Lesson: The Surprising Origins of Famous Toys

Ask students to present one of their favorite toys or games in a quick show-and-tell. Have them explain the characteristics of their chosen toy in small groups. Ask: What is it made of? How does it work? What makes it fun to play with? Discuss similarities (e.g., fun and creative) and differences (e.g., might be aimed at different age groups) between the selected toys.

Have students preview the images in the article. Ask for volunteers to share any experiences they have had playing with these toys. Are they similar to any of the toys discussed in Step 1? Distribute “Toy Tales” to students. Then have students read the article and complete the graphic organizer. When everyone has finished, discuss their answers as a class.

Watch the video “Stories Behind the Stuff: Frisbees.” After watching, discuss what they learned. What was the inspiration for the Frisbee? Why is the toy shaped the way it is? Why do you think Frisbees today are made of plastic instead of metal? Discuss what the toys in the article and the Frisbee have in common, focusing on how they were created, why the materials used to make that toy affect how it works, and what similar characteristics those toys have.

Let students explore the National Museum of Play at https://www.museumofplay.org/ and the National Toy Hall of Fame at https://www.toyhalloffame.org. Ask: What toys did students see that stood out to them? Why do they think the toys were included in the exhibits? Distribute the “Presenting: The Best Toy Ever!” skills sheet and have students research the history of another toy. Then let students complete the learning extension (found at the end of the scrollable online article) to design their own exhibits for a museum of play. Their exhibit can include the toy they researched.

Have students complete the article’s “Check for Understanding.” Then hand out “Design Your Own Toy” and have students use the guiding questions to design a toy.

⇨ TAKE OUR POLL: Take a poll about these iconic toys.

⇨ VIDEO EXTRA: Watch a video about the history of the Frisbee.