Toys Today: My Favourite Toy

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is the first in a 7-lesson unit titled "Toys Through Time" designed for Year 1 students. It introduces them to the concept of toys and their significance today by encouraging personal reflection, communication, and historical curiosity. The lesson is structured to meet the National Curriculum for England requirements for History in Key Stage 1, focusing on developing pupils’ understanding of the past through their own experiences and stories.

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National Curriculum Links

History – Key Stage 1
Pupils should be taught to:

• Know and understand the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time (NC: KS1 History Aims).
• Talk about their own experiences and those of others (e.g. family members), recognising that others may have different experiences (NC: KS1 Historical Enquiry).
• Develop an awareness of the past (NC: KS1 Historical Knowledge and Understanding).

English – Spoken Language
Pupils should be taught to:

• Participate in discussions, listen carefully, and express their thoughts and feelings clearly (NC: Spoken Language key stages 1 & 2).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

1. Identify a variety of toys familiar to them in today’s world.
2. Choose and describe their favourite toy using simple sentences.
3. Share personal experiences with peers, developing confidence in speaking and listening.
4. Begin to understand that toys have changed over time, planting curiosity for future lessons.

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Resources Needed

• A basket or box with a diverse selection of modern toys (e.g., soft toy, plastic car, doll, ball, building blocks)
• Photos/images of different toys (optional, to spark interest)
• “All About My Favourite Toy” worksheet (simple drawing section + sentence prompts)
• Large display board or flipchart for class list of toys
• Markers, pencils, crayons
• Timer or visual timer for turn-taking

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 mins)

• Welcome pupils and introduce the unit "Toys Through Time", explaining that today they'll talk about toys they know today.
• Briefly show the toy basket and name some toys, using clear vocabulary and encouraging pupils to repeat or name toys they know.
• Explain that each child will get to say what their favourite toy is and why it is special.

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2. Whole Class Toy Talk (10 mins)

• Invite pupils to name toys they have or know about from the basket or from home.
• Create a visual class list on the display board with the toy names/pictures.
• Emphasise key vocabulary: "favourite," "special," "play," "soft," "fun," "colourful."
• Model a sentence about your own favourite toy, e.g., “My favourite toy is a teddy bear. It is soft and cuddly.”

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3. Independent Activity: My Favourite Toy Worksheet (15 mins)

• Hand out the “All About My Favourite Toy” worksheet.
• Pupils draw their favourite toy in the picture box.
• Support pupils with sentence prompts below the drawing, e.g., “My favourite toy is a _____. I like it because _____.”
• Encourage children to use their phonics skills and teacher/scribe assistance as necessary for sentence writing.
• Circulate and assist as needed, focusing on encouraging communication.

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4. Sharing Circle (10 mins)

• Pupils sit in a circle. Each child takes turns to show their drawing and say their sentence.
• Use a “talking object” (e.g., a soft toy) to manage turn-taking and build listening skills.
• Encourage peers to ask simple questions or comment politely, e.g., “I like your toy,” or “What colour is it?”

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5. Plenary & Reflection (5 mins)

• Recap the purpose: learning about today’s toys and why they are special.
• Highlight some examples of toys shared, reinforcing vocabulary.
• Ask reflective questions: “Did anyone like the same toy?” / “What new toys did you learn about?”
• Preview next lesson: “Next time, we will find out what toys were like a long time ago!”

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Assessment

• Formative assessment will occur during sharing and worksheet activities by noting:

  • Pupils’ ability to articulate ideas about their toy using age-appropriate vocabulary.
  • Participation in discussion and listening skills in the sharing circle.
  • Engagement with the drawing and writing tasks reflecting their understanding.

• Use an observation checklist to mark if pupils:

  • Can name their favourite toy.
  • Use simple descriptive language.
  • Listen and respond appropriately during discussions.

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Differentiation

• For less confident speakers or SEND pupils:

  • Provide sentence starters or scribe responses.
  • Allow them to select from pictures or real objects rather than recalling from memory.
  • Use paired talk before sharing in the larger group.

• For more able pupils:

  • Encourage them to add more detail in their description (e.g., “It is my favourite because it makes sounds and lights up.”)
  • Prompt them to ask questions to the class or make comparisons.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Art and Design: Drawing favourite toys.
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE): Sharing and listening respectfully.
• English: Sentence construction, speaking and listening skills.

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WOW Factor Ideas for Teachers

• Use a toy “mystery bag” where a toy is hidden inside, and the class guesses what it might be based on tactile clues and yes/no questions before revealing it. This sparks curiosity and communication.
• Record some children’s sharings on a simple voice recorder to play back, helping children hear their own voices and story development (can be shared with parents or saved as a unit resource).
• Set up a “toy museum” corner in the classroom where pupils can display their favourite toy drawing for the week.

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This lesson plan builds a solid foundation for enjoyment and engagement in History by starting from pupils’ real-world experiences, fulfilling key National Curriculum aims for enquiry, understanding, and communication in Year 1.