The Way We Were · Term 2

Daily Routines: Then and Now

Students explore what a typical day looked like for children in the past, comparing it to their own daily routines.

About This Topic

Daily life provides a relatable bridge between the past and the present. By comparing routines, chores, and school days, Year 1 students can see how technology and social changes have altered the 'rhythm' of a child's life. This topic covers AC9HASS1K03, focusing on the similarities and differences between family life now and in the past.

Students learn to appreciate modern conveniences while also recognizing the value of traditions that have stayed the same, like eating together or playing with friends. This topic is best taught through role play and comparative investigations. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of their own daily routines.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The Morning Routine

Divide the class into 'Past' and 'Present'. The 'Past' group acts out lighting a fire and fetching water, while the 'Present' group acts out turning on a light and a tap. They discuss which routine takes longer and why.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Inquiry Circle: The Chore Sort

Students are given cards with chores (e.g., washing clothes by hand, using a dishwasher). They work together to place them on a timeline and discuss how much 'free time' children had in the past compared to now.

⏱ 25 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: What Stays the Same?

After looking at all the changes, partners try to find three things that a child 100 years ago did that we still do today (e.g., sleeping, eating, playing, learning).

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Children in the past only worked and never played.

What to Teach Instead

While chores were more time-consuming, children have always found time for play. Active learning through sharing old games helps students see the 'fun' side of history.

Common Misconception

Life in the past was 'black and white'.

What to Teach Instead

Because of old photos, children often literally think the past lacked color. Using colorful artifacts or vivid storytelling helps them imagine the past as a vibrant, real world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I teach about chores without making the past seem miserable?

Frame chores as a way families worked together to survive. Emphasize the sense of responsibility and the satisfaction of helping the family, rather than just the 'hard work' aspect.

What are some good 'daily life' artifacts to show?

Items like a washboard, a kerosene lamp, or a heavy iron (cold) are great. If you can't get the real thing, look for 'how it works' videos that show the physical effort required to use them.

How can active learning help students understand daily life history?

Role-playing routines allows students to 'feel' the time and effort of the past. When they act out scrubbing clothes on a washboard, they gain a visceral understanding of why the washing machine was such a significant invention. It moves history from a story to an experience.

How do I include First Nations daily life?

Discuss the daily routines of living on Country, such as gathering food, tracking animals, and evening storytelling around a fire. Highlight the deep knowledge of the environment required for these daily tasks.

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