Callis Grange children in Year 1 had a fantastic time travelling back in history for a Victorian Day.
The children arrived dressed as Victorian school pupils and experienced what life might have been like in the past.
The day began with Victorian classroom rules, where the children lined up smartly, sat up straight and learned how strict Victorian teachers could be.
They took part in a traditional Victorian drill, marching and exercising together to build discipline and teamwork. Inside the classroom, the youngsters sang the Victorian hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, practised rote learning of times tables, and wrote carefully on blackboards, just like children would have done over 100 years ago.
In the Victorian kitchen, the children became mini cooks and worked hard to make delicious food using traditional methods. They made cheese straws using leftover dough and cheese and even had a go at making their own butter by churning cream in jars – it took lots of effort and perseverance. The children also tried a taste of porridge, a simple meal that many Victorian youngsters would have eaten.
In the Victorian washroom, the children discovered just how tough laundry day could be before washing machines existed. They used a dolly and washboard to scrub clothes by hand, rinsed them carefully, and then pegged them out on a washing line using wooden pegs. This gave the children an insight into how much time and hard work everyday jobs took in Victorian times.
A school spokesperson said: “Victorian Day was a brilliant opportunity for the children to experience history in a hands-on way, ask questions, and compare life then and now. “Well done Year 1 for your excellent attitudes and for fully embracing the day.”
