Format
For all of us, the magic of childhood clings to dolls and toys. The objects in the Museum's collection bring to mind an entire world - an unforgettable place in time. Join the Museum on the journey into toy invention. The program begins with a look at numerous old toys from the collection. We will compare and contrast toys from the 1880's vs. 1980s. We then discuss why these toys were invented and the role of society on their creation. Show and tell of the students ideas is then encouraged. With the help of the facilitator the participants brainstorm and pull together ideas the might work for a new toy. Time is allowed for questions and answers.
Objectives
The participants will develop an appreciation of toys from the past. They will explore the challenges of meeting needs and wants of today's consumer and they will engage in a discussion about popular toys. Participants share ideas in a fun and challenging group brainstorming session. They will have a new appreciation for the toys they see in the store.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
Content Understanding:Communities Around the World-Learning About People and Places
1) People make toys that represent their own lives so the toys that children played with 100 years ago are not the same as the toys children play with now. For example, there are toy cars in the museum that look like real cars from the early 1930s. A discussion of why those toys were invented is covered.
2) Examples of toys the students play with today are very different from those played with in the past. Culture has changed and we learn about how that impacts society.
State Standards
Critical Thinking, Comprehension and Problem Solving
Oral Language Development
Applying Language Skills