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Summary and Objective
Students will understand that children of bygone eras often played with toys such as dolls that they or others had created for them from materials that were readily available. Students will have learned that the lives of the children of these bygone eras were often dramatically different from their 21st Century lives, (clothing, schooling, food, living conditions ). In the area of "fun" however, students will come to understand that things have not changed over the last three centuries. Students will realize that many games and activities that are enjoyed by them today had their beginnings in the past.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Pre-Activity: Through teacher readings and class discussions students will become aware of broad similarities/differences of toys/games/activities enjoyed by children of long ago and toys/games/activities enjoyed by children in the 21st Century. Students will view the web site PBS Liberty's Kids, "Now and Then" (listed below) which compares life in the 18th and 21st centuries. Students will also view Colonial Toys and Games. This web site gives a broad overview of games and activities enjoyed by Colonial youngsters.
Step 2.
Pre-Activity: Students will visit (if possible) a living history museum that features early American life. They will take part in activities which will sensitize them to children of the past. Through "hands-on" experiences, students will gain a deep understanding of what life was like for these children.
Step 3.
Pre-Activity: Students will be asked to bring to school their favorite doll or stuffed animal. Teachers will share dolls or stuffed animals from their childhood.
Step 4.
Students will view pictures of early American dolls linked to this lesson from the PVMA American Centuries web site, noting similarities/differences between dolls of long ago, and dolls of the present.
Step 5.
Students will assist the teacher in constructing a chart sized Venn Diagram identifying similarities/differences in their dolls and the dolls of the past.
Step 6.
Students will draft a "plan" for creating a "rag doll" of their own design. They will include materials and steps needed for construction of their "rag doll". Teacher will provide a variety of materials and assist students with their creations. Additional adult help in the classroom will be sought as students learn to "sew" simple stitches while creating their "dolls."
Step 7.
Post Activity: Students will share their creations with classmates and invited parents/friends to a "DOUBLE DOLL PARADE". Dolls of the "past" and present will be displayed. Students will be responsible for explaining the steps taken and materials used to create their "rag dolls". Students will demonstrate new understandings of early America through their explanations. Students will be able to verbalize and articulate for parents and friends the similarities and differences between their 21st century dolls and their own "early American creations".
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