Aim:
An introduction to the concept of old and new, past and present, with the development of speaking, listening and recording skills, appropriate to their KS.

Objectives:
Using real and replica toys compare and differentiate between old and new. Comparing materials, colour, form and function in the context of old and new. (Wooden toys generally older than plastic toys, push/pull mechanisms older than clockwork and electrically powered artefacts. Simple sequencing of toys by age using these criteria will be encouraged. The use of descriptive language will be explored.

Resources:
Selection of toys, replica and historic toys, as well as present day toys, which could be brought into the museum by the pupils.

Activities:
Pupils working in pairs or small groups choose a toy to talk about using descriptive words to their group. Prompts to be given.
Pupils would talk about their favourite toy and develop concept “old and new”, and that something old comes from the past.
Identify similarities found and group toys according to criteria, e.g. soft, plastic, models.

Finding out about old toys.  Sorting out old and new, discard new and look at old.  In pairs choose an old toy and answer simple questions. E.g. What is the toy? What colour is it? Does it move? Who would have played with it? What are its similarities or differences to other toys of the same type? Is it old or new?

Teacher lead, using similar toys from different periods in history show how “play” contains elements from the past. The present builds on the past.
Games such as five stones began with bones, clay shapes, wooden blocks, steel and plastic. Skipping, yo-yos and marbles also have a long history.

Links:
Supporting Unit 1 and 2, as found on the Dfes standards site, depending on toys chosen.  It will meet the requirements of the section “Historical Enquiry”
Aid the understanding of chronological understanding, organisation and communication skills. Links to En1 Speaking and Listening 1 2 3 &4. En 3 writing 1& 2. En Reading 1 2 &3.

Extension studies could look at educational toys and games 19th and 20th century.