As my time is winding down here in Copenhagen, Wednesdays get better and better as I get to go on some of the best field studies with my classes, hitting some spots that were on my list to visit before I have to say goodbye!
My Sociology of the Family class went to The Blue Planet to observe family life in Denmark. The Blue Planet is rated one of the top family-friendly attractions in Copenhagen, so we went to see how they accomplished this.
We met with one of the event managers and heard about how the aquarium focuses on educating through story telling, rather than just giving the straight facts. Children retain so much more information if it is shown and told in an entertaining and exciting way. The aquarium staff has a group of storytellers that guide you through the different areas of the attraction, and there is a theatre with educational shows.
We also observed the small things that make a big difference, such as locker rooms, wide spaces fit for strollers, nursing and changing areas, step stools for children to see, a touch pool to learn by feeling different small sea creatures, and spaces created for children to crawl through and explore.
My Sociology of the Family class went to The Blue Planet to observe family life in Denmark. The Blue Planet is rated one of the top family-friendly attractions in Copenhagen, so we went to see how they accomplished this.
We met with one of the event managers and heard about how the aquarium focuses on educating through story telling, rather than just giving the straight facts. Children retain so much more information if it is shown and told in an entertaining and exciting way. The aquarium staff has a group of storytellers that guide you through the different areas of the attraction, and there is a theatre with educational shows.
We also observed the small things that make a big difference, such as locker rooms, wide spaces fit for strollers, nursing and changing areas, step stools for children to see, a touch pool to learn by feeling different small sea creatures, and spaces created for children to crawl through and explore.
Bonus of the field study- Master Chef Denmark happened to be filming a seafood episode when we were there! Can't decide if it's cool or a little odd to be cooking up some fish in the aquarium…
After watching the movie A Royal Affair (highly recommended!) that told the story of Danish King Christian VII, the royal physician Struensee, and Queen Caroline Mathilda, my Danish class went on a tour of Christiansborg Palace to walk in the footsteps of Queen Caroline. We walked through the church that stands in the location of the original church that King Christian VII and Queen Caroline got married in, and then we walked through the royal reception rooms. The most beautiful room was The Great Hall which holds amazing tapestries on the walls that tell 1000 years of Danish history.
The Royal Stables were a highlight to me. They are the only part of the castle that still remain from its origination in 1745. We walked in the riding ring and then into the stables where we got to meet the horses and see some of the original stalls. The royal carriages are also kept in the stables, and they were absolutely beautiful.
With my last field studies being completed, it's starting to sink in that I only have a few more short weeks left here in Copenhagen. It's time to take advantage of every day and to keep exploring the places that this historical city holds!