Mrs Maddie's Mini Historians

Mrs Maddie’s Year 1/2 class have been busy this term exploring the past through their Mini Historians learning expedition. As part of their studies, students enjoyed excursions to the Koppio Museum, Tumby Bay Museum, and the Excell Blacksmith and Engineering Workshop Museum, where they discovered what life was like in earlier times and saw first-hand how things have changed.

They also welcomed two very special visitors – Mrs Maddie’s grandparents, Ray and Dorothy Strauss. Ray and Dorothy shared fascinating stories about life more than 80 years ago, describing how school, farming, and everyday activities have changed over time.

Students were especially excited to see and handle real historical treasures – including original $1 and $2 notes, vinyl records, “olden day” telephones, and a typewriter. They even had the chance to taste fresh beans while learning to cut them with an old bean grinder!

Curious minds sparked some wonderful questions, such as:

Lenny: How did you harvest?

Henry: How did you travel around the world back in the olden days?

Macy: What did your school and classrooms look like?

Zoe: Did you ever get the cane at school?

Annabel: What did money look like?

Florence: What books did you read when you were kids?

Xavier: What toys did you have in the olden days?

Stella: What did your water bottles look like in the olden days?

It has been a memorable and engaging term of learning that truly brought history to life. We are so grateful to Ray and Dorothy, along with the local museums, for helping our students connect with the past in such a meaningful and hands-on way.