Child- and schoolday

Schools have started again. And so on Sunday 7 September you can go back to school at the Boerenbondsmuseum.

You will be taught in the beautiful school building as it used to be. In the early 1900s, primary education was very different from the education we know today.

At the time, the curriculum was mainly focused on reading, writing and arithmetic. History and geography were also taught, but these subjects were less extensive than they are today. Learning was mainly done by learning to memorize the material and repetition. Creative subjects such as art and music were much less common.

And didn’t a child listen? Then he could count on punishment. Punishments were severe, and physical punishment was not uncommon. For example, children who didn’t listen or didn’t do their homework could be given a rule to stay after school, or sometimes even hit on the hands with the ruler. Or dog-eared in the corner or on your knees in the clog. Such methods are now banned, but were an accepted part of school culture at the time.

Playtime was an important part of the school day, but the toys were much simpler. Children played with spinning tops, marbles, and homemade toys. There were also common games such as jumping rope, hopscotch, and tag, which did not require toys. In the schoolyard you can try out the games of the past, including hopscotch, stripping, stilt walking and scooting.

Doll Doctor

A community building has been set up in the N.C.B. hall. Children can take their doll or cuddly toy to the doctor or nurse this afternoon. All children and their cuddly toys or dolls will receive full attention.