Learning about the social construction of childhood

Third year Geography students recently spent a day in London, looking at the social construction of childhood.

Getting ready for the trip

Meeting at Northampton train station - an early start to the day

The students - all of whom are studying GEO3007 Children's Geographies - visited the Museum of Childhood and the National Portrait Gallery.

At the Museum of Childhood they looked at how experiences of childhood have varied over time.  There were also opportunities for us to critically reflect on our own childhood experiences - and to play with some toys!

Learning about how childhood has changed over time

Learning about the development of board games (or auditioning for a role as a game show host?)

Trying out some of the games

After a lunch break near Trafalgar Square, the group visited the National Portrait Gallery.  This provided opportunities to critically reflect on representations of childhood - and to consider how these have changed over time.

Taking a break to explore some of the National Portrait Gallery's collections online

A bit tired after a busy day!