WW2 Homefront Day

(There is an emphasis on role-play and hands on activities throughout)

Morning Session

Scene 1  (London, September 1939)

Children are greeted by a wartime teacher who briefly explains why evacuation is considered necessary. This is followed by evacuee kit inspection in which children aim to collect, barter and swap items necessary for evacuation.

Scene 2 (On the train.)

Role play in which children are led to empathise with the worries and concerns of evacuee children.

Scene 3 (At the Reception Centre)

Role play in which children meet representatives from their host family.

....................Break....................

Scene 4 (September 1940)

In this session children meet a wartime policeman who explains that increased enemy activity may indicate imminent invasion. Using numerous artefacts from the period, the police officer’s talk covers civilian responsibilities including blackout restrictions, air raid and gas mask procedures, the dangers of picking up shrapnel and a reminder that careless talk might cost lives. In addition children are urged to be on the lookout for enemy parachutists and spies.

Scene 5 (Circuit of hands on activities)

The police officer informs children that a circuit of activities has been set up to help them to remember information given. These include:

• Cranking the air raid siren.

• Taking cover in an Anderson Shelter, listening to the sound effects of an air raid whilst researching public information leaflets and posters.

• Learning how to deal with incendiary devices including the use of sand boxes, scoops and hoes.

• Learning how to use civilian fire fighting equipment! Use stirrup pumps to pump water (access to outdoor area essential!)

• Dealing with casualties found next to an unexploded bomb and carrying them to safety  using a stretcher.

• Taking part in a quiz based on public information campaigns.

• Investigating/playing with toys and games from the period.

Throughout these activities, children are encouraged to look out for a suspicious character who may be an enemy spy/fifth columnist!

Afternoon Sessions

A repeat of the morning session for another class or a circuit of the following activities...

•  Speak like an East End evacuee. - Learn how to speak with a cockney accent and learn a little rhyming slang!

• Investigate the contents of the suitcase carried by the suspicious character met in the morning session and compile a wanted poster to alert others.

• Take part in a quiz based on public information leaflets.

• Role play using specially prepared drama cards.

• Design further public information posters.

• Plenary with suggestions for follow up activities.