Toy Time!

When the Fencibles arrived in New Zealand in 1847 the children had very few toys. Most children made their own toys from items they found around the house. If they were lucky, a family member might make the more lavish toys, such as toy soldiers, Jacob’s ladders or marbles. Because children did not have many toys these were treasured and passed down through the family.

We have created a worksheet that will have you making and creating some of the toys and games they used in the 1800s. Have fun!

Once you have made your own toys check out some of the other toys they would have played with. You might even have some of them in your house! If so, take a picture of you playing with the toy and post it to our facebook or Instagram page.