Part Six – Time to go home
Suggested inquiry questions: What have we learned about the Victorian seaside?
Potential activities: Make a Victorian portrait to remember our day at the beach. Create an imaginary steam train using materials and sound effects.
Our day at the seaside is ending. What can we do to remember our day? What have we learned about the Victorian seaside?
The following ‘tasks’ are suggested activities which you can choose from or adapt to make them suitable for your students.
Tasks
Play video six (a)
A souvenir of our day out
‘I can see a photographer. Let’s have our photo taken.’
Say cheese!
Now it’s time to get a record of your trip. Take a Victorian-style group photo of your students. Everyone stand very still for as long as possible because Victorian cameras had a long exposure time. You’ll probably be using a phone or a tablet to take your photo, but why not try making it more authentic by throwing a black cloth over you as you take the photo? Add some black and white or sepia effects to the photo to make it even more realistic.
Things to discuss:
Look at image one and discuss the differences with how we take photos and record our experiences today.
Why do we take photos?
Play video six (b)
Time to head home.
‘What a fun day! But now it’s time to go home. Back on the train!’
Back on the train
Recreate the steam train journey from part 3, but in the opposite direction! Move around the classroom with sound and smoke effects as you all return home after your long day out.
(Warning for loud train whistle at the start of this file and periodically throughout.)
Things to discuss:
- Recap all the different elements of the session. What was your favourite activity? Why?
- Did you enjoy your Victorian day out? Which do you prefer: a Victorian holiday or a modern one? Why?
Background
Further information:
Photography
The very first photographic portraits were made in the late 1830s. Early pioneers like Louis Daguerre and Henry Fox Talbot helped to improve the technology of photography and popularise its use. By the end of the 19th century, there was a huge demand for photographic portraits. With the introduction of the Kodak Brownie in 1901, photography became available to the masses.
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Suggested inquiry questions: What have we learned about the Victorian seaside?
Potential activities: Make a Victorian portrait to remember our day at the beach. Create an imaginary steam train using materials and sound effects.
Part One – Entering the Archives
Going back in time
Part Four – On the beach
Where do we want to sit on the beach? What activities can we do while we’re here?