment please?"

https://welcometouelprimary.pbworks.c... It is t..."

Thanks Alison, I'll take a look!

[Michael]

Alison wrote: "Michael wrote: "I would like to plan a class trip to 'The Railway Children' at Waterloo Station Theatre. I think it would apply to KS2 and could cover citizenship, drama, literature (English), Vict...
That could be interesting, but I'd suggest looking at the cost. £22.75 is the cheapest ticket listed."

I thought the cost might be an issue.

Is it be possible to choose The Foundling Museum? They cater for school groups and have curriculum-linked sessions. I would aim the plan at KS2. 'Coram Boy' by Jamila Gavin is a novel about the original hospital but would not be suitable for KS2. If I choose this destination for the school trip I will seek out this book for myself. I think 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' is a story that relates to the lives of children who were taken in to the Foundling Hospital.

[Ali]

I'd suggest visiting it and looking at the practicalities, and how it would fit in with the National Curriculum. Does the museum website help? Why would Coram Boy not be suitable for KS2, do you think? Perhaps not Y3 or 4, but as a class book to read for Y5 or 6?

[Michael]

I'll be sure to visit it next weekend. The museum website is very informative. For school groups it offers a range of curriculum-linked sessions for Foundation and Key Stages 1 to 4. I have not read Coram Boy but from looking over the reviews the book is recommended for 12 and over.
Thank you also for the book recommendation.

[Ali]

Michael wrote: "I'll be sure to visit it next weekend. The museum website is very informative. For school groups it offers a range of curriculum-linked sessions for Foundation and Key Stages 1 to 4. I have not rea..."

I would read it to a Y5/6 class, and discuss the more challenging passages (girl gets pregnant and is abandoned by the father of her baby; some violence and murder) with them. The same sort of content is in Oliver Twist, which is frequently recommended for Y6, and when you consider the plot lines of soap operas watched by children...!

[Michael]

Thank you Alison. It would be ideal to be able to use the Coram Boy as a literacy reference for the first assignment

[Ali]

Michael wrote: "Thank you Alison. It would be ideal to be able to use the Coram Boy as a literacy reference for the first assignment"

Excellent! It could be used to inspire some writing- diary extracts, letters, character description or a day-in-the-life-of writing- as part of your display.

[Heather]

Afternoon all. I am thinking of Colchester Castle for my visit. There is endless possibilities to explore in the Castle. You have the historic side (history)largest norman keep, the development of the castle, the design/patterns (art and DT), the roman roads throughout town and linking to other towns (geography). English you could research any aspect of the castle or creative writing - it used to be a gaol for witches. Maths conversions with the size of the grounds. With the grounds you could even incorporate PE - I have seen some schools making use of the fields to re-enact scenes and trying out roman activities etc. I know there are plenty of books relating to romans - the 'rotten romans' from the horrible histories series; the 'roman soldier's handbook' amongst others.

[Mazen]

Hi, Alison I am thinking The National History Museum for my visit, we took the children there this year were I did my placement this summer. Cross-circular such as Science - Living things and wildlife with an added History (were do we come from, I suppose that's Philosophy) - what's your thoughts on this would appreciate any help.

[Ali]

Heather wrote: "Afternoon all. I am thinking of Colchester Castle for my visit. There is endless possibilities to explore in the Castle. You have the historic side (history)largest norman keep, the development..."

It's a good idea, Heather. Have a look at the Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence, or the Rosemary Sutcliff books, for a fiction resource. Check the aasignment brief that Colchester is not considered too far away; if in doubt check with Julie Gariazzo, the module leader for this assignment. However, there are of course a lot of Roman sites within London!

[Ali]

Mazen wrote: "Hi, Alison I am thinking The National History Museum for my visit, we took the children there this year were I did my placement this summer. Cross-circular such as Science - Living things and wildl..."

Hi Mazen. I'd focus on one gallery or theme within the Natural History Museum; I marked some assignments where the learning intentions were quite unfocused last year because trainees tried to cram too much into the visit.

[Ali]

Mazen wrote: "Hi, Alison I am thinking The National History Museum for my visit, we took the children there this year were I did my placement this summer. Cross-circular such as Science - Living things and wildl..."

Do you have an idea of a book to look at? Russell Stannard's Uncle Albert books are fantastic if you wanted to look at The Earth in Space.

[Mazen]

Alison wrote: "Mazen wrote: "Hi, Alison I am thinking The National History Museum for my visit, we took the children there this year were I did my placement this summer. Cross-circular such as Science - Living th..."

I will definitely have a look, much appreciated.

[Ali]

Mazen wrote: "Alison wrote: "Mazen wrote: "Hi, Alison I am thinking The National History Museum for my visit, we took the children there this year were I did my placement this summer. Cross-circular such as Scie..."

You're welcome!

[Mehrin]

Hi Alison,

I am currently browsing through the website for The Museum of Childhood. I've just come across a teaching session called 'investigating Victorian Children’ (for upper key stage 2) which seems quite interesting. This ties in well with the statutory requirements for History with cross-curricular links to Literacy and maybe even Art and Design. The overall cost for booking a session like this for a class of 30 is £60 - is this too expensive? The class can also explore the ‘Childhood Galleries’ for free in addition to the teaching session.

On the trip, the class can take a worksheet with questions to answer and spaces to draw certain toys? I could narrow this down further by asking them to only draw toys used for learning during the era which can later be compared to learning resources available to children of the twenty-first century?

Gill Tavner's adaptation of 'Oliver Twist’ can be read with the class before the trip to gain an insight into some of the lives of children during the Victorian era. I think upper key stage 2 children will thoroughly enjoy this adaptation due to its condensed (and simplified) nature and illustrations. Or do you think another text would work better?

Post-trip activities could include discussing the differences in the daily lives of children today and during the Victorian era (as suggested on the website). Next, perhaps a diary writing task to follow up where the class can adopt the personas of some of these children and explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences?

I'm still in the 'thinking and planning' phase so please excuse the overload of ideas.

Any guidance and suggestions?

[Zaynab]

Hey Mehrin,

I have thought of doing that trip as my assignment too. Here are some book titles that Alison has suggested to me that link to toys. Old Bear, Nothing, Nutcracker, Dogger. But I think these suit more for KS1.

[Mehrin]

Hi Zaynab,

Thank you - now you've got me considering KS1! Can you suggest any other books for KS2 which link to childhood in the victorian era?

[Zaynab]

Alison was saying this book links in with the Victorian topic..
Here is my review on it!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Mehrin]

Thanks Zaynab, I'll definitely look it up :)

[Ali]

There are a lot of children's books set in the Victorian era, and I'd suggest visiting the museum first to see whether there would be enough to do without paying for the handling session. You'd have to consider other costs, such as travelling- although it is very close to the tube station, but £60 would be a little more than £2 per child.

If you're looking at Victorian toys, you would probably want books about middle class Victorian children.

[Ali]

Having said that, looking at the History Girls' blog http://the-history-girls.blogspot.com/ (it's the blog of a group of writers of historical novels) I saw a reference to this A Boy Called MOUSE which is about a boy who travels with a Punch and Judy man. There are a lot of puppets in the museum- this could be a hook into Victorian toys?

[Ali]

Zaynab wrote: "Alison was saying this book links in with the Victorian topic..
Here is my review on it!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Yes, there are lots of references to Victorian toys and games (and games that are still played now, for a compare and contrast activity)

[Mehrin]

Alison wrote: "There are a lot of children's books set in the Victorian era, and I'd suggest visiting the museum first to see whether there would be enough to do without paying for the handling session. You'd hav..."

Thank you. What do you think of the Ragged School Museum which can be linked to childhood and education in the victorian era? (once again texts like Oliver Twist as I mentioned in my initial post)

[Natalia]

Hello Alison,

I went on a year two school trip to St Paul’s Cathedral last academic year and thoroughly enjoyed it. The children had fully immersed themselves in the ‘great fire of London’ topic leading up to their trip so were prepared with great background knowledge. We were dropped of at ‘pudding lane’ where the fire began and walked to St Paul’s from there. Upon arrival the St Paul’s the staff were very welcoming and accommodated our large party well. The children were given a 60min themed talk and then a guided tour of the cathedral including a walk up to the cathedrals’ ‘Golden Gallery’ for a breathtaking view of the city. We then had a picnic lunch in the cathedrals gardens. I would very much like to do a replication of this visit as it was not only educational but great fun. However I have come across numerous other possibilities including the London bridge experience, HMS Belfast, The Tower of London and the V&A Museum. All of which have great websites and helpful resources for teachers which are focused around certain subject areas (History, Art, Literature, RE etc.) So now to decide!

[Ali]

Mehrin wrote: "Alison wrote: "There are a lot of children's books set in the Victorian era, and I'd suggest visiting the museum first to see whether there would be enough to do without paying for the handling ses..."

Great idea. It's a very popular location for school trips.

[Ali]

Natalia wrote: "Hello Alison,

I went on a year two school trip to St Paul’s Cathedral last academic year and thoroughly enjoyed it. The children had fully immersed themselves in the ‘great fire of London’ topic l..."

All great visits! St Paul's would be good as you could look at Places of Worship for RE as well as the History topic. Have you thought of any books?

[Natalia]

Thanks Alison, I don’t think I have come up with anything worthy of a mention just yet - do they need to be fictional books? I have found loads of relevant non-fiction which is aimed at a younger audience and very interesting.

[Ali]

Natalia wrote: "Thanks Alison, I don’t think I have come up with anything worthy of a mention just yet - do they need to be fictional books? I have found loads of relevant non-fiction which is aimed at a younger a..."

You don't have to include a book at all! It's just an idea- having a angle or a character to hook the children into the topic. It can be a great basis for display and writing. Do you have an idea of where you want to visit? or alternatively, a book you have really enjoyed reading, would like to use in the class and would like some ideas of where you could visit?