Toy Makers Today

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 1 students to the people and processes involved in creating the toys they play with. As the fourth lesson in the unit Toys Through Time, this session aligns with the National Curriculum for England by developing understanding of historical and modern manufacturing, exploring roles in production, and encouraging curiosity about how everyday objects are made.

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National Curriculum Links

History

• Key stage 1
  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • Changes within living memory (where appropriate, these should be used to reveal aspects of change in national life)
    • Understand key features of events (Toys through time context - how toys have changed and how they are made)
    • Know about significant individuals from the past (e.g. toy makers or inventors)

Design and Technology

• Key stage 1
  • Use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes (linked with designing toys - broadening understanding of creating products)
  • Design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria
  • Explore and use mechanisms (including levers, sliders, wheels and axles) in their products
  • Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Recognise the different people involved in creating toys (designers, makers, factory workers, inventors)
• Understand simple steps of the toy-making process from idea to finished product
• Talk about how toys today are designed and manufactured
• Develop vocabulary related to toy production (e.g. designer, inventor, factory, materials)
• Participate in role-play to embody the roles involved in toy creation

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Resources Needed

• Large printed picture cards illustrating roles: toy designer, inventor, factory worker, packager
• Simple images/photographs showing stages of toy making (sketching, prototyping, moulding, painting, packing)
• Assortment of toy parts or simple construction kits (e.g. building blocks, wheels, plastic shapes)
• Whiteboard and coloured markers
• Role badges or hats to represent production roles
• Storybook or short video about toy invention or production (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle and show a favourite toy. Ask:
  • Who do you think made this toy?
  • How do you think toys are made?
• Introduce the idea that toys are created by lots of people working together, just like a team.
• Introduce key vocabulary: designer, inventor, maker, factory worker, packager.

2. Teacher Input: Meet the Toy Makers (10 minutes)

• Show picture cards one at a time. For each role, explain:
  • Designer – thinks of what the toy will look like and how it will work
  • Inventor – comes up with new ideas and features for toys
  • Factory Worker – helps build, paint, and put parts together
  • Packager – makes sure toys are ready to be sent to the shop
• Invite children to ask questions about each role.
• Use simple flow diagrams on the whiteboard to show the journey from idea to shop shelf.

3. Interactive Activity: Toy Factory Role-Play (20 minutes)

• Divide the class into four groups, each assigned a role.
• Provide groups with relevant props (badges, toy parts, drawing paper).
• Designer group: Draw simple new toy ideas (e.g. a toy car with wings).
• Inventor group: Think of what makes a toy special (e.g. lights, sounds) and share ideas aloud.
• Factory Worker group: Use toy parts to build or assemble simple models.
• Packager group: Create “packages” using paper and stickers, ready for pretend shipping.
• After 15 minutes, groups come together to share their part in the toy-making process, passing their “toy” along the chain.

4. Reflection and Discussion (7 minutes)

• Sit back as a whole class. Ask:
  • What did you enjoy about each job?
  • Why do you think teamwork is important in making toys?
  • Can you think of a new toy idea? Who would help make it?
• Highlight that modern toys often use machines but still need clever people to make them.

5. Plenary and Assessment (3 minutes)

• Quick quiz: Show pictures of roles and ask children to name them and what they do.
• Assess understanding by noting their responses and engagement during role-play and discussion.

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Differentiation

• For less confident pupils: Pair with a stronger peer during role-play, provide simpler picture prompts.
• For more able pupils: Challenge to think of more detailed toy features or design a label for packaging.
• Sensory learners: Use tactile toy parts or modelling clay to create simple shapes.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Speaking and listening skills during role-play and discussions.
• Art & Design: Drawing and designing toys.
• PSHE: Understanding teamwork and cooperation.

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Extension Ideas

• Invite a local toy maker or parent with relevant expertise to a future lesson.
• Follow-up art project designing toys with recycled materials.
• Create a class book titled “Our Toy Makers” featuring pupils’ ideas and drawings.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Emphasise real-life skills like collaboration and creativity.
• Use positive reinforcement to nurture curiosity about making and inventing.
• Keep terminology simple but consistent to build vocabulary.
• Link concepts to pupils' own experiences with their favourite toys to deepen engagement.

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This lesson plan supports the National Curriculum's aim to help young pupils understand continuity and change in familiar settings, ensuring a meaningful, creative, and age-appropriate exploration of the people behind the toys they love.