How Have Toys Changed?

Reception

Children investigated toys of the past and present to understand how they have changed over time.

During this project, children were immersed in a ‘toy museum’. First of all, they became characters in re-enactments of our key text: ‘Lost in the Toy Museum’. This text inspired lots of games of hide-and-seek outside and children became fascinated with the idea of creating treasure hunts for their friends. During this project, the children were introduced to the school value of ‘curiosity’, learning how to use questioning to find out more. They selected a favourite toy to bring in a share with their peers, using questioning to discover more about the importance of each artefact. They continued to show curiosity as they investigated photos and artefacts in our in-class toy museum and during an incursion with our tenants, Eastside Community Heritage. In both experiences, children observed the similarities and differences between toys of the past and toys of today. The children were inspired by our discussions of museums which influenced their building and roleplay in the construction area. Lots of children used images of the Natural History Museum, a place many had visited, to inspire their own creations. They have been interested in the ways we interact with museums as a public space and designed tickets and posters to specify how we can show responsibility in the museum within our classroom. Finally, the children created a ‘Toy Museum for the Future’ and designed futuristic toys and robots for display in the museum. With much excitement, they prepared for the Year 1’s to visit and hosted a fantastic opening where they described their learning journey to their peers. 

Curriculum links

Head

Problem solving and critical thinking

Foundational skills

Taking control of your learning

Heart

Care and respect

Working collaboratively

Happiness in body and mind

Hand

Creativity and the arts

Expert skills

Design thinking

Underpinned by our seven
key principles...