Presentation 5 – Times Like These

Learning objectives

To learn about changes that have taken place in Britain since the 1930s.

To understand how changes, inventions and developments have altered our lives since 1939.

Everyday inventions

What inventions have you used today that would not have been around in 1939?

Look at the next slide – can you guess which items were around and which weren’t?

Were they around in 1939?

YES! But they produced only 100 watts of heat and weighed over 2 lb (1 kg) because they were made of heavy steel and zinc.

NO! Not available until 1947.

YES! Toasters were available from 1926.

YES! But not many people owned a car as they were so expensive.

NO! Home computers were not widely available until the 1980s and 1990s.

AnnieAnnie lives in 1939 and the Second World War has just started. She lives in a three-bedroomed house with her mother, father, two sisters and three brothers.

She is 10 years old and goes to school in her village. She walks 2 miles to school every day.

At school, she sits at a wooden desk and writes using chalk. She is learning her times tables and also about the British Empire.

Her father works in a factory and her mother stays at home to look after the house and family.

At home, Annie likes to read books and listen to the radio with her family.

Dear Annie…

Imagine Annie can travel through time to visit us here in the 21st century.

What would she find different here?

Write Annie a letter telling her what changes she could see.

Changes since 1939

Facts about 1939:Most people travelled by bike, bus, train or by foot. Not many people had cars.

Television started in 1936, but very few people had TV sets at home. Most listened to the radio.

There were no computers or computer games.

Because of the Second World War, some foods and other items were rationed so people had to be careful about what they were eating and using.

Times like these

Today we have been learning about:

Changes that have taken place in Britain since the 1930s.

How changes, inventions and developments have altered our lives since 1939.