Then and Now

How did children entertain themselves long ago?

Hint: there is more than one answer.

• making their own toys

• using their imagination to play outdoors

• playing games on a tablet

• reading books

Answer explanation

This child from the early 1900's is making his own toy. He is whittling, or carving, the wood to look like a canoe.

[Eagle Aims Back, Indian boy, of the Glacier National Park Reservation, carving a toy canoe with a jack knife] - b&w film copy neg. | Library of Congress (loc.gov)

This toy is from long ago.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True! Toys from long ago were often made from wood, metal, or other materials found in nature. This toy was photographed in 1918-over 100 years ago!

Toys made by the children Los Angeles, Cal. - digital file from original | Library of Congress (loc.gov)

How does this doll from the mid 1800's compare to dolls we see today?

(The Kindergarten class will discuss in the style of Think, Pair, Share while the teacher records answers).

Answer explanation

Porcelain dolls date back to the mid 1800's. Porcelain is a material that is easy to break like ceramic (coffee mugs). Today's dolls are made mostly out of plastic.

KEITH'S THEATER. DOLL - digital file from original negative | Library of Congress (loc.gov)

What toy from long ago do you see in this photo?

• jump rope

• hopscotch

• hula hoop

Answer explanation

Hula hoops were invented in 1958 but are still used by children today.

[Two young girls with hula hoops outdoors in New York City] - digital file from original photograph | Library of Congress (loc.gov)

How does this classroom from 1900 compare to our classroom?

(The Kindergarten class will discuss in the style of Think, Pair, Share while the teacher records answers).

Answer explanation

This classroom from 1900 has a blackboard instead of a dry erase board or smart T.V. The student in the back is using white chalk to write on the board.

[Classroom scene in Washington, D.C. elementary school - children working with blocks and at blackboard in mathematics class] - b&w film copy neg. | Library of Congress