Are our grandparents really old?- Lesson
History Resource Description
The lesson titled "Are our grandparents really old?" is an engaging exploration of age, the passage of time, and the concept of change. It begins by encouraging children to think about words associated with being old, using past tense language and temporal terms like 'before' and 'last year' to discuss the idea of age. The children are introduced to the terms 'old', 'new', and 'worn', learning that appearances can be deceptive and that something looking old might not necessarily be from a long time ago. They are then involved in a hands-on activity where they categorize artefacts into groups labelled as old, new, and worn, which helps them understand that 'past' and 'before' indicate events or things from times gone by.
Moving on to a more personal connection, the lesson asks students to bring in photographs of their grandparents both as they are now and from when they were about four years old. This visual comparison sparks discussions about differences between generations and prompts creative activities such as painting their grandparents or what they might have worn. The lesson also includes an interactive element where children invite an older family member to class to share memories, photographs, and items from their childhood, allowing for a comparison of past and present toys and experiences. Additionally, the concept of growth and development is explored through activities involving babies, where children discuss the abilities they have gained since infancy. This comprehensive lesson not only teaches about age and history but also connects children to their family heritage and personal development.