Resource: Living in the Past

Description

This resource uses a narrative device to examine family structures and daily life in the past , in order to help younger students connect with different ways of life.  Case studies are presented from 7 time and space locations, describing the life of an imaginary approximately 8 year old child in each.

The chosen locations are:

• Aboriginal Australia before contact with Europeans,
• Ancient Egypt,
• Ancient Rome,
• Ancient China,
• Aztec Mexico,
• Zulu Southern Africa before European contact, and
• 1840s Brisbane in Queensland.

In line with Year 2 Australian Curriculum requirements, a guide to comparing technology in each story is given at the back of the resource.  Teachers can use the stories to compare and contrast family structures, daily life including food and social activities (see also the Games from the Past resource), as well as technology and use of the local landscape.  This resource aligns with the Australian curriculum requirements for Years 1, 2 and 3.