Our In Common lesson plans are landing! Tying in with the season of films Young Actors Company are making during lockdown, the plans are all aimed at primary school years 5 & 6, created in partnership with Merton schoolteachers.
Titled PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE, the three plans are a fun and engaging introduction to our two much-loved Commons, giving pupils loads of interesting information, exercises and activities, all in ‘bite-sized’ pieces, with time for group discussion and personal reflection.
In Common PAST takes in the story of the creation of Wimbledon Common, how both Commons have changed over the years, the history of Mitcham Fair – which has been happening almost every year since Elizabethan times – and the working lives of ordinary people in the 19th and 20th Centuries.
A cobbler plying his trade on the common.
PRESENT is very much about what the Commons mean to us today – especially since the lockdown began last March. How have they helped? How do they make us feel? It also provides an important opportunity for pupils to explore their own feelings about lockdown in a positive, constructive way.
The FUTURE plan focusses on the ‘big’ questions about our local and global environment and how our climate is changing. How can we protect our Commons for future generations? What can we all do to help? Climate change is one of the most important issues of our times and we want to give our young people some practical ideas about how they can get involved.
Downland the lesson plans here.
Get Creative!
All schools using the plans are invited to send us their paintings, drawings, poetry and stories inspired by the Commons. A selection of the best artworks will be framed and displayed at Canon’s House in July as part of their re-opening celebrations.
We’re so excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to see what people produce!
Closing date for applications is 30th May. You’ll find more information in all three of the lesson plans – which will be available to download here in the first week after half term and we’re inviting all local schools to get involved.