Teach Early Years - Issue 14.2

Teachearlyyears.com 39 PARTNER CONTENT 1 A UNIQUE SETTING Living history museums offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and feel fully immersed in the past. Introducing children to museums at a young age builds their cultural capital and a belief that museums are places for them, supporting deeper engagement when they visit again later in their childhood. 2 KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDES A knowledgeable guide is assigned to each group for the duration of their visit. Each visit follows a focused theme, introducing the concepts of the past and present, and building on the familiar to explore new ideas. The museum offers a safe space to experience a high street, going into a post office, or ordering groceries. Take two minutes to read all about the Black Country Living Museum’s first dedicated early years offer. To find out more, visit bclm.com/learn or email learning@bclm.com Elevator PITCH “Living history museums offer children a unique opportunity to feel fully immersed in the past” 3 INVESTING IN STAFF Three- to five-year-olds have wide-ranging needs, and individuals vary greatly in their development and what they’ve been exposed to in their Reception class, preschool or nursery. We’ve invested in specialist EYFS training for our colleagues to help them better understand their groups. 4 GROWING OUR OFFER Building on the success of our “People Who Help Us” themed experience, work is continuing to launch “Traditional Tales”, centred around the museum’s new building: Woodside Library. The 1963 building provides the perfect dedicated space for storytelling and story sharing, replicating the experience that generations before have enjoyed. l rs.