List it! - Our toys that Victorian children didn't have

In this engaging task designed for Year 2 students, children are encouraged to think about the differences between their own playtime experiences and those of children from the Victorian era. They are given a simple but thought-provoking activity: to list as many modern toys as they can that Victorian children would not have had access to. Each correct toy listed earns the student 2 points, incentivizing them to think creatively and broadly about the vast array of toys available today.

The exercise is not only a fun challenge but also an educational opportunity, as it allows children to reflect on technological and societal advancements since the 19th century. It's a timed activity, with students having 10 minutes to compile their lists. Importantly, for this particular task, spelling accuracy is not the focus, allowing children to concentrate on the content of their lists without the pressure of orthographic correctness. After listing modern toys, students are also prompted to consider the broader question of how Victorian times have influenced our lives today, linking historical understanding with contemporary life.