Long ago and now: what children learn
Long ago, people used different things from the ones we use now, like candles instead of electric lights.
Each card shows an object. Children sort it into Long ago or Now.
This topic links to an early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England (Past and Present). Children at the expected level of development will: “Know some similarities and differences between things in the past and now, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class”. Reception children are usually aged 4–5.
How to play
Sort the cards into the right groups. Tap a card, then its group. You can also drag a card, or press the number on its group. Each game has 3 rounds with no timer. Every card is checked as soon as you place it: a card in the wrong group comes back with a hint, and you get a point for each card you place right first time. For a quicker go, choose Quick quiz: 8 multiple-choice questions in 240 seconds (choose Relaxed for more time).
Step by step
- Play together. Sit with your child and read the words on screen aloud. Let them do the tapping and dragging.
- Look at the picture. Name the object together.
- Have you seen one?. Ask if they use it at home today.
- Sort it. Drop it in Long ago or Now.
Worked examples
Example 1: 🚂 A steam train
Working: Steam trains were used long ago; most trains are electric or diesel now.
Answer: Long ago
Example 2: 📱 A smartphone
Working: Smartphones are used now.
Answer: Now
Example 3: 🪶 A feather pen dipped in ink
Working: People wrote with feather pens long ago.
Answer: Long ago
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Thinking old means broken Old things worked well; they were just made differently.
- Thinking long ago means last week Long ago means before grandparents were born, or even earlier.
- Thinking all old things are gone Some, like steam trains, can still be seen in museums.
Activities to try at home
- Ask a grandparent what toys they had.
- Visit a museum and look for old objects.
- Look at old family photos together.
Ideas for the classroom
- Set up an old-and-new object table.
- Invite a visitor to talk about their childhood.
- Read a story set long ago and spot the old objects.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
How long ago is long ago?
For young children, long ago means a time before they, or their parents, were born.
Why compare past and present?
Noticing how things have changed is the start of understanding history.
Is there a timer?
Not in the main game: children sort at their own pace. The separate Quick quiz is optional and has a long, gentle timer; skip it with younger or less confident children.