PART 1 – In this activity, you will be exploring games and toys from the past, pre sent, and futur e.
Start by thinking about your favorite game or toy. Then answer the questions below on a piece of
paper or in the space provided using words, drawings, or both.
A Playful Past,
Present, and Future
QUESTIONS MY ANSWERS
What is your favorite game or toy?
What materials (fabric, paint, plastic, wood,
etc.) is your favorite game or toy made of?
Why do you like to play with your favorite
game or toy?
What does your favorite game or toy look
like? Make a sketch (a simple and quick
drawing) of your favorite game or toy.
Glossary
Future: the period of time that is to come; something that is going to happen
Past: the period of time before right now; something that has already happened
Present: the period of time that is right now; something that is happening now
PART 3 – Now it is your turn to create a game or toy made of materials found in your home and in
nature. Choose a game or toy that you would like to make. With the help of an adult, look for
materials in your home and in nature that you can use to make the game or toy. Before you create it,
make a plan for your game or toy by answering the questions below on a piece of paper or in the
space provided using words, drawings, or both. Then create the game or toy using your plan.
QUESTIONS ANSWER EXAMPLES MY PLAN
What type of game or
toy will you create?
Ball
Doll
Figure
Game
Mask
Rattle
Other game or toy
What materials will
you use to create your
game or toy?
Clay
Cloth
Colored pencils
Crayons
Glue
Markers
Paint
Paper
Paper towel rolls
Pens
Pencils
Plants
Popsicle sticks
Rocks
Scissors
Sticks
String
Tape
Wood
Other materials
What will you be able to do with the game or
toy?
How will the game or toy work?
What will your game or toy look like? Make a
sketch of what your game or toy will look like.
A Playful Past,
Present, and Future
PART 4 – After learning about dierent games and toys from the past and making a game or toy in
the present, it is time to think about the future of games and toys. Imagine what games and toys
will look like in the future. Then make a drawing or painting that shows what you think one game or
toy will look like in 10, 50, or 100 years from now on a piece of paper or in the space below. Write a
description about this game or toy below your drawing or painting. Include the following
information in your description:
• The name of the game or toy
• The materials the game or toy will be made of
• What you will be able to do with the game or toy/how the game or toy will work
• Why the game or toy will be fun to play with
In the future, I think people will play with this (add game or toy)
The name of it will be
The materials it will be made of are
People will be able to play with it by (add what you will be able to do with it or how it will work)
It will be fun to play with because
My Drawing or Painting
A Playful Past,
Present, and Future
