Activity Overview
In this activity, students will integrate what they have read in the “Toy Soldiers” chapter in Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions, and use the article, “Can you believe bubbles made the Toy Hall of Fame?” (Link is listed below.) These articles discuss toy soldiers and action figures, but have differing ideas about the toy.
Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions
- Toy soldiers have been used by kings and czars for years; in 1962 G.I. Joe captured the toy soldier world, followed by other action figures, and Star Wars characters.
- "Kids usually collect action figures for only a few months. And then along comes the next action figure who for a time, becomes the 'latest and greatest.'"
“Can you believe bubbles made the Toy Hall of Fame?”
- "The tiny green army pieces have been around since 1938. Their popularity waned during the Vietnam War. But they became big-screen stars with the 1995 Pixar movie 'Toy Story.’"
- These toys remain popular because they are lightweight, cheap, "But most of all because they inspire open-ended play."
See article: https://tweentribune.com/article/tween56/can-you-believe-bubbles-made-toy-hall-fame/
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a storyboard comparing what you have read in the “Toy Soldiers” chapter in Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions, and the article, “Can you believe bubbles made the Toy Hall of Fame?”
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- In each description box, give a brief summary of what each piece of writing has to say about a certain toy.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will integrate what they have read in the “Toy Soldiers” chapter in Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions, and use the article, “Can you believe bubbles made the Toy Hall of Fame?” (Link is listed below.) These articles discuss toy soldiers and action figures, but have differing ideas about the toy.
Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions
- Toy soldiers have been used by kings and czars for years; in 1962 G.I. Joe captured the toy soldier world, followed by other action figures, and Star Wars characters.
- "Kids usually collect action figures for only a few months. And then along comes the next action figure who for a time, becomes the 'latest and greatest.'"
“Can you believe bubbles made the Toy Hall of Fame?”
- "The tiny green army pieces have been around since 1938. Their popularity waned during the Vietnam War. But they became big-screen stars with the 1995 Pixar movie 'Toy Story.’"
- These toys remain popular because they are lightweight, cheap, "But most of all because they inspire open-ended play."
See article: https://tweentribune.com/article/tween56/can-you-believe-bubbles-made-toy-hall-fame/
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a storyboard comparing what you have read in the “Toy Soldiers” chapter in Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions, and the article, “Can you believe bubbles made the Toy Hall of Fame?”
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- In each description box, give a brief summary of what each piece of writing has to say about a certain toy.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Integrating Information - Toys! by Don Wulffson
Plan a hands-on class discussion to deepen toy comparison skills
Engage students in a class discussion where they share their storyboard insights and compare observations about toy soldiers versus bubbles. This collaborative talk helps students refine their understanding and learn from peers’ perspectives.
Prepare guiding questions before the lesson
Create a list of open-ended, focused questions that prompt students to analyze similarities and differences between the toys. Use questions like, "How does each toy encourage creativity?" or "Why do you think one toy lasted longer in popularity?" to keep the discussion lively and on-topic.
Model comparing and contrasting with a visual anchor
Display a sample T-chart or Venn diagram and demonstrate how to sort information from both articles. Show students how to organize details visually to make connections clearer.
Assign small group or partner reflection tasks
Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss their storyboards and reflect on their findings. This allows everyone to voice their ideas and consider alternate viewpoints.
Wrap up with a creative extension activity
Encourage students to design a new toy that combines features from both articles, then present their ideas to the class. This reinforces comparison skills and sparks creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Integrating Information - Toys! by Don Wulffson
How can I create a storyboard comparing two articles about toy soldiers and action figures for my class?
To create a storyboard comparing two articles about toy soldiers and action figures, summarize each article's main points in separate boxes, add illustrations showing key scenes or characters from each, and use a T-Chart to visually organize similarities and differences. This helps students integrate information and develop critical thinking skills.
What is the objective of the 'Integrating Information - Toys!' lesson for grades 4-5?
The main objective is for students to compare and contrast information from two different texts about toys, specifically toy soldiers and bubbles, by creating a storyboard. This activity supports skills in reading comprehension, analysis, and synthesis.
What are some quick tips for teaching students to compare informational texts using a T-Chart?
Encourage students to identify key ideas from each text, list similarities and differences in the T-Chart, and use short summaries. Adding visuals and text evidence helps reinforce understanding and keeps the activity engaging.
Why are toy soldiers and action figures popular educational topics for elementary lessons?
Toy soldiers and action figures are relatable and engaging for students, making them effective for lessons on history, invention, and cultural change. They also inspire open-ended play, which encourages creativity and critical thinking in the classroom.
What are the main differences in how the two articles view the importance of toy soldiers?
One article highlights toy soldiers' historical significance and their evolution into action figures, while the other focuses on their popularity, cultural impact, and role in imaginative play. Comparing both helps students see diverse perspectives on a familiar topic.
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Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Great Inventions
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