29
Museums, a mirror of the past (2)
Textbook pp. 89–91
GoalKnow the rules to follow in a museum and the jobs of museum staff.
New words
guide · gidguard · posbonrestorer · ta’mirchipermission · ruxsat
Explanation
Museum exhibits are very delicate, and some were made centuries ago. So we treat them with care: we do not touch, shout, run or lean on walls or display cases. In some museums photography or using flash is not allowed because light can fade the colours of ancient pictures; we ask permission first and look at the signs. Different professionals work in a museum: guides tell about the exhibits, guards protect them, restorers repair damaged objects, researchers study them. We do not wander off from the group and stay near the teacher or an adult.
Worked examples
“Rule card”. Before the class visited a museum, Kamola and her friends made a “Museum rules” card: “Don’t touch”, “Speak quietly”, “No photos without permission”, “Stay with the group”. In the museum when a child was about to lean on a display case, Kamola showed the card. The child apologised and stepped back.
Class activity
“Museum role play”: children play guide, guard, restorer and visitor. The guide talks about an exhibit; the visitor asks questions without breaking any rule.
Practice
1
What rules do we follow in a museum? Name three.
Do not touch, speak quietly, stay with the group
2
Why is photography banned in some museums?
Light can fade the colours of ancient pictures
3
What does a restorer do?
Repairs damaged exhibits