Handling Original Objects
There are many benefits to be gained from the opportunity to handle original objects.
The opportunity to handle objects:
- gives an enhanced experience of museum collections, using the senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch
- removes physical and sensory barriers for everyone. Its benefits for people with visual impairments, for example, are self-evident, but reach much beyond this.
- is an inclusive activity, breaking down barriers and encouraging group interaction (McManus: 1987)
- allows people who may not be able to get to the museum to appreciate objects and use them to support their learning
- can play a powerful role in both stimulating and supporting learning. The National Curriculum emphasises the importance of using a variety of different sources and of introducing children to primary and secondary source material.
- helps raise attainment and stimulate the learning of under-achievers.
Useful Websites
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English Heritage for the publication Learning from Objects by Gail Durbin.