Education

Primary

Secondary

A-level English

ESOL

Universities and Adult Education

Families and Home Educators

Research links

Information for group leaders (pdf)pdf logo

Free Primary workshops

Dr Johnson's House runs free workshops for Primary Schools. They last between 60 and 90 minutes, and cover areas of the English, History and Art Curriculum. We can also tailor workshops to your needs.

To make an enquiry or book a workshop, please contact the Curator on 020 7353 3745 or fill in an enquiry form.

History

Dr Johnson's London (Key Stage 2)

An interactive workshop with a carousel of activities relating to life in Georgian London, including a treasure hunt in Dr Johnson's House, word games, dressing up and some messier optional activities!
Full workshop outline (pdf)pdf logo

Portrait of a black man, thought to be Francis Barber

The Life of Francis Barber (Key Stage 2)

Francis Barber started life as a slave on a Jamaican sugar plantation and ended it as a schoolmaster in Staffordshire. Using evidence including images, artefacts and eighteenth-century documents, pupils piece together Barber's extraordinary story in the house where he once lived and worked.
Full workshop outline (pdf)pdf logo

 

The library by candlelight

House and Home (Key Stage 1)

Visit Dr Johnson's House to take tea Georgian style, see how rooms were lit by candlelight, dress in Georgian costume and hunt for clues about what homes were like in the 1700s.
Full workshop outline (pdf)pdf logo

English and Literacy

Drawing of Dr Johnson by a particpant in the Marketing Challenge workshop

Johnson's Dictionary (Key Stage 2)

This workshop uses word games and drama to explore the differences between English today and English in Johnson's time, and introduces his famous Dictionary. After considering what makes a good definition, the group have the chance to create their own class dictionary.
Full workshop outline (pdf)pdf logo

 

Marketing Challenge (Key Stage 2)

After undertaking a treasure hunt in Dr Johnson's House to explore the building, its history and its main selling points, the pupils are challenged to design a leaflet promoting Dr Johnson's House to young people, considering the most effective language and presentation. Can be combined with other workshops. Resources available for use as a follow-up activity at school.
Full workshop outline (pdf)pdf logo

Treasure Hunt

Catnapped! (Key Stage 2)

Staute of Hodge the cat facing Dr Johnson's House

Explore the historic City of London, solving puzzles and clues in order to find Dr Johnson's favourite cat, Hodge, who has been Catnapped! This can be done in conjunction with a workshop or as a stand-alone activity. Dr Johnson's House provides maps and clues. Contact us for more information.

 

 

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