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Then and Now: Work and Play – ‘Then and Now’ explained – ‘Then’ means the past, ‘Now’ means today – Time: past vs. present – Past is what happened before, present is what’s happening now – Changes in work over time – Long ago, people worked differently than we do today – How play has evolved – The games children played long ago were not like the games today | This slide introduces the concept of ‘Then and Now’ to first graders, helping them understand the difference between the past and the present. It sets the stage for a discussion on how activities such as work and play have changed over time. Emphasize the concept of time by comparing familiar routines and objects from their daily lives to those of children in the past. Use simple language and relatable examples to illustrate changes, such as the difference between playing with wooden toys in the past and electronic games today, or how people used to wash clothes by hand before the invention of washing machines. Encourage students to ask questions about their own family’s past to make the lesson more engaging and personal.

Work Then and Now: A Comparison – Long ago, jobs were mostly on farms – Now, we have many different jobs – Comparing old and new job tools – Think about a farmer’s tools then vs. a modern tractor – Understanding work changes over time – How has technology changed the way people work? | This slide introduces students to the concept of how work has evolved from the past to the present. Begin by discussing how in the past, many people’s lives revolved around farming and agriculture. Today, the job landscape is diverse, with professions like teaching, medicine, and engineering. Encourage students to think about the tools used in various jobs then and now, such as the transition from simple farming implements to advanced machinery like tractors. This comparison will help students understand the impact of technological advancements on work. Use pictures of old and new job tools to visually support the discussion. Ask students to consider how these changes have made work different and often easier, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about progress and innovation in society.

Play Then and Now: Games and Toys – Games from long ago vs. today – Marbles, hopscotch then; video games, apps now – Toys of the past and present – Wooden toys, dolls then; action figures, electronic toys now – Guess grandparents’ childhood games – Did they play tag, hide and seek, or jump rope? – Discuss differences and similarities | This slide aims to engage first-grade students in a discussion about the evolution of play over time. Start by comparing the games children played in the past with those played today, highlighting how outdoor and physical games like marbles and hopscotch have given way to digital entertainment like video games. Move on to toys, contrasting simple, often handmade toys like wooden figures with today’s complex, technology-driven toys. Encourage students to think about what games their grandparents might have played, fostering a connection between generations. Discuss how play has changed due to technology and lifestyle, but also note that some games, like tag or hide and seek, remain timeless. This will help students appreciate history and the universality of play across ages.

Daily Life: Past and Present – Life changes over time – Clothes and food differences – Long ago, clothes were handmade, and food was grown or hunted – Travel to school: Then vs Now – Children often walked or rode horses to school, unlike our buses and cars today – Activity: Imagine the past | This slide aims to help first graders understand the concept of change over time, specifically focusing on daily life aspects such as clothing, food, and transportation to school. Start by discussing how life has evolved, highlighting that changes occur in what we wear and what we eat. Explain that in the past, clothes were usually made by hand, not bought from stores, and most food was grown at home or hunted. Discuss how getting to school has also changed; many children used to walk long distances or ride horses, unlike today’s school buses or cars. Conclude with an activity where students draw a picture of how they imagine children lived in the past, focusing on these aspects of daily life. This will engage their creativity and help them connect personally with the historical concepts being taught.

Technology Then and Now – What is technology? – Technology is using tools to make life easier! – Old vs. New tools and machines – Before: washboards for clothes, Now: washing machines – Technology changes work and play – Computers and robots help us work faster and have more time for fun! – Examples of technology in our lives – Like smartphones for calling and games, or cars for traveling | This slide introduces the concept of technology to first graders by defining it in a simple way and comparing tools and machines from the past to those used today. Emphasize how technology has evolved to make tasks easier and more efficient, affecting both work and play. Discuss how old tools like washboards and typewriters have been replaced by washing machines and computers. Highlight that technology allows us to do things quicker, giving us more time to enjoy and play. Encourage students to think of examples of technology they use at home or in school and how it helps them in their daily lives.

Class Activity: Then and Now Collage – Let’s make a ‘Then and Now’ collage – Find pictures of work and play – Look for images from magazines or printouts – Choose old and new pictures – Find images from long ago and today – Glue them to show differences and similarities – Think about how they are alike and how they have changed | This activity is designed to help first graders understand the concept of change over time, specifically in the context of work and play. Provide a variety of magazines, printouts, and other resources where students can find images representing different eras. Guide them to select pictures that illustrate both past and present scenarios of work (like farming with animals versus modern tractors) and play (such as playing with marbles versus video games). Encourage them to discuss their choices with classmates and explain why they chose each image. This will foster critical thinking and help them grasp the evolution of daily life. Possible variations of the activity could include focusing on specific themes, such as transportation, communication, or clothing.