Toys Through Time

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Year 1 students to the history of classic toys focusing on the penny spinner and ball in a cup. Through discussion, observation, and hands-on creation, children will explore how toys from the past were used and valued, linking play to cultural and historical context as outlined in the National Curriculum for England (History).

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National Curriculum Links

• History - KS1

  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • Changes within living memory. Where appropriate, these should be used to reveal aspects of change in national life.
    • Events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally.
    • Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality.

• Science - Working Scientifically (skills developed through practical work)

  • Asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways.
  • Using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.

• Art and Design / D&T (Design and Technology)

  • Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

1. Understand that some toys have been played with for many years and identify two classic toys: penny spinner and ball in a cup.
2. Describe how these toys were used in the past and what they tell us about playtime in history.
3. Develop fine motor skills and creativity by making their own penny spinner and ball in a cup using simple materials.
4. Use observational skills to compare their toys to the original versions and share their experiences.

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Resources Needed

• Real examples or images of penny spinners and ball in a cup toys (old and modern versions)
• Plastic cups, string, ping-pong balls or small lightweight balls
• Paper, cardboard, pencils, scissors (child-safe), paper fasteners, glue sticks
• Penny-spinner templates (cardboard discs) and lollipop sticks or pencils
• Display board with simple timeline visuals (toys through time)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheet for reflection (draw and label their toy)

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Lesson Timetable

Time	Activity	Details & Teacher Notes
0-10 mins	Starter: Toy Timeline Chat	Introduce “Toys Through Time” with visual timeline on board. Show pictures/examples of penny spinner and ball in a cup. Discuss: Did children long ago play with toys like these? What toys do you like now?
10-20 mins	Story and Discussion: Toys of the Past	Teacher tells a short simple story about how children used to play with penny spinners and ball in a cup 100+ years ago. Include historical facts — e.g., toys made at home, no electricity, importance of toys in play and friendship. Invite observations and questions.
20-40 mins	Creative Workshop: Make Your Own Toys	- Group 1: Penny spinner construction - cut discs, thread paper fasteners, attach sticks.

• Group 2: Ball in a cup - attach string to cup and ball, decorate cup.
  Teacher circulates, scaffolds cutting and joining safely, encourages creativity. Emphasize similarities to historical designs. | | 40-50 mins | Play and Explore | Students practise using their toys in pairs. Discuss what is challenging and fun. Encourage use of new vocabulary (“spin”, “catch”, “balance”). Observe perseverance and fine motor control. | | 50-60 mins | Review & Reflect | Gather students to share their toys and experiences. Complete a simple worksheet: draw their toy and write one sentence about how children played with this toy long ago. Summarise the importance of toys through time and how they help us understand the past. |

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Differentiation

• Provide pre-cut templates and string for children with fine motor difficulties.
• Offer extra challenge by encouraging some students to design patterns on their toys inspired by Victorian or Edwardian motifs.
• Use peer support, pairing confident cutters with those needing assistance.

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Assessment for Learning

• Formative: Teacher observes participation during discussion and toy-making, noting understanding of toy history and ability to follow instructions safely.
• Summative: Review completed worksheets for accuracy in drawing and simple understanding of historical use.
• Questioning throughout ensures pupils can recall key facts and vocabulary.

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Curriculum Competencies Developed

• Historical understanding of changes over time and continuity in children’s play.
• Development of fine motor control through cutting, threading, assembling.
• Building speaking and listening skills via discussion of past and present.
• Creativity and problem-solving in toy construction activities.

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Extension Ideas

• Display the students’ toys as a “Toys Through Time” exhibit in the classroom with captions explaining their history.
• Invite parents to a “Classic Toys Afternoon” where children demonstrate their toys and share knowledge gained.

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Teacher Tips

• Use storytelling with vivid descriptive language to bring history to life.
• Reinforce vocabulary with visual aids and hands-on examples.
• Celebrate each student’s effort to build confidence and pride in their creation.

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This lesson plan aligns directly with the Year 1 History programme of study in the National Curriculum for England and integrates cross-curricular skills in Art and Design, Science, and English. It creates a memorable, engaging historical enquiry through tactile learning and creativity, perfect for deepening young children’s appreciation of the past through play.