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The History of Fun

How we’ve played through the ages

From the May/June 2020 Issue
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This article was originally published in the May/June 2020 issue.

Activities (2)
Answer Key (1)
Activities (2) Download All Activities
Answer Key (1)

More About the Story

Skills

reading for information, evaluating    

Complexity Factors

Purpose

The infographic offers fun facts about what kids (and adults) have done for fun throughout history.

Structure

Information is arranged in the form of a timeline that winds back and forth like a path on a board game. Images are included to support the information.

Language

The language is conversational.

Knowledge Demands 

The text includes the year 3000 B.C., the ancient Egyptians, and the Iroquois.

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

1. Reading and Discussing 

Project the infographic as students follow along in their magazines.

Prompt students to use the headline, subhead, and central image to identify the topic of the infographic.

Ask: Is the purpose of the infographic to

  • explain something to you?
  • convince you of something?
  • tell you how to do something?

Have students look over the labels and images surrounding the central image. Ask:

  • How are they related to the central image? (They provide details about the main idea.)

Break students into groups to read each section of the infographic and discuss what they find interesting, surprising, or convincing.

Come back together as a class and ask volunteers to summarize the main idea and supporting details from the infographic.

2. Writing

Preview the writing prompt in the “Write to Win” box.

Download and distribute the guided-writing activity that goes along with the infographic.

Have students respond to the writing prompt. If you wish, send their responses to our infographic contest

Ideas to Engage and Inspire

Have students create their own infographics! Download our “Make Your Own Infographic” activity from Storyworks Digital.

Text-to-Speech