In the Street; In the Home

Two in a series of excellent books, written by former primary teachers, designed to be used as a flexible teaching resource for Early Years history. (Other books in the series consider Clothes and Uniforms, School, Food, People Who Help Us and Journeys.) The aim of the books is to encourage children to make 'now and then' comparisons. Each spread has a large photo of modern life which children are encouraged to study first, before examining a comparative photograph taken many years ago - mainly from the Edwardian era between 1900 and 1920. Street markets, lighting, and post boxes are just three of many snaps used for In the Street, whilst In the Home considers kitchens, toilets, home entertainment and bath time. Two levels of text are used, a simple large print version and a more advanced and extended smaller print version. Thus the books can be used with early stage readers, older readers needing differentiated texts and non-readers who can simply use the photographs alone. Interestingly, some modern black and white photos are included so that children focus on the photograph, rather than seeing the past as 'black and white'. The books also include a useful picture glossary and background information about the older photographs. It was strange to see a modern photograph of a mother working from home showing a rather ancient computer and mobile phone (circa 1988), but this could be another discussion point with older children.