Ongoing project
Two 3rd and 4th class primary school classes gathered information from parents and grandparents about their childhoods, including celebratory holidays and traditions for a curriculum history module, and engaged with the museum to explore the subject.
As a group they also watched the RTE Today Show with Dáithí and Maura for the lovely piece on some of the objects/stories in the Museum of Childhood Ireland’s collection.
https://www.rte.ie/player/series/today/SI0000000197?epguid=IH10002381-24-0118
The class and teachers warmly welcomed the Museum of Childhood Ireland, Músaem Óige na hÉireann to their school last week and the stories and exploration of play items similar to those in the museum’s collection began…
Lesson Plan: History: Schools, Then and Now
Grade: 3rd Class
Subject Area: History
Strand: Local Studies
Strand Unit: Schools, Then and Now / Games in the Past / Games Nowadays
Duration: 2 weeks
Learning Objectives
Fortnight 1: My School
- Investigate the development of present buildings and the history of earlier school buildings.
- Become familiar with the story of the school’s founder(s).
- Attempt to reconstruct a school day in the past using various evidence (memories of former pupils, old textbooks, photographs, etc.)
- Compare school furniture and equipment of the past with those of today.
- Examine old roll books or other records.
Fortnight 2: Games and Pastimes in the Past
- Become familiar with games and pastimes enjoyed in the locality.
- Explore and discuss games and pastimes enjoyed by parents and grandparents.
- Learn about games and pastimes enjoyed by children in ancient societies and in other lands.
Lesson Overview
Fortnight 1: My School
Day 1: Introduction to Schools of the Past
- Discussion (15 minutes): Start with a brainstorming session. Ask students, “What do we know about schools long ago?” Record their ideas on the whiteboard.
- Activity (20 minutes): Read a comprehension passage comparing schools in the past to schools today. Discuss the key differences and similarities.
- Comprehension Questions (15 minutes): Distribute comprehension questions related to the passage. Allow students time to complete them.
Day 2: Exploring the Past
- Class Discussion (20 minutes): Compare and contrast children’s ideas about schools now and schools long ago. Facilitate a discussion on how they feel about each.
- Evidence Gathering (20 minutes): Show examples of evidence (e.g., old textbooks, photographs). If possible, bring in items from former pupils or have students share stories from family members.
- Recording Traditions (10 minutes): Ask students to write down any traditions from their family related to schooling. If they can’t identify any, encourage them to create one for today.
Fortnight 2: Games and Pastimes in the Past
Day 1: Introduction to Pastimes
- Discussion (15 minutes): Start with a discussion about games children play today. Record responses on the whiteboard.
- Exploration (25 minutes): Share stories of games and pastimes from parents and grandparents. Invite students to share what they’ve learned at home.
Day 2: Games in Different Cultures
- Research Activity (30 minutes): In groups, research games enjoyed by children in ancient societies or other cultures. Use books, online resources, or videos.
- Presentation (15 minutes): Each group presents their findings, discussing the games, rules, and how they differ from modern games.
Assessment
- Participation in discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Completion of comprehension questions.
- Group presentations on games and pastimes.
Extensions
- Create a timeline displaying the evolution of schools over the years.
- Create a timeline displaying the evolution of games over the years.
- Organise a “Games Day” where students can play traditional games discussed in class.
