Article
Ryan Flanders (doll); Division of Culture and the Arts, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution (jarts); Shutterstock.com (Grass); Courtesy of The Strong National Museum of Play (All Other Images)
Mini Read,

Were These Toys a Good Idea?

By Molly Bradley
From the May/June 2025 Issue

Learning Objective: Students learn about toys from the past and decide whether they would like to play with them.

Lexiles: 310L
Featured Skill: Key Details,
Topic: Social Studies,
Common Core Standards
  • RF.1.1 Features of print RF.1.3 Decoding RI.1.1 Key details RI.1.2 Main topic RI.1.3 Connecting information RI.1.5 Text features RI.1.6 Distinguish between information from words and images RI.1.7 Use visuals SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative discussions with peers and adults SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud
TEKS Standards
  • Social Studies
    (15) Science, technology, and society. The student identifies individuals who created or invented new technology and understands how technology affects daily life, past and present. The student is expected to: (B) describe how technology has affected communication, transportation, and recreation.

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Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kids, 1990s

This doll could eat toy food! You put the toy food in its mouth. The food would go inside. But your fingers could get stuck in its mouth. Ouch!

Would you play with this toy? Yes or no?

Pet Rock, 1970s

This toy was really just a rock!
It came in a box that looked like a pet carrier. The rock didn’t do anything. But it was easy to take care of.

Would you play with this toy? Yes or no?

Jarts, 1960s

You could throw these darts on the grass outside. But they were made of heavy metal. If one hit you, it would really hurt!

Would you play with this toy? Yes or no?

Baby Alive, 1970s

This doll could also eat toy food. Then it would make fake poop in
its diaper. It could also throw up. 

Would you play with this toy? Yes or no?

Activities (3)
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)
Activities (3) Download All Quizzes and Activities
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)

More About the Article

English Language Arts Focus

Nonfiction text features

Key details

Science Focus

Safety

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

Implementation

  • Whole group
  • Small group

Pairings and Text Connections

Suggested Reading Focus

Comprehension/critical thinking (20 minutes)

  • Tell students that they will be learning about strange toys from the past. Preview the article by reading the headline.
  • Encourage students to think about the question as you read.
  • Read the article aloud while students follow along in their magazines. Stop at the end of each section to check for comprehension. Ask questions like what is a problem with this toy? Was this toy a good idea? What could make the toy better?
  • Have students look at the pictures in each section. What do the pictures tell them about the toys?
  • Ask students to share their thoughts and reactions. Would they want to play with any of these toys? Why or why not?

After-Reading Skills Practice

  • Skills: writing; conjunctions (15 minutes)

Text-to-Speech