Grade 4 pupils turn into curators

For one day only, the Grade 4 pupils of Laerskool Fontainebleau swapped their school uniform for fancy dress depicting a time period in South Africa of their choice.

Pigtails could not be seen on this day as they were tucked into a Voortrekker Kappie and boys exchanged their soccer balls for vintage cars on Museum Day on 16 March at the school. Grade 4 history teacher, Analene Kapp said that the pupils named the day, Museum de Fontainebleau.

The pupils had to bring two objects older than 12 years to the school to show to parents, teachers and fellow pupils. “The pupils had to supply information on these museum pieces in writing as an oral description as part of the show and tell,” explained Kapp.

Kapp added that the day was organised as part of the Grade 4 history syllabus. “We are busy with an Our Environment lesson plan, this is why the pupils bring South African heritage items,” said Kapp. She further said that the museum day gives the pupils an opportunity to talk to their grandparents about their younger days and the vintage items that they used on a daily basis.

All of the Grade 4 pupils displayed their items on tables. They were very well prepared as they knew exactly which era the item originated from as well as where it came from. Ruben Botha sat next to a large suitcase and explained that it was his great grandfather’s case that he used in the army. “I liked the vintage cars the most,” he said.

A VCR machine brought by Kayla Rooiland was in strong contrast with the over 100 year old items, but as the pupils are no older than ten years old, they were born into a DVD machine era. Vaughn Lombard bought a commode, which is a toilet used in the early 1900s. The pupils found this very interesting, but quickly walked away when they found out what it was used for.

The day was not only fun, but educational as well.

Details: Laerskool Fontainebleau, 011 791 6160.

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