Kids take step back in time
Medieval market created by pupils of primary school
West Lothian kids shared a taste of life in medieval times when they created an historical market place.
the p5 pupils from pumpherston and uphall Community primary school took a step back in time as part of a special project linked to topic on Mary, Queen of scots which had looked at Burgh life in stirling.
Children in groups were given a stall to plan and create, choosing from butcher, baker, grocer, potter/weaver, tanner or blacksmith’s stand.
and they held an open day recently to show off their work and allow parents and friends to learn about life in the past.
Children at a West Lothian primary school took a step back in time for their project before the school break.
Primary 5 children, aged nine to 10, at Pumpherston and Uphall Station Community Primary took part in a special project to create a medieval market.
It was linked to a topic on Mary, Queen of Scots which had looked at Burgh life in Stirling.
Children in groups were given a stall to plan and create, choosing from butcher, baker, grocer, potter/weaver, tanner or blacksmith’s stand.
The youngsters drew sketches of their stalls and made prototype models.
Then builders from the McTaggart development next to the school built four market stalls from the designs, while pupils created and painted scenes of Stirling in the past.
The children were engrossed in their market roles and really enjoyed the afternoon . . .
The youngsters also recycled the amphitheatre and stage from last year’s Roman topic by turning it into a medieval house by weaving willow walls, attaching a roof and making a hearth inside.
Medieval aprons and costumes were made from pillowcases and old sheets and natural dyes from vegetables and coffee were used to dye them.
Salt dough was used to make grocer’s items, butcher products and coins.
Youngsters also baked bread for a baker’s stall – which sold out very quickly - and learned to make small pieces of cloth from weaving wool.
They also made blacksmith’s tools from old wood and tinfoil,
And parents enjoyed the chance to see their youngsters working on the market during a special open day - including a demonstration from the children working on the blacksmith stall to show how items were made.
The project presented another chance for pupils to work with Sarah-Jane Haston and her partner Tom Ullathorne, who are both parents of the school and archaeologists.
Sarah-Jane said she was delighted with the project’s success.
She said: “By immersing ourselves in Burgh life – the sights, sounds and smells, the children learned about how different life was in making and dying fabric and working with leather and also how similar things are in terms of planning a business and buying and selling.”
Teacher, Emma McLaughlin, said pupils especially enjoyed the open afternoon when they had the chance to demonstrate what they had learned.
She added: “Children were engrossed in their market roles and really enjoyed the afternoon.
“Builders from McTaggart came too and were presented with a thank you card made by the children.
“Learning in this way encourages the children to experience what life was like in times past and is active, enterprising and encouraging.
“Many thanks to Tom, Sarah-Jane, the McTaggart builders and the children themselves for their hard work on the special project.”