Homes in the Past
Let's step back in time to see what homes were like for our grandparents. We will discover what household objects they used before we had things like microwaves and washing machines.
TL;DR:Take a trip back in time to discover what school was like for your pupils' grandparents. This topic uses personal history to make the past tangible and exciting for young learners.
About This Topic
This topic explores changes within living memory, a key component of the Key Stage 1 History curriculum in England. While the title is 'Homes in the Past', the provided description and key questions focus specifically on school life. This provides an excellent opportunity for pupils to develop an awareness of the past by comparing their own school experiences with those of their parents and grandparents. Teachers can frame this as 'Life in the Past: School' to align with the learning activities.
Pupils will investigate how aspects of daily school life, such as the classroom environment, lessons, rules, and playtime, have changed over time. The topic encourages the use of historical sources like photographs, artefacts, and oral histories from family members. By engaging with these sources, children will learn to ask and answer questions about the past and begin to understand that life for children was not always the same as it is today. This topic helps pupils place events on a timeline and understand the concept of change over generations.
Key Questions
- Identify three objects in a 1950s kitchen that are different from today.
- Explain how doing the washing has changed over time.
- Compare a modern living room with one from your grandparents' childhood.
Learning Objectives
- Identify similarities and differences between school life today and in their grandparents' generation.
- Ask and answer questions about the past using sources like photographs and interviews.
- Describe how classrooms, lessons, and playtime have changed over time.
- Place aspects of school life on a simple timeline.
- Use vocabulary related to the passing of time, such as 'then', 'now', 'in the past'.
Key Vocabulary
| Slate | A small, dark board, like a mini blackboard, that children wrote on with chalk. |
| Abacus | A wooden frame with beads that slide along wires, used for counting and doing sums. |
| Inkwell | A small pot, often set into a school desk, that held ink for dipping a pen into. |
| Corporal Punishment | Physical punishment, such as being hit with a cane or ruler, which was once used in schools. |
| Break Time | A short break from lessons when children go outside to play. Also known as playtime. |
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionAll schools in the past were exactly the same, with very strict teachers.
What to Teach Instead
Schools varied a lot, just like today. Some were small village schools, others were large city schools. While discipline was often stricter, many teachers were kind and caring.
Common MisconceptionLife was boring for children in the past because they didn't have computers or tablets.
What to Teach Instead
Children had many different toys and games that they enjoyed. They often played outside more and used their imagination to create their own fun with friends.
Common MisconceptionThe past was black and white.
What to Teach Instead
This is a common idea that comes from seeing old photographs. The world has always been in colour; it was just the cameras that couldn't capture it back then.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Mystery Object
A Day in a Victorian Classroom
Transform the classroom for a session to simulate a Victorian school day. Arrange desks in rows, provide chalk and small boards (or black paper and chalk), and enforce rules like standing up to speak. Conclude with a discussion comparing the experience to their normal school day.
Mystery Object
Interview a Grandparent
Pupils prepare a set of questions at school about what school was like for their grandparents or another older relative. They then conduct the interview for homework, recording the answers to share with the class.
Mystery Object
Playground Games from the Past
In a PE lesson or during break time, teach and play traditional playground games. Include classics like hopscotch, marbles, cat's cradle, and skipping with rhymes.
Real-World Connections
- Talking to grandparents and older relatives about their school days strengthens family bonds and respect for older generations.
- Understanding how schools have changed helps pupils appreciate the resources and opportunities they have today.
- Looking at old objects and photographs develops skills of observation and inquiry, similar to what a detective or historian does.
- Learning about old playground games provides new ideas for active play during break times.
- Recognising that rules and daily life can change helps children understand that society is always evolving.
Assessment Ideas
Pupils complete a Venn diagram to compare and contrast their classroom with a classroom from the past, using pictures or words.
Pupils create a 'Then and Now' booklet with drawings and simple sentences showing differences in lessons, uniforms, and playtime.
Pupils use a simple 'thumbs up, thumbs middle, thumbs down' to show their confidence in explaining one way school was different in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did children write on slates instead of in books?
Did all children have to go to school in the past?
What is 'the cane'?
Planning templates for History
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
Unit PlannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
RubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
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