For a group of home-ed kids, only some of whom have been to school it was interesting to watch them experience how school was for children then but also make the connection about how school has and hasn't changed now. Technology was a big talking point but even with all our advances they couldn't help but notice how some things stay the same.
For us it has meant chatting with the older kids about why some aspects are still needed when running a school or class. Lining up, being quiet, having set times and set learning. We try not to school bash as a rule! This is our choice and it's positive for us. But it is always an interesting debate.
The afternoon was filled with objects from Victorian life and it was clear for all to see that this is where home life has changed considerably more than school life for families and children now. Although they loved half an hour washing by hand and using a mangle I'm sure they would not like helping with a weekly wash! And it has made them think about why we still have things like children in need or news round has reports on child poverty.
After all children don't have to leave school at 11 and have an awful job. People have access to healthcare and benefits. And although these are sad truths they are learning and thinking about hopefully they have a greater understanding of not just Victorian life but our modern one too.
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