Differences and Similarities: A Toy Box Tale
This interactive program based on the My grandmother's toy box storybook, provides a unique view of life in the past.
In this virtual history incursion for F-2 students, discover what toys can teach us about how people lived in the past.
Students will experience
- Listen to an interactive, narrative story
- Discuss features of objects
- Ask historical questions
- Identify similarities and differences between toys of the past and their own toys
- Create a timeline together
Students will learn
- About toys children played with in the past and how these have changed over time
- That objects can give us clues about how people lived in the past
- How their lives, toys and technology compare to the lives, toys and technology of children from the past
- About continuity and change – how some things have changed and how some things have stayed the same
- What is a timeline and how the chronological order of objects can show change
Students will need
- Each student will require a timeline worksheet during the session. Teachers will be emailed this resource and will need to download and print a copy for every student.
Additional resources
- Additional resources will be provided for teachers to assist in consolidating student learning after the session.
- Toys over time learning kit
Availability
Terms 2 to 4, Monday to Friday
9:30am, 1:30pm
Duration: 45 minutes
Student information
Years F to 2
Minimum 20 students
Maximum 90 students
Bookings
$90 per 30 students + $35 education booking fee
Call 13 11 02
Online class
Exclusive to your classroom, interactive
Victorian Curriculum Links
History: Foundation to Level 2
Personal histories
- the stories of family and close connections, where they were born and raised, and how they are related to each other (VC2HH2K01)
- differences and similarities between students’ daily lives and how these have changed or remained the same over time (VC2HH2K03)
Historical questions
- ask historical questions about objects, people, places and events in the past and present (VC2HH2S01)
- sequence events chronologically (VC2HH2S02)
Use historical sources
- identify the features and content of sources (VC2HH2S03)
Continuity and change
- identify examples of continuity and change by comparing the past and present (VC2HH2S05)
Causes and consequences
- identify the causes and consequences of changes (VC2HH2S06)
Historical significance
- create a chronological account of events using historical terms and information from sources (VC2HH2S08)
FAQs
An online class is an exclusive program for your school run via Teams. These interactive classes include two-way communication between the facilitator and classrooms. Teachers and museum educators have their cameras on during these sessions.
An online class costs $90 per 30 students (1 connection) + an education booking fee of $35.
- 30 students/1 connection $90 + $35 education booking fee
- 60 students/2 connections $180 + $35 education booking fee
- 90 students/3 connections $270 + $35 education booking fee
- 120 students/4 connections $360 + $35 education booking fee
Visit our webpages to explore the range of classes. Once you find a session you’d like to book, call our bookings team on 13 11 02. After you’ve booked you will receive instructions on how to join the session. You can pass those instructions onto your students.
The Museums Victoria education team from Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum deliver our online classes. Our education team are experienced educators and have up-to-date Working with Children Checks, which can be provided electronically on request.
Yes, however, we recommend using the activities and resources alongside the online class to ensure deeper learning outcomes.
Online classes at Museums Victoria are run via Teams. It’s free and easy to use. All you need is a computer or device with internet access, with a web cam and mic if possible.
If you have never used Teams before, it is worthwhile using the link the day before to download and ensure functionality, such as camera and mic access.
We ask that teachers join the session using the link at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. It is possible for students working from home to join on a separate link.
Click the link and follow the prompts to open Teams (don’t run in your browser, unless you have trouble downloading the App). Once it’s up and running you'll be placed in a waiting room.
Teachers do not need to make an account to join the meeting. They will be asked to enter a name. Please enter your school and class name (eg. Cheshire PS, 4G) so you can be admitted from the waiting room.
We ask teachers to connect to our online class link early as they may need time to download Teams and turn on functionality like cameras and mics.
Yes, teachers are responsible for their students and hold the duty of care for students during all online classes. Helping to monitor student behaviour is appreciated. Some online classes require teachers to join earlier, settle their students, and then hand over to Museums Victoria educators.
No, online classes are exclusive to your class.
Due to child privacy laws, we are unable to record online classes. As such, we offer our programs regularly to maximise the opportunity for all students to attend.
We encourage teachers to consider the privacy of their students in their homes during online classes and ask that no screenshots or pictures are taken during sessions with other schools. However, pictures can be taken if you have negotiated permission with your own class.
No, these classes are developed to be booked by a teacher and delivered to a class of students. Home school networks are of course welcome to book online classes.
Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund
The Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund aims to enhance access to our museums (Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum), programs and events by offering free or subsidised education programs for eligible schools. Find out more about the fund.
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