Object Handling for Reminiscence Work

The training day will offer an overview of object handling and reminiscence work. Objects can become passageways into history. They can connect a moment in time, a person’s life, a set of values and beliefs.

Coming Soon!

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Description

Objects are increasingly being used in oral history and reminiscence work. They can be used in one to one interviews as a way of prompting the memory of an interviewee and this can be an effective way of enabling an interviewee to talk more freely and personally about the subject matter. When personal recollection is taking place in groups, more general objects can be used to stimulate discussion within the group.

This training course grows from the fact that learning by engaging with objects can be a powerful experience. Whether you are a school teacher, a museum professional, a learner, or simply intrigued by this method of teaching, there will be something here for you.

Objects to use with reminiscence or in museums and education can form the focus of family stories. Stories may trigger memories and feelings in all age groups, but especially in those presenting with dementia who might find it harder to articulate their experiences.

We explore both museum object handling in this course and the balance between protecting the object and facilitating access for learning. We also look at more informal care settings, so if you can’t get access to that rare bone china tea set for an object handling session there are many wonderful things available that are robust enough for the most tactile of learning events. It is possible to find some amazing objects to work with. Unusual objects, quirky things from charity shops, souvenirs from far distant lands, and commonplace household objects easily work too.

By learning about and engaging with new objects we are able to stimulate emotions and feelings and bring these out and improve people’s sense of wellbeing.

Material objects—things, stuff, artefacts – have been part of human development from the moment we are born and are with us through our entire lives (Camic, 2010)

Course Structure

Through this course, we will explore:

  • Finding objects to use
  • Community engagement with object handling
  • Museum learning with objects
  • Wellbeing from remembering
  • Using the senses with objects
  • Group facilitation with objects – a how-to guide
  • Activity themes

Benefits of the Course

  • The real thing – the object links us to a period in time and people that we would have no contact with otherwise.
  • Objects have many sensory qualities: it might produce sound; it will have weight and texture, enabling participants to engage with it in many different ways.
  • A 3-D experience – the object is often something more tactile than a picture or a recording.
  • Objects can prompt thoughts and understanding to develop in a range of different areas. It can also be a quick prompt to our memories – a shortcut to remembering something, someone or somewhere.

What you will achieve

Through this course, you will learn how organisations large and small, freelancers, staff and volunteers can make a real impact on the educational learning of pupils, and also the wellbeing of those living with dementia with only a small initial investment of time, in order to create impact which affects an entire community.

Group Bookings

We are also happy to provide tailor made training specifically for your groups in a location of your choice. To discuss your learning requirements, please contact us.