The artefacts and teaching resources in this box are designed to complement QCA History Unit 1: How are our toys different from those in the past?
They have been chosen to represent toys from the more recent past. They date from, or were available in, the 1970s and early 1980s. Some of them are more modern versions of toys in the Traditional Toys Loan Box, which is also available from Enfield Museum Service.
Handling, observing and asking questions about these artefacts will help students look at similarities and differences between toys today and toys in the past, understand the concept of 'old' and 'new', and think about the changes in their own lives and in those of their family or adults around them.
Download QCA History Unit 1: How are our toys different from those in the past? Scheme of Work.(This link to an external web-site will open in a new window.)
Marbles
Marbles continued to be popular with children in the 70's. Larger, more colourful
designs and effects, became available, although similar games were played
with them.
Model Car
Dating from circa 1975, this die-cast, metal Ambulance was made by Matchbox.
Model Car
Dating from circa 1975, this Batmobile, from the Batman
series, was made by Corgi.
Model Aeroplane
This plastic model of a World War Two fighter, the Republic P47D Thunderbolt,
dates from circa 1975.
Bat & Ball Game
The Bam, Bam, Biff, Bat was made by Woolbro, and dates from
circa 1975.
Yo-Yo
This plastic version of the traditional toy, dates from circa 1975.
Cup and Ball game
This is a 1970's version of the traditional game. It would have had a ping
pong ball to fire from, and catch, in the basket.
Spinning Top
This is a 1970's plastic version of the traditional top. It spins over onto
the stem when spun fast enough.
Puzzle
This coloured ball, tower puzzle appeared in the mid '80's, after the more
famous Rubik's Cube (1980-83).
Dice
These date from circa 1975. They were used, along with a score card, to play
a virtual football game.
Finger Puppet
Made from rubber these were popular in the 1970's and 80's. They were used
as finger puppets and also as pen tops.
Mr Men Wobble Figure
This figure, of Mr Silly, is from the popular Mr Men series of books
which appeared in 1971, and were televised in 1975.
Clockwork Toy
This wind-up snowman probably dates from the late '80's, although similar
models were available in the 70's.
Model Figure
Made by Britains Ltd in the 70's these were extremely popular, both
for playing with and collecting.
Top Trumps Cards
These were the Pokemon of the '70's and were collected, traded, and
played with (by beating your opponent's card for a category).
Barbie Doll
Launched in 1959, this example was purchased for the collection in 2002. It's
basic design has changed little from the 1970's.
Action Man
Launched in 1966, this example dates from circa 1975. It is an early version
with bristle hair and rigid hands.
