World War 2 Workshop

During this workshop certain activities will require team working to achieve an end goal. WW2 cannot be explored without looking at the politics that surround it. The underline message is about the fight for freedom and democracy.

The workshop will contain a mini maths lesson for the children around rationing. They will be provided with key information to what people were allowed to spend in regards to rationing vouchers then presented with some calculations to complete emphasising how hard times were.

Through out the day the children will be taken on a historical journey by the workshop leader who will be in dramatical character. There will also be times for the children themselves to get involved using drama as a medium.

At the end of the workshop if time permits the children will experience a taste of WW2 songs that were sung to keep the spirits high and to entertain each other. A sing a long will be encouraged enabling the children to taste the sort of songs that were sung.

During the workshop the children will receive a cut out of the Lee Enfield rifle that they will paint on the one side replicating the one on show. This will be used later in the marching drill. As they get to keep them a follow up lesson can be used by the teacher to paint the other side. We always recommend the other side being painted following the 'remembrance theme'.

This workshop looks at the way WW2 impacted on the life of the British people and the Home Front. A back ground to why and how it started and how it ended. There are various activities during the day that keep the children engaged which will enhance their learning. The workshop encourages the children to participate as much as possible.

The topics looked at are;
How and why the war started
The Air Raids
Evacuees
Women at war
Rationing food and clothes
Who went to fight - who didn't
The games children played
Joining the army
The Soldier and what he carried
Marching drill
Personal reflection, stories and artefacts
Sing a long
Remembrance day and why it's important to remember

The workshop will include looking at the countries from around the world involved identifying the allies and axis.

This subject is covered in relation to modern archaeology, things to look for when out with their families, signs of WW2 that are still around us today.