Grade 1 & 2

We hope you have a fun and restful break and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed for Term 3!

Mont De Lancey

A definite highlight for Term 2; last Wednesday, the Grade 1 and 2 students went on an excursion to Mont De Lancey. They travelled on a bus with their teachers and classmates. Everyone was excited to learn about life in the past.

First up students were placed in groups for their tour of the wood turning shed, blacksmith shed and old machinery and tools. Students listened intently as Oscar the blacksmith explained how to heat metal, the high temperatures required and showed them some metal work, before heating up a rod that students were able to line up and twist using a blacksmith tool.

Then it was time for the wood turner. Guy the wood turner showed students how to make spinning tops, explained how wood dries out over time and allowed them to touch and play with a range of small crafts and toys that had been made using a wood turning machine.

Next we headed to the machinery shed where Lee told us about life in the olden days, showing old machinery, milk bottles, washing boards, oil lamps and heaters amongst a range of things.

After visiting the displays, the students explored the old buildings and looked at many interesting artefacts. They rang the bell at the old chapel, explored the old homestead and marvelled at all of the old fashioned furniture and the family histories that went with it. They walked through the museum which included a range of items used in the past from toys to tools, household items to clothes.

After lunch, they visited the old schoolhouse and discovered what classrooms looked like long ago. They learned that children in the past did not have computers or tablets and were surprised to find out that students often read the same reader for a whole entire year! They practised using chalk and blackboards and made sure to listen and behave whilst Maarm wielded the cane at the front of the classroom. They also had fun making peg dolls, lavender pouches and playing old-fashioned games.

Everyone enjoyed trying the different activities and learning about history.At the end of the day, the students climbed back onto the bus and returned to school. They felt tired but happy after their adventure.

Leading up to the excursion, students had been exploring the past, through interviews with family members about what life was like when they were young, toys that were played with compared to toys today, comparing old appliances with modern appliances, thinking about what technologies they could live without and writing letters.

The excursion to Mont De Lancey was an exciting and memorable learning experience for the Grade 1 and 2 students that truly brought their inquiry unit on History to life.