The session starts with a comparison of the life of an ordinary Victorian
child with children today. This includes a discussion of whether they would
have had many toys and what else they might have been doing.
A pedlar’s basket full of Victorian toys is unpacked and the toys handed
out in bags to each pair of children. In turn each pair unwrap their toy and
it is discussed in relation to what it is and what it is made from.
It soon becomes apparent that the toys are made of natural materials with
no plastic or electrical components.
After the antique toys have been examined and discussed, brightly coloured
boxes of replica Victorian toys are handed out between groups of 4-5
children. Everybody has a chance to examine and play with the toys.
With older groups of children the Health and Safety aspects of some
of the antique toys can also be discussed. Issues that
can be raised include:
