Using artefacts and written sources creatively

The limitations of the traditional uses of written sources in primary classrooms precede examples of innovative, creative ways in which sources can be decoded, which allow for personal interest and involve the historical enquiry skills. These include finding out when a Roman coin was made, decoding Vindolanda tablets and a Roman tile fragment that has wide implications and reading Tacitus’ account of Boudicca’s rebellion. This leads to making an authentic Roman shield, as described by Polybius, in order to perform a play by Plautus or read an account by Suetonius of how shields were used in a battle. The chapter concludes with a student’s critical analysis of her filmed lesson, using sources.