Exploring the Fascinating World of Cultural Heritage with KS2 Students
As a teacher, you have probably seen the sense of excitement and curiosity in your KS2 students when they discover new things. One of the ways to feed this curiosity is by teaching them about cultural heritage. Cultural heritage refers to the collection of inherited traditions, monuments, landmarks, and objects that define a particular society’s identity. It provides an opportunity to help pupils appreciate the historical context, diversity, and value of their own cultures and those of others. In this article, we will explore some interesting and engaging ways to teach cultural heritage to KS2 students.
1. Virtual field trips
The ability to take virtual field trips has increased with the advent of technology. You can now give your students a sense of a cultural heritage site without having to leave the classroom! A virtual field trip to the Pyramids of Egypt, for instance, can give them a sense of the pyramids’ design, structure, and history. You can also find virtual tours of museums showcasing artefacts from different cultures and time periods. This not only enhances the students’ knowledge about the object but also gives them a sense of the context in which it was used.
2. Bring in artefacts
Another way to teach cultural heritage is by bringing in artefacts from different cultures. These artefacts help to make history feel more tangible and concrete. The use of authentic cultural artefacts is also a way to move beyond mere descriptions of different cultures and give students a “hands-on” experience. This encourages engagement and allows students to have a more personal experience with each culture. You can also involve students in authentic activities such as calligraphy or pottery, which will make the experience feel more immersive.
3. Use interactive learning tools
Interactive learning tools such as interactive maps or timelines can provide a visual sense of the historical context surrounding a particular cultural heritage artwork or site. You can use these tools to show the geography of Egypt and the Nile Delta, for instance, to illustrate its importance in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization.
4. Pop Culture
Using pop culture is a way to get pupils excited about their learning. Pop Culture includes music, film, and TV shows that reflect different cultural expressions. For example, you can use music from a particular culture to introduce the students to the context in which it was created. This not only makes the subject more engaging but also allows students to see the relevance of historical events to modern times.
5. Field trips
If possible, you can take your pupils on a field trip to various cultural heritage sites. These field trips offer a hands-on experience and allow students to gain insights into the building design, artwork, and everyday life of the people from the past.
To summarize, teaching cultural heritage to KS2 students can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for both you and your students. By incorporating virtual field trips, authentic artefacts, interactive learning tools, pop culture, and field trips, you can make the subject engaging and help your students appreciate the diversity and historical context of different cultures.
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