Games: History & Geography

History: Games & Toys

In this module, children learn about games and toys from the past, especially the 1940 - 1960 period. They look at how toys and games have changed over time. Remember many toys have been around for a long time such as balloons, jigsaw puzzles, lego, mála, play-doh, meccano, footballs, monopoly, hula hoop.

Sources Include:

(1) Reminiscences:

a. oral and written

b. Extracts from published personal histories

(2) Photographs:

a. old photographs

b. photographs of old dolls or toys

(3) Modern photographs of items in:

c. antique / secondhand shops

d. Local museums / big houses

(4) Toy Manufacturers e.g. Crolly Dolls in Donegal

(5) Children's Books are toys, as are annuals, comics etc

(6) Books on School / Street Games & Rhymes e.g. Eilis O'Brady All in! All in! Leslie Daiken, the Opies etc.

(7) School's Folklore Collection (copyright of Irish Folklore Institute)

Geography: Games & Play Areas

In this module, children learn about the geography of play places, what they are, where and when they are located, how they are arranged.

Sources Include:

(1) Local newspapers or magazines featuring launches, openings etc.

(2) Recent photographs of play areas or children using play areas

(3) Audio sources: children's accounts of playing in playgrounds/ parks / outings taken

(4) School / Street Rhymes (collect from children)

(5) Local festivals e.g. Cork Street festival

Different types of media can be used as well - ranging from the images, audio, pdf, video and including digital books also.