The Museum Book: A Guide to Strange and Wonderful Collections
What’s inside...
Jan Mark's book delves into the essence and purpose of museums, exploring the reasons why people collect items, the different types of museums, and their contribution to science. The book examines topics such as the Elgin Marbles, famous fakes, the dodo, and great collectors. It encourages readers to reflect on the act of collecting and the value of preserving history through museums.
Age
8-12
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is the most unusual collection mentioned in the book that intrigued you, and why?
If you could start a collection of your own, what would it be and what would you collect?
How do you think museums decide which items to display in their collections?
What do you think makes a collection important or valuable to people?
How would you feel if you were a curator for a day? What kind of exhibit would you create?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to elaborate on their answers. This helps in understanding their perspective better.
Relate the discussions back to personal experiences or family outings to museums to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Use the illustrations in the book as visual aids to spark interest and help your child connect more deeply with the content.
Support your child's curiosity by suggesting a follow-up visit to a local museum to explore collections firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection with the subject matter.
Praise your child’s observations and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their views on complex subjects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: This book delves into the intriguing nature of museums and their collections, sparking curiosity about the world's diverse histories and cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this curiosity to their daily lives by exploring their surroundings, asking questions, and seeking to learn about different cultures and histories around them.
Example Lesson: Value of preservation
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of museums in preserving artifacts and knowledge for future generations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the importance of conserving cultural and historical artifacts, understanding that preservation allows others to learn and benefit in the future.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As the book discusses how museums collect and display items, it encourages readers to think critically about what is included and what is left out of these collections.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think critically about the information presented to them in daily life and to consider different perspectives and biases.
Example Lesson: Appreciating diversity
Explanation: Through exploring various museums around the world, the book showcases a wide range of cultures, fostering an appreciation for diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect diverse cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their interactions with others.