Daily Routines Compared

Lesson Overview

• Unit: Then and Now: Life (Lesson 4 of 10)
• Key Stage: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Curriculum Area: Understanding the World – Past and Present
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Class Size: 24 students

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Recognise differences and similarities in children's daily routines from the past and today.
• Develop vocabulary related to time and routines (e.g., school, chores, play).
• Begin to understand the concept of chronology by sequencing events.
• Express their ideas through discussion and creative work.

Resources Needed

• Large visual timeline (interactive or printed)
• Storybook about life in the past (e.g., Peepo! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg)
• Picture and object cards (e.g., old toys, school slates, modern tablets, lunchboxes)
• Chart paper and markers
• Cut-out illustrations of activities from the past and present

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – Setting the Scene (15 mins)

Hook (5 mins):

• Display two mysterious boxes: one with objects from the past (e.g., wooden toys, washboard) and one with modern equivalents (e.g., soft toys, washing machine image).
• Ask: What do you think these objects are for? How are they different or the same?

Story Time (10 mins):

• Read Peepo! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg (or a similar book that shows daily life in the past).
• Ask guided questions: What did the baby do during the day? How is this like/unlike what we do today?

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2. Main Activity – Creating a Comparison Chart (30 mins)

Group Discussion (10 mins):

• Show pictures of children from different time periods and ask: What do you think their day looked like?
• Introduce terms: Then (past) and Now (present).
• Display a timeline and place images of daily activities (breakfast, school, play, bedtime) along it.
• Discuss how school was different (wooden desks, chalkboards) and how playtime changed (marbles vs video games).

Sorting Activity (10 mins):

• In pairs, children sort picture cards of activities into two columns: Past and Present.
• Encourage reasoning: Why does this belong in the past?

Creative Chart (10 mins):

• As a class, create a large visual chart showing morning, afternoon, and evening routines Then and Now.
• Each child draws or sticks an image onto the chart to contribute.

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3. Reflection – What Have We Learned? (15 mins)

Movement Game (5 mins):

• Teacher calls out an activity (e.g., washing clothes, going to school, bedtime stories).
• If it belongs in the past, children step backwards. If it belongs in the present, step forwards.
• If it belongs to both, they wave their hands.

Final Thoughts (10 mins):

• Ask: What would you rather have – school in the past or now? Why?
• Discuss similarities: Some things haven't changed, like eating breakfast and playing with friends!
• Encourage students to share a fact with a partner about the past.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe participation during discussion and sorting activities.
• Listen for correct use of past and present vocabulary in student responses.
• Check understanding through contributions to the class chart.

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Extension Activities

• Role-Playing: Set up a "Victorian School" corner where students practice writing on slates.
• Home Link: Ask families to share an old photograph of a relative’s childhood routine and discuss in class.
• Toy Museum: Create a small display of "old and modern" toys and let children describe the differences.

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Teacher Reflection

• Which activities engaged students the most?
• Did children grasp the idea of "Then and Now"?
• How could the lesson be adapted for different learning styles?

This structured approach ensures young learners develop historical understanding in an interactive, age-appropriate way while meeting EYFS curriculum goals.