Elementary school students discover Zoetermeer monuments during Open Monument Day Class Days
Monday, September 8, Alderman Blansjaar (Art and Culture) together with group 7 and 8 of IKC De Springplank opened the 4th edition of the Open Monumentendag Klassendagen Zoetermeer. Eight elementary school are participating this year. In class, students are taught about heritage, followed by a visit to, among other things, windmill De Hoop, community garden De Zoete Aarde or the city model.
"With these Class Days, children learn that their city is more than just buildings. They discover stories, history and the value of heritage in their environment," said Alderman Blansjaar. The lessons are provided by enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteers Jan and Janny tell: "The pupils are very interested in the stories about the Zoetermeer monuments. They listen attentively and participate enthusiastically. The visits also make a big impression. Last year, when visiting windmill De Hoop, pupils were even allowed to grind grain into flour themselves - and taste it. Such experiences make history tangible."
New participants discover heritage
The schools IKC De Gaerde and IKC Da Vinci are participating for the first time this year. Miss Marianne of IKC De Gaerde consciously chooses to participate: "We want children to develop themselves as broadly as possible and also learn something about the history of Zoetermeer." Miss Nanette of IKC Da Vinci emphasizes the importance of culture: "Art & Culture is important in our education. Thanks to this project, children become aware of the heritage in their own city and start to look differently at their surroundings."
Returning schools remain enthusiastic
Other schools are already participating for the third time. Master Ronald of IKC De Springplank sees clear added value: "The program ties in well with citizenship. And the recognition of monuments in the neighborhood appeals to the students." At IKC Stella Nova the enthusiasm is also undiminished, Teacher Manouk: "The Class Days are an accessible and fun way to learn about the history of the city. Especially the visit to the city model is a favorite and stays with them - students find it fascinating to see where their neighborhood or house was built."
Heritage education with a future
The Open Monuments Class Days have been organized by the committee Open Monumentendag Zoetermeer since 2021. Every year the number of participating schools grows. Thanks to the combination of classroom lessons and excursions to local monuments, the history of Zoetermeer becomes lively and personal for young residents. The Class Days fit in well with the regular curriculum and offer children insight into their city - a city that has only grown into the Zoetermeer of today since 1962 - in a playful, recognizable way. The link with the national Open Monumentendag weekend also creates a nice bridge to home: parents and grandparents are also invited to discover the city's heritage with their children.
