Toys and Games of the Past Facilitated Visit, designed for children in Key Stage 1 groups:

Learning Objectives:

  • To use a range of sources and artefacts to find out about toys and games played with and by children in the past.

  • To identify similarities and differences between toys and games of the past and those used in the present.

  • Identify and name a variety to everyday materials, including wood, glass, metal, ceramic, rope, string.

  • Continue to develop speaking and listening skills.

  • Ask and answer relevant questions about toys and games in the past.

  • Select from a range of components to make a simple toy to take away.

Activities during the day:

Morning 3 groups usually rotate around these activities, each approximately 30 mins long:

Object handling session. This session, led by our staff, provides an opportunity for learners to get hands on with real toys and games from the past. We’ll compare them to toys we use today and think about the different materials used to make toys.  We’ll provide opportunities for sensory investigation, encourage learning through speaking and listening and encourage children to ask questions.

Exploring the Museum. Your staff and adult helpers, with guidance provided by the Museum, will help children explore the museum displays. This is a chance for children to explore the museum and continue to think about what things were like in the ‘the old days’ before we were born by looking at and talking about objects on display from the museum collection. This works best in if the group of approximately 10 are divided further into smaller groups so that groups are spread out throughout the museum and so that the adult leading the group and the children can explore, talk and listen together.

Playing traditional playground games. Our staff will encourage children to experience playtime in the past by enabling children to take part in a range of outdoor games from long ago.

Afternoon 2 groups usually swap between these activities, each approximately 30 mins long

Making an old-fashioned toy to take back to school.  Using simple materials and processes to make a simple toy.

Learn through play by playing with replica toys. Children will be encouraged to try toys that are unfamiliar to them before choosing their favourite toy and explaining their choice. 

At the end of the day, the whole group gathers, spending about 20 mins in total reviewing the day, what we have seen, done, talked about, and if time, listening to and taking part in a themed story.

Curriculum links: History, Science, Design and Technology