Then and Now

Curriculum Area

Understanding the World – Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), UK National Curriculum

Age Group

Reception (Ages 4-5)

Learning Objective

By the end of the lesson, children will:

• Recognise similarities and differences between life in the past and now.
• Discuss key changes in everyday life using simple vocabulary.

Duration

1 Minute

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Lesson Structure

0:00 – 0:10 | Engage (Hook)

Visual Prompt: Hold up a black-and-white picture of an old telephone and a modern smartphone.

• Ask: “Which one do we use today?”
• Encourage quick responses: “Old or new?”

0:11 – 0:30 | Explore

Use a quick “Then and Now” flash round:

• Transport: Show a picture of a horse and cart vs. a modern car.
• School Life: Show an old classroom vs. a modern classroom.
• Technology: Hold up an old rotary phone vs. a smartphone.

Ask: “What is different?” and take one or two quick verbal responses.

0:31 – 0:50 | Active Participation

• Gestures Game:

  • Say: “Pretend to use an old phone!" (Hold your fingers to your ear like an old telephone.)
  • Say: “Now pretend to use a mobile phone!” (Hold a hand flat and tap like a touchscreen.)

• Quick Reflection:

  • Ask: “Would you rather go to school now or in the past?” (Thumbs up for now, thumbs down for past.)

0:51 – 1:00 | Wrap-Up

• Praise students: “Well done, explorers! You now know how things have changed over time!”
• Exit Question: “Tell a friend one thing that is different between then and now.”

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Resources and Materials

• Pictures of old and modern objects (printed or digital display)
• Simple props like a phone toy or tablet (if available)

Assessment Opportunities

• Observe children's participation in discussions.
• Listen to answers in the flash round to assess understanding.
• Check responses to the exit question.

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Teacher Tips

• Keep energy levels high to maintain engagement in this rapid-fire session.
• Encourage simple, clear vocabulary like “old,” “new,” “past,” and “now.”
• If students struggle, use gestures and exaggerated expressions to support understanding.

This micro-lesson sparks curiosity about history in a fun and interactive way—perfect for little learners on the move! 🎉