Teaching sessions

The Museum runs a wide variety of teaching sessions for Early Years through to Year 7, all of which incorporate elements of the National Curriculum. The sessions, most of which last one hour, are designed for primary schools and include cross-curricular targets. Themes include Moving Toys and Toys from the Past. On arrival, school groups are met by one of our Activity Assistants, allocated storage, shown the Museum's facilities and given confirmation of a lunch slot (if requested). All sessions take place in the Clore Learning Centre on the Lower Ground Floor.

SEN resource bags

SEN resource bags tailored to pupils with special educational needs are available to school groups. Example contents include moving and sensory toys, simple games and a large-print storybook. Resource bags can be reserved when booking a self-guided visit or teaching session.

Museum quiet days

One day a term is set aside for groups with special educational needs. For more information, visit SEN.
 

To book teaching sessions and spotlight talks, please contact Clara Malcolm, Learning Administrator on 020 8983 5205. Alternatively email mocbookings@vam.ac.uk

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Essential reading before booking

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To prepare for your visit in advance, visit Essential reading before booking.

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More information on each of the Museum's teaching sessions

Each session incorporates elements from the National Curriculum. All sessions are listed by year group, some sessions may be suitable for older year groups.

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Early Years (30 minutes, £40)

A teaching session designed for Early Years (under 5s). Visit five toy stations to sort, match, build, arrange and play.

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Young Curators (Reception and Year 1, 1 hour, £70)

A fun session introducing children to a museum, providing an opportunity to explore, sort and display old and new objects.
Download more information (.pdf)

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A Trip to the Seaside (Years 1 and 2, 1 hour, £70)

How did trips to the seaside in Victorian times differ from holidays today? A fun and colourful session exploring how puppets work.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Moving Toys (Years 1 and 2, 1 hour, £70)

Learn about forces by playing with a variety of different moving toys.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Pop Ups and Puppets (Years 1 and 2, 1 hour, £70)

Discover how different puppets work with this fast-moving session.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Toys on a Timeline (Years 1 and 2, 1 hour, £70)

Find out how today's toys are different to those played with by previous generations.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Toys from the Past (Years 1 and 2, 1 hour, £70)

Find out what toys were like during Victorian times, including the materials they were made from.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Clothes from the Past (Years 2 and 3, 1 hour, £70)

A hands-on session comparing clothes today with those worn by Victorian children in the past.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Puppets and Drama (Years 3 and 4, 1 hour, £70)

Explore tales from different times and cultures using puppets and toy theatre.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Mechanical and Moving Toys (Years 3-4 and 5-6, 1 hour / 90 minutes, £70 / £100)

Examine toys to learn about movements and mechanisms. The 90 minute session includes a toy-making workshop.
Download more information (.pdf)

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War Children (Years 4, 5 and 6, 1 hour, £70)

What was it really like for children living through World War II? Explore the impact of the Second World War on everyday lives of children.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Victorian Entertainment (Years 5 and 6, 1 hour, £70)

Find out how Victorian children, rich and poor, were entertained compared with today.
Download more information (.pdf)

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Investigating Victorian Children (Years 6 and 7, 1 hour, £70)

Examine Census returns, newspapers and other contemporary sources and objects to investigate the lives of Victorian children.
Download more information (.pdf)