When Grandma’s Grandma Went to School

Teaching notes

Supplement the reading activities with selected practical tasks:

• Compare school supplies: Compare writing tools from the past and today. Have students describe the materials, uses and how they are handled. If possible, let the children try writing on a slate.
• Collecting memories: Invite grandparents or other older people. Prepare questions together about the journey to school, lessons, breaks and school supplies. Record when and where the interviewees went to school.
• Visit a school museum: Have the children draw selected objects and explain what they were used for. Then have them compare their observations with the reading texts.
• Exploring old handwriting: The children try to decipher individual words in the handwriting shown. They can also write their names using a suitable letter template.
• Compare classroom lessons: Create a short writing or reading activity using historical school materials. Then discuss your experiences. Do not reenact punishments or humiliation.
• Designing a good school: Have small groups consider what children need to learn and feel comfortable. They can then develop well-reasoned ideas for how to live and work together in their own class.
• Bring together interviews, comparison charts, drawings and selected transcripts in topic folders or a small exhibition.