How different were our grandparents' school days? - Teacher notes

The school days of our grandparents were markedly different from the modern educational experience, and this set of teacher's notes provides a guide for exploring these differences with children. The lesson begins with an invitation to watch a video that offers a glimpse into school life in the 1960s for KS1 students. This visual aid sets the stage for a discussion about the various aspects of schooling that have evolved over time. One of the key points of comparison is the use of technology in classrooms. The notes suggest a technology-free day to allow children to directly experience the contrast and reflect on the impact of technological advancements on learning.

Another interactive element of the lesson involves examining school photographs from different eras. Children are encouraged to bring in their grandparents' school photographs to compare with their own, providing a visual representation of how times have changed. The attire of pupils, which has seen significant changes over the decades, is also a point of discussion. Historical practices such as the routine checking of children's hair for nits, leading to the affectionate term 'nit nurse', and the memory of dentists visiting schools, are also explored. The lesson also touches upon the physical environment of the classroom, including the furniture used in the 1960s and 1970s. To further engage with the past, the final task for the children is to create a set of 10 questions to ask their grandparents about their school experiences, with a particular focus on the strictness of teachers during that period.