Prep III had a fantastic day stepping back in time during our visit to Tatton Park, where we discovered what life was like during the Stone Age!
As we arrived, we were greeted by a lovely surprise – a hen with 13 chicks! This was a wonderful way to begin our day of exploring nature and thinking about the animals that would have been important to people living long ago.
We discovered how Stone Age people made their homes using natural materials and adapted to the world around them. We had a go at making shelters using sticks and leaves, which we then covered with animal skins to help keep them waterproof. As building techniques developed, Stone Age people began weaving sticks together to create structures using a method known as wattle and daub. The children had a go at applying some ‘daub’ to the woven sticks themselves!
We also explored how animal bones and shells were used to make useful items, including tools. We learned about the different tools Stone Age people used for everyday tasks, such as cutting, scraping and preparing food, and how these tools changed over time.
One of the highlights was learning how fires were made. We explored different methods, from rubbing sticks together to using flint and steel. It really made us appreciate how important fire was for keeping warm, cooking food and providing light – and how much skill and patience it took to create one! Miss Gill and Miss Gregory proved to be experts at making fire, while the children began developing their own skills with flint and steel. The secret is to tilt the steel and press hard to create a spark!
We also listened to the fascinating story of Ötzi the Iceman, whose remarkably preserved body was discovered in the Alps in 1991. We learned about the clues his body, clothing and belongings gave historians about how people lived thousands of years ago. His story helped us understand just how much we can learn about the past through archaeological discoveries. We finished our visit with a walk around the farm, where we saw baby piglets, Shire horses, donkeys and goats.
Throughout the day, the children were enthusiastic historians, asking thoughtful questions, sharing ideas and imagining what life would have been like without the comforts and technology we have today. Our trip brought our Stone Age topic to life and gave us plenty to think about back in the classroom. We returned with lots of new knowledge, exciting memories and a greater appreciation of how people lived in prehistoric times.
Well done, Prep III, for being such curious and enthusiastic Stone Age explorers!
