Most history classes look at what life was like for adults, but in this class we will explore what it was like to grow up and be a child at different points in history. Every week will feature an interactive NearPod class where we will explore the houses, foods and clothing of different time periods, before looking at childhood. We'll learn about different toys, what children did all day and what they wore. We'll talk about what school was like in the past (and who went to school) and think about how children learnt if they didn't go to school. Learning about what life was like for children is a great way to engage young learners with history, to capture their interests and to encourage young learners to think about what life is like for people who live in circumstances different to them.

As well as an interactive NearPod, each week, learners will be presented with an image of a different toy within the classroom for learners to ask questions about, make predictions about and discuss with their peers. Learners will also be given different activities, based on the time period discussed, for example, creating their own toy in the style of other explored that week. Learners will also be given a different creative activity each week to help consolidate their learning.

Week 1 - Ancient Egypt
This week, learners will explore the world of Ancient Egypt. We will look at different food and housing in Egypt, as well as have a brief introduction to the time period and look at Tutankhamun, before moving on to look at children more generally. Learners will be presented with different toys and asked to make predictions as to what they are, as well as look at different games children played. We will also look at different schooling and discover some of the subjects that Egyptian children would have learnt.
Activities - Learners will make an ancient Egyptian board game and solve a hieroglyphics puzzle.

Week 2 - Indus Valley Civilisation
This week, learners will explore the different cities in the Indus Valley Civilisation, looking at the ruins from these cities, typical housing and food. We will examine different toys and games, look at who went to school and explore the different subjects that boys and girls would have learnt.
Activities - Learners will create their own Indus Valley style maze and explore some Indus Valley number puzzles.

Week 3 - Ancient Persia
We will look at different food and housing in Persia, as well as have a brief introduction to the time period and spread of the Persian Empire, before moving on to look at children. Learners will be presented with different toys and asked to make predictions as to what they are, as well as look at different games children played. We will also look at different schooling and discover some of the subjects that Persian children would have learnt.
Activities - Learners will have the chance to design a Persian style pull toy and to write their name in the Persian alphabet.

Week 4 - Ancient China
We will look at life in Ancient China, discovering typical food and housing of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Learners will look at toys from ancient China, and explore some different games that were played during this period. We will look at the school system and discuss who went to school and what was learnt. We will talk about the importance of the ancestors and discuss the role of the parent in setting family rules and look at coming of age ceremonies.
Activities - Learners will create their own set of rules (similar to those taught in ancient Chinese schools).

Week 5 - Ancient Greece
We will look at different food and housing in Ancient Greece, as well as have a brief introduction to Greek Gods and the concept of city states. Learners will be presented with different toys and look at different games children played. We will also look at different schooling and discover some of the subjects that Greek children in the city state of Athens would have learnt. We will also look at what life was like for a child in the city state of Sparta and learners will be able to give their opinions about whether they would prefer life in Sparta or Athens.
Activities - Learners will have the chance to create an Ancient Greek style instrument and to write their name in the Ancient Greek alphabet.

Week 6 - Ancient Rome
This week, learners will explore the empire of Ancient Rome, looking at a typical Roman house and discussing the food that Ancient Romans would have eaten. We will look at some of the toys Roman children would have played with, pets they would have owned and games they would have played. Learners will get a chance to explore the school system and have a look at some of the different subjects children would have learnt at school as well as subjects that were learnt outside of the school environment.
Activities - Learners will create their own version of the Roman Children's Amulet and design a Roman outfit for a child.