I had one of those tours today that make me love talking to kids in historic houses and museums. Though it started out very poorly--they were early, but the teachers insisted that each child go to the (single-toilet-with-old-plumbing!) bathroom before we could begin and so we started 45 minutes late! And they had to be on the bus with less than 45 minutes for the tour. With two docents trying to steer 45 kids total through everything without bumping into each other.
But it was wonderful, even though I rushed through topics and skipped certain activities like stringing apples and playing charades. They were engaged and curious, asking questions and giving answers.
I knew a boy with visual impairments would be on my tour so I had practiced how to describe the house, the big fireplace, and my costume with vivid words and references to placement and size (thanks, AIC and Met for that training!). To evoke the period for him through touch, we passed around ceramics, let everyone play in the big fireplace, and all felt the difference between the new floorboards and the 18th-century ones.n It took extra time to describe the wallpaper and clothing that everyone else could see, but I didn't want him to miss out (or to bore the other kids, so I tried to deftly weave it all in). As he left, he said to his aide, "That was a great house!"
Yay!
Aww, that is so sweet. You are amazing to have thought of him and given more thought into how you could make the experience special for him. Proves you'd also be a great school teacher, child care provider, etc.
ReplyDeleteThose teachers have been caught before, but what a waste of water and an hour.
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