Find out about traditional tales in a real, historical setting.

Children will meet generic fairy tale characters within an atmospheric setting whilst taking part in activities that link to range of well known tales.

The activity is led by museum staff in character as servants and the Master/Mistress. The servant is a collector of stories, with a magical cape embroidered inside with pictures inspired by tales. Whilst visiting the house children will take part in a range of tasks including counting the Master’s money, making porridge at the kitchen table, turning the spinning wheel and writing with a quill pen. Within the settings the characters will also draw their attention to lots of items relating to a fairy tale world e.g. you found washing up on the kitchen table this morning – 3 different sized porridge bowls – who might have left them there?

During the session the class will be divided into two groups, each with an adult supervisor from the school. Activities will be led by Beamish staff. The session will finish with the group talking about what they have seen and giving their ideas of new pictures that could be added to the story telling cape.

This session enables children to:

• Recognise elements of traditional tales: objects, themes, characters, settings
• Identify  language from a traditional tale
• Learn about homes from the past

Season:  All year