Today we had the opportunity to explore the Black Country Living Museum. Upon arrival, we wandered through different exhibits and locations where we learned about the history of the mines and what daily life was like for workers and families in the area. It was fascinating to see how much effort and labor went into mining and how important it was to the development of the community. Walking through the recreated streets and buildings truly felt like stepping back in time, which made the experience even more immersive and memorable.
After exploring the mining exhibits, we moved on to the schoolhouse, which was easily my favorite part of the day. This weekend happened to be the museum’s 1960s-themed weekend, so we were able to participate in a lesson as if we were students attending school during that decade. I found it extremely interesting to compare the school system from the 1960s to the educational experiences we are familiar with today. While many aspects of the classroom felt somewhat similar, the expectations and discipline were noticeably stricter.
At the beginning of the lesson, the teacher performed a cleanliness inspection, checking to make sure students had clean hands, clean faces, and tidy clothing. Many members of our group, including myself, were instructed to stand in front of the classroom because we had our nails done, which would have been viewed as unclean or inappropriate for students at the time. This small interaction immediately demonstrated how different school expectations were during that era. It also showed how much emphasis was placed on discipline, presentation, and obedience within the classroom.
During the lesson, I had the opportunity to fully participate as a student by reading several pages from a book aloud to the class. I really enjoyed this experience because it allowed me to become part of the lesson rather than simply observing it. Sitting in the old-fashioned desks, listening to the strict instructions, and participating in the classroom activities gave me a better understanding of what school life may have felt like for children growing up during the 1960s. As someone pursuing a future career in education, I found this especially meaningful because it allowed me to reflect on how teaching practices, classroom management, and student expectations have evolved over time.
Once we were dismissed from “school,” we spent time walking around the town and exploring the many shops and attractions it had to offer. Each area had its own unique atmosphere, and there was always something new to look at. My favorite part of the town was definitely the carnival area, where there were rides, music, and a lively atmosphere that made the experience feel very authentic and exciting. There was also a live singer performing songs while visitors danced and sang along. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves and participating together created such a fun and welcoming environment.
We concluded the afternoon by stopping at the café for drinks and snacks after spending some time wandering through the gift shop. It was nice to relax and reflect on everything we had experienced throughout the day. I thought this was an incredibly enjoyable and memorable experience. Being able to step into a classroom from the 1960s and witness how education was conducted during that time was both entertaining and educational. As a future educator, I especially appreciated the opportunity to compare past and present teaching practices and think about how education has changed throughout the years.
