Virtual Workshop: History of Toys

Meet our Teacher Craig Hatfield and explore the toys in his workshop. Some are old, some are new, and many are made from different materials and played with in different ways. Can your children spot all the differences?

The topics covered during the workshop include:

  • The materials toys can be made from, including fabric, wood, clay and plastic
  • How toys are constructed
  • The different forces we use to play with toys, including pushing, pulling, twisting, turning, lifting and dropping
  • How toys developed, including tops, dolls and balls

LEARN ABOUT OUR IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOP FOR HISTORY OF TOYS

 

How Does the Workshop Work?

The new workshops consist of two key elements:

  • Individual activities kits for each child in your group .
  • A pre-recorded video made by our knowledgeable teachers.

The workshops can take place in your own room at your own pace – we give you access to the video for several days, so you can rewind, replay, or break up the activities as you see fit.

Most schools find that the workshops fill half a day, although you can spread them out as you see fit.

 

“The children actually applauded at the end of the video. They spent the whole day saying ‘this is the best day ever!’.” — Year  1 Teacher, Cambridgeshire

 

What Activities are Included?

The toys include a jointed bear made of card, a peg doll, a paper football game, a spinning top and a magnetic fishing game.
Some of the toys the children will make during their workshop.

As mentioned, each child will receive an activities kit to match the video. There are a few basic supplies such as PVA glue, scissors, and pencils that the school will need to provide, but otherwise the children will receive the necessary materials to make six projects:

  • A jointed bear from card
  • A magnetic fishing game
  • A spinning top
  • A thaumatrope
  • A tabletop football game
  • A peg doll

The workshop will also come with an information sheet for teachers, which will detail the learning outcomes, extra supplies that might be needed and possible follow-up learning.

 

How Much Does a Virtual Workshop Cost?

Please visit our pricing page for the latest costings.

 

How Do I Book a Workshop?

Please feel free to contact us by form, e-mail or telephone. Let us know the week you would like to use the workshop, and whether you would like the optional live teaching time, and we are happy to help.

Since the virtual workshops do not depend on our diary, you may order them at anytime. (But do allow enough time for delivery!)

 

Do You Offer an In-School Version of the Workshop?

Yes! Our in-school workshop covers much of the same material as our virtual workshop — learn more on our Toys page.

Please be aware, however, that we operate in a limited travel area, and mileage (and possibly B&B charges) will apply. If your school is far from our offices, and/or your group is very small, a virtual workshop may be a better fit for you.

Feel free to contact us with questions and we are happy to look at options with you.