This enquiry takes as its inspiration the growing field of ‘emotion history’. Proponents of which study everyday objects, as a way of finding out more about the people of the past. In the lesson, students work in groups to dissect four early modern objects:
- a snuff-box
- a stone monument
- a hedgerow
- a woodcut
It is the students’ job to make inferences about the purpose of the objects, as well as the kinds of people they might have belonged to.
Students delve into the value (or usefulness) of the objects, too. They are supported in corroborating and challenging their initial inferences about the objects with further contextual knowledge.
Finally, students are challenged to write ‘it narratives’ from the perspective of their chosen early modern object.
The skills that students will develop here are going to prove valuable through KS3, KS4 and beyond – and the format is highly engaging, with plenty of opportunities for group work and discussion.
Please note: this enquiry can be taught over two lessons: it is likely that it will take at least 1 hour 45 minutes to complete.
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- Lesson presentation: PowerPoint
- Lesson write-up: PDF
- Worksheets: PDF
- Resource Sheets: PDF
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