What The Pupils Will Learn
- Burns
Cottage is one of the most famous cottages in the world.
- The cottage
was built by William Burnes, Robert's father.
- People travel from all over the world to visit the Cottage.
Background
Information
a) Burns Cottage was built by his father using traditional clay.
b) William Burnes and Agnes Broun were married in 1757 and came to live in the "auld clay biggin".
c) The cottage served as a family home and accommodation for animals.
d) It is one of the best-known cottages in the world.
Development
Pre-Visit
a) Introduce the pupils to the idea of cottages.
b) Discuss to illustrate similarities and differences between the houses the pupils live in and Burns Cottage.
c) Establish the lack of comfort and conveniences that we know today.
The Visit
a) Work in pairs to plot the main points of interest in each room on a blank diagram of the cottage.
b) Carry out an arbitrary measuring task, involving pupils pacing the length of the room in the cottage. Carry out a comparison with a similar room at home.
c) Work in small groups to give directions from one point of interest to another around the Museum, Cottage and Gardens involving "left", "right", "number of paces", "90 degree turns" etc.
d) With an adult, refer to the Visitors Book to ascertain the places people have come from to visit the Cottage.
Post Visit
a) Create a classroom display of photographs comparing photographs of Burns cottage with modern homes belonging to pupils.
b) Work in pairs to build shoebox models of Burns Cottage. Use straw to create a thatched roof. Some pupils may wish to recreate a room from Burns Cottage, designing and building furniture, etc.
c) Consolidate activity c (The Visit) by involving pupils in directing small groups around the school. Record directions.
d) Design postcards to celebrate one of the world's most famous cottages.
e) Using data from activity d (The Visit), refer to atlases, globe, wall maps etc to identify and record where visitors have come from.
Extension Work
Research styles of homes, roofs, brickworks, etc in the local area.
Related Burns Work
"Rantin, Rovin, Robin", written about storms raging and damaging the cottage on the night of Robert Burns birth - 25 January.