Little Bear and the Treasure Box art and objects
Look slowly at this tombstone. What do you see, notice and wonder about it? If you could ask Regina a question what would it be?
Bring the Tombstone of Regina from Arbeia Roman Fort to life. Run your hands over some brick or a rough wall to feel the sandstone of this tombstone. Touch the surface of a coin to find out how the carved image of Regina and the objects might feel. There is a basket with wool by her feet; find some wool or a jumper to touch. You can feel something made of wood for the jewellery box she holds open on the ground. Find something smooth and rounded to touch for the tools she rests in her lap that are used for spinning wool. They are called a distaff and spindle whorl.
Put some coins in a bag and shake them. Next shake them in your hands. Are the sounds different? Experiment with different sized coins and compare the sounds. What about the weight, which is heavier?
Bring these Roman coins to life. Take some paper and a pencil and make a rubbing of the front and back of coins you have at home. Do your coins have a face on one side and a different picture on the other side? Listen to the story again and shake your coins when Little Bear is given his freedom.
Sing along and learn Alice the Camel counting song.
Bring this photo of a camel in the desert to life. Sprinkle some cornmeal, or flour or sugar in a tray large enough for you to stand on so you can feel the sand under your feet. Your adult can warm it first by leaving it in the sun. Find something furry and soft, like a stuffed animal to pet for the camels fur. Make your own hump by putting a pillow or two, or rolled up towels on your back under your shirt and walk around the room, batting your eyes, flaring your nose, and making spitting sounds, just like a camel.
This boot belonged to a Roman soldier from Arbeia Roman Fort. Pretend to be a Roman soldier. What things will you do? Where will you go? Draw, write, tell or act out your story.
Bring the sole of these hobnail boots to life. Hobnails are made of metal and feel like the under side of a thumb tack or nail hammered into the leather. Have your adult show you some tacks or nails to see what they look and feel like. Try on a pair of lace up shoes to see what the boots would have felt like.
