Past sparks new learning
Omokoroa Point School students paid a visit to the Western Bay Museum on Friday to spark their dramatic inquiry learning, where Room 7will be framed as expert curators to learn about the problem solving process.
Teacher Chantal Williams said the museum experience exceeded the children’s and her expectations and was shown through the children’s engagement.
“The museum had designed an education programme for the children thatwas interactive, engaging and thought provoking through the use of dramatic/role play which fits perfectly with our school approach of dramatic inquiry. This was the key— dramatic/role play.”
The students were dressed up in outfits and taken back in time to learn about their grandparents’ and parents’ world. This was done by learning how to make scones thatwere cooked on top of a fireplace, churning butter from milk, understanding how people communicated through learning Morse code and how telegrams were sent by writing and sending their own. The children were taught about the history of the artefacts which was also through role play. Ms Williams said the children were far more responsive to the learning as the exploration of artefacts was also interactive with the opportunity to be in role like a blacksmith.
“We went 45 minutes over our time slot as the children were not keen to leave, so the lovely ladies extended the programme which they showed excitement and passion for themselves!
“So many times, as parents and teachers, we make assumptions that our children have information— we didn’t even have a handful of children that knew that milk was the main ingredient in butter!”
This facility allowed the children to develop their funds of knowledge, relate to the culture and history of their area/country and most importantly, see that learning about all that ‘old stuff’ could be so much fun, she said.
Student Shay McDonald said, “It was different, because we were acting like we were in the olden days. The only thing we know about school is what we are doing right now, so this was great.”
“Museums are not usually fun, but we learned about so much cool old stuff there, it makes me like museums,” Marley Williams said.
Jack Swift said, “I got to experience amoment in time and look at how school is so different now!”
Ms Williams commends the museum ladies for their approach to teach through drama, to ensure the programme is interactive and engaging and for their passion which was resonated through the children.
Museum curator Paula Gaelic said the word is getting out about the education programme with bookings right through to October.
“Over the last couple of months 12 classes including international students and regional schools have attended the museum’s Education Programme.
“Evaluation reporting is simply fantastic!”
Seven adult groups have also participated in the “Museum Experience” from Probus Takapuna and retirement villages from Tauranga. Matua Radius caregivers have been delighted.
“Their people engage and interact and really have a wonderful time reminiscing— social wellbeing personified— lifting their spirit— happiness and laughter as they sway to the grammophone.”
The museum has two crews of volunteers to help with the education programme and the Museum Experience (for adult groups).