Year 1 Step Back in Time at Avoncroft Museum

Year 1 had a fantastic day at Avoncroft Museum this week, bringing their ‘Once Upon a Time’ topic to life through a fascinating day of hands-on learning all about houses and homes through history.

The adventure began with a lively retelling of The Three Little Pigs, complete with props, puppets, and plenty of enthusiastic acting! The children threw themselves into their roles, showing off their brilliant storytelling skills. They also demonstrated impressive scientific understanding, describing the materials the pigs used to build their houses and discussing the properties of each one.

Next, it was time for some teamwork! In small groups, the pupils were challenged to build shelters strong enough to withstand the huffing and puffing of the Big Bad Wolf. Using straw, sticks, and rubber bricks, they listened carefully to advice on how to improve their constructions and were delighted when their sturdy designs stood firm against the “wolf’s” best efforts!

Afterwards, the children explored the museum grounds, discovering a collection of real historical buildings, including a spectacular windmill. They were fascinated to learn about old construction methods like wattle and daub and how homes in the past were very different from those today. There were plenty of gasps when they discovered that people once lived without running water, electricity, or indoor toilets!

The day ended with a look at how household items have changed over time. The pupils were amazed to see an early black-and-white television with only one channel, a world away from their modern devices!

It was a day full of curiosity, teamwork, and discovery. Well done Year 1, you listened beautifully, worked brilliantly together, and represented King’s St Alban’s with pride!