Toys at Playtime (Yesterday and Today)
Historical Insights Series
What’s inside...
This series offers a clear look at different aspects of our everyday lives, providing an opportunity to consider how experiences such as playing with toys compare today with those experiences throughout the 1900s.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What differences do you notice between the toys children played with in the past and the toys we have today?
How do you think the toys from the past influenced the way children learned and played?
Can you imagine what it would be like to play only with the toys shown in the book from yesterday? How would that be different from your playtime today?
Why do you think toys change over time?
Which toy from the book would you like to try playing with and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own toys with those in the book to enhance connection and understanding.
Discuss the importance of play in learning and development, tying it back to the toys shown in the book.
Ask your child to think creatively about how kids from the past would have used their toys differently or similarly to today’s play.
Use the illustrations in the book to prompt discussion about historical and societal changes reflected through children's toys.
Reinforce the idea that while toys may change, the joy of playing and learning remains constant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding history through toys
Explanation: The book explores toys from different eras, providing children with a historical perspective on play.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by comparing their own toys to those described in the book, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for history and cultural changes.
Example Lesson: Value of sharing
Explanation: The story highlights how toys are often shared among friends and siblings, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and sharing.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice sharing in their own playtime, helping them develop social skills and empathy.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The book describes how children from different times used their imagination to turn simple objects into playthings.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to use their own creativity to invent new ways to play with their toys or create toys from everyday objects at home.
Example Lesson: Respect for belongings
Explanation: By showing how toys are passed down through generations, the book teaches children to take care of their playthings.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of respecting and maintaining their belongings, which can extend to other personal and shared items.
Example Lesson: Joy of discovery
Explanation: The book encourages exploration of old and new toys, igniting curiosity and excitement about discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace a sense of adventure and curiosity in other aspects of learning, boosting their overall engagement and enthusiasm in educational activities.