Pupils from Merley First School enjoyed learning about the toys and games played with by children in Victorian times during their visit to the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne Minster.
The Year 1 pupils were accompanied by teachers and helpers on the visit, which was timed to coincide with a school topic: Toys Through History.

PLEASE MISS: Pupils from Merley First School at the Museum of East Dorset with their teacher Miss Legge in character as a Victorian schoolmistress

Year 1 teacher Miss Legge said: “The pupils had a wonderful morning learning about all sorts of toys and games which were enjoyed by children in years gone by.
“They made peg dolls and also learned how to spin tops and catch balls in cups, which was more difficult than it looked, but a lot of fun.
“We are very grateful to the museum guides who gave us all such fascinating insights into what life was like for children.
“Our pupils were enthralled by the stories they heard and the toys they were able to see, touch and in some cases play with.
“I have no doubt this visit will provoke a great deal of discussion back at school and many calls to visit the museum again.”
John, five, said: “I liked trying to catch the ball on the string in the cup best.
“It took me lots and lots of goes but I did get it in.”
Esme, five, said: “I liked hearing about the toy dog which King Edward gave to a little girl called Barbara Baker from Wimborne. “It was inside a glass cabinet and it looked very real.
“We also saw the old classroom with small desks and Miss Legge dressed up as an old-fashioned teacher which was very funny.”
Jack, five, said: “I liked the penny farthing bike. It was very different to my bike because it is made from metal and has no tyres, so it would have been very bumpy to ride.”
Lydia, five, added: “I liked making a peg doll best. I made a boy doll and I am taking it home with me to show my family.”
Katharine Anstey, headteacher of Merley First School, said: “We are very lucky to have this wonderful museum which gives such fascinating insights into what life was like for people in Wimborne in times past.
“The children walked to the museum filled with excitement for what they would see and do and Miss Legge tells me they all walked back to school again buzzing with the games they had played and all they had learned.”

PLEASE MISS: Pupils from Merley First School at the Museum of East Dorset with their teacher Miss Legge in character as a Victorian schoolmistress