History of Toys

Designed specifically for Key Stage One, our History of Toys Day allows pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of history through creative and practical activities, as well as hands-on experience with artefacts. We divide the day into four main sessions.

Travelling Museum

The best way to explore toys, of course, is by playing with them! Explore toys from the past of various types, ranging from metal automata to spinning tops to wooden dolls. The children explore what are the toys made of and how they work.

Archaeology

The pupils continue to develop their historical detective skills by investigating the toys in our dig boxes. The session includes a strong language element and features cross-curricular links with mathematics as the children sort and classify their finds.

Making

The children receive hands-on experience making their own traditional toys from a range of materials. They take part in ‘making and doing’ based on historical evidence.

(View our risk assessment of the day’s activities in a new tab.)

Inventing

If time allows, the pupils design and create their own toys based on the day’s work. From the ‘inventing bags’ pupils pull out components they can use to create their own unique toys and games.

Find further details in the information booklet sent out prior to a booking. All the History Off the Page providers are experienced teachers and storytellers who enjoy working with large groups of children. Generally there will be a story told during the day.

WE ALSO OFFER A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON THE HISTORY OF TOYS

 

How You Contribute to the Day

To make the most of your children’s day, please help us with the following:

  • Adult helpers: The number of children participating determines how many work stations our Teacher brings. Please recruit a corresponding number of adults (teachers, TAs, parents) to oversee the activities and the afternoon session. (Your booking form lists the exact number needed.)
  • The school hall: Please reserve the school hall for the full day (it is not a problem if it is used for lunch).

Please note that we still require adult helpers for in-school days. If this conflicts with your schools coronavirus policies, please let us know — a virtual workshop might be a better option for your school.

SEE OUR DAYS IN ACTION — VIEW OUR TWITTER FEED

 

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP HAS MOVED — SEE OUR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP HERE