Manchester Museum - Small Keys Open Big Doors

The children from Gorton South Sure Start Centre visited the Manchester Museum for a series of visits over a period of six weeks. The children, ranging from age 2 to 4 years, explored the different spaces and objects within the museum using torches and magnifying glasses. The children enjoyed an animal hunt using an explorer sack and the opportunity to see the live animals in the museum. They also had the chance to investigate the treasure box on the Living Cultures Gallery. The staff used video cameras, digital cameras and post it observations to document the children’s learning journeys.

The children were enthused and inspired by their visits and in response a ‘Story Room’ was developed back at the centre. A magic key allows children to enter the room, and inside they can read a range of animal stories and explore the movement and sound of the animals using different materials and instruments.

A sharing event was organised in Gorton South where experiences and achievements were celebrated.