Activity 1
Statue Garden
Summary
This activity will turn the group into a dynamic statues garden that will show a scene from your historical period.
Goal
The purpose of this activity is to allow children to loosen up, feel comfortable in the co-creation space and as a bonus, to start thinking about the historic context of your project.
Preparation
Make a varied set of prompts.
Clear up a space that will be the stage for the children to perform in.
Method
Let the children form a queue around the stage.
Together with the group, recall the historic period.
Read aloud prompt 1. First in line jumps into the space and assumes the position.
Read aloud the next prompt. New first in line jumps into the space to match the previous child.
Keep going until all children are on stage.
Snap a picture! Restart from 1 if you’re up for another round.
Variation
To make the activity more collaborative, let 2, 3 or 4 children jump into the scene at once, with the same prompt.
Instead of using text prompts, the children might be inspired more by simple illustrations. Feel free to give it a shot!
Things to consider
Make sure to give the children enough direction to be inspired, without limiting their creativity. If a child does not need a prompt and is eager to come up with something themself, allow them to. If a child needs a bit more support, help them interpret the prompt and come up with something.
Keep your speed. This activity is supposed to energize, so it is essential that it does not stop at any moment.
Example material
For the case of a hunter-gatherer history:
Prepare food for your friends.
There is a mammoth in the distance!
Going to bed for today.
Make sure you are safe.
It’s time to celebrate spring.
Make some Music!
What can you expect from this method?
Understanding of Historical Period: By participating in the activity, children will immerse themselves in the historical period being explored. This hands-on approach can help exhibition designers gauge how effectively the historical context is being conveyed and understood by the audience.
Feedback on Prompts and Illustrations: By observing how children respond to the text prompts or illustrations provided, designers can gather feedback on the effectiveness of these stimuli in inspiring creativity and facilitating engagement.
Individual Interpretations and Perspectives: Each child's interpretation of the prompts offers a unique perspective on the historical period. Designers can gain insights into the diversity of interpretations and perspectives among visitors, informing the development of exhibition content that accommodates a range of viewpoints and experiences.