Step Inside Homes Through History

National Trust
Step Inside Homes Through History

In this beautifully detailed, laser-cut book, children can travel back in time and explore homes from seven different eras: Late Middle Ages, Tudor, Georgian, Victorian, 1920s, 1960s and present day. Peek through the windows, discover the rooms inside and spot the family members. Then, learn a bit more about the family, spot the pieces of furniture that appear in more than one house, and find out what people wore in each era – from kirtles and crinolines to flat caps and flapper dresses.

Imagine stepping into a time machine that whisks you away to the grand halls and cosy nooks of historical homes, each one with a story to tell. That's exactly what you get with the National Trust's initiative, "Step Inside Homes Through History." This delightful program is a treasure trove for primary school teachers and home educators looking to inject a bit of historical magic into their lessons.

The National Trust offers a range of resources that make history come alive for young learners. Picture your students' eyes lighting up as they explore the intricate details of a Tudor manor or the charming simplicity of a Victorian cottage. With virtual tours, interactive exhibits, and downloadable teaching materials, you can guide your pupils through centuries of architectural marvels and domestic life without ever leaving the classroom. It's not just about bricks and mortar—these homes are gateways into the daily lives of people from different eras, offering rich, tangible contexts for lessons in history, art, and even science.

But the fun doesn't stop there! The National Trust's resources are designed to be as engaging as they are educational. Think scavenger hunts that lead kids through the nooks and crannies of historical homes, or creative activities that let them design their own period-appropriate outfits. These hands-on experiences encourage curiosity and critical thinking, all while making learning a blast. So, why not add a sprinkle of historical magic to your teaching toolkit? Step inside these homes through history and watch your students' imaginations take flight!

Author: Goldie Hawk

Goldie (also known as Tegen Evans) is a children’s book writer and editor based in London. She has an English degree from Oxford University and now spends her time researching and writing about all kinds of topics for children – from Greek myths to woodland adventures. When she’s not at her desk, you can usually find her wandering around the parks and bookshops of south east London. Her books have been translated into 12 languages.

Illustrator: Sarah Gibb

Sarah is a British illustrator who grew up in Bickley, just outside London. She gained a BA in Graphic Design from Central St. Martins and an MA in Illustration from the University of Brighton.

Book Details:

Publisher: Nosy Crow
Format: Hardback
Print length: 48 pages
Dimensions: 300 x 255 mm
Reading age: 6 - 11 years old
Publication date: 05 Sep 2019
ISBN: 9781788004091

Read alongside these topics:

Building Houses

How can using National Trust: Step Inside Homes Through History help in teaching Y1 Building Houses?

Using the National Trust's "Step Inside Homes Through History" resource can significantly enhance teaching Year 1 students about building houses. Here’s how it can be effectively integrated into the curriculum:

Engaging Historical Context: Exploration of Historical Homes: The resource provides insights into various historical homes, allowing students to explore different architectural styles and materials used throughout history. This can help them understand how homes reflect cultural and historical contexts.

Interactive Learning: Hands-On Activities: The National Trust resources often include interactive activities that encourage students to engage directly with the subject matter. For example, they might design their own houses based on historical models, fostering creativity and critical thinking about construction and design.

Cross-Disciplinary Connections: Integration with Other Subjects: The themes from "Step Inside Homes Through History" can be linked with subjects such as art (drawing or modeling houses), geography (understanding where different styles originated), and even science (exploring materials and their properties). This holistic approach enriches the learning experience.

Development of Key Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: By investigating how homes are built and the purposes they serve, students can develop problem-solving skills as they consider what makes a house functional and comfortable. They can also learn about sustainability by discussing materials that are eco-friendly.

Encouragement of Discussion: Facilitating Conversations About Home: The resource can serve as a springboard for discussions about what makes a home special to each student. This personal connection can deepen their understanding of the concept of home beyond just physical structures.

In summary, utilizing the National Trust's educational resources provides a rich, engaging framework for teaching Year 1 students about building houses, making learning both informative and enjoyable.