Grade one and two students at St Albans East Primary School had a special visit from Keilor Retirement Village residents, as they tried to comprehend life before the great world of iPads and TikTok.
Throughout term three, the students were undertaking an exploration of past and present.
They’ve been learning about life in the olden days and how it contrasts with their experiences today.
Their studies cover various aspects of history, including schooling and education, technology, toys and clothing.
The residents of Keilor Retirement Village came in to offer insights on how life used to be, they answered questions about how they communicated with one another, their sources of entertainment, life before a GPS and much more as the room of children was left astounded.
Learning specialist Ayse Alanci said the kids had a great time and learned so much about the past.
“Students said they felt sad to hear how girls didn’t have the same opportunities as boys,” she said.
“In the past, the students were expected to sit in rows, with class sizes of up to 40- plus students.
“Milk was delivered to school every day and students had to drink it. The bottles weren’t put in the fridge so if it was a hot day, the milk would go sour. The students thought that was disgusting!
“One student said he was fascinated to hear that the only technology was telephones.”
Retirement village residenr Gaye Phuah said the residents were impressed by the students.
“We thoroughly enjoyed talking to the students and answering their questions as best we could,” she said.
Gerald Lynch
