A Street Through Time | Building Houses Booklist

A Street Through Time
A 12,000 Year Journey

Have you ever wondered what your street was like thousands of years ago? This illustrated history book for children takes you on a 12,000-year journey to find out the story of a single street.

Think of the street you live on. Now think of how it may have looked in the Stone Age in 10,000 BCE, or in Victorian times during the Industrial Revolution, or how it may look 50 years from now. A Street Through Time takes you on a time-travelling journey that you won't forget. Highly detailed illustrations bring 15 key periods in time to life. You will see magnificent buildings go up and come down, new churches built on the site of ancient temples, wooden bridges destroyed and then remade in stone, and statues demolished then unearthed many years later. You'll find out how people lived long ago - the tools they used, what they wore and what they did all day. Revised and updated for a new generation, A Street Through Time now includes a possible look at the road 50 years in the future.

This treasure trove of a book is perfect for sparking curiosity and engaging young minds in the wonders of history. It's a visual feast that transports readers through different eras, all while staying rooted in one fascinating location.

Imagine the same street from the Stone Age to the Modern Day – it's like time-travelling without leaving your classroom or living room! Each beautifully illustrated double-page spread captures a unique moment in time, showing how the street and its inhabitants evolve. Your students can explore the transition from muddy tracks to bustling urban centers, making connections between the past and present.

But wait, there's more fun to be had! Alongside the stunning visuals, this book is packed with little titbits and facts that make history come alive. Use it as a springboard for creative projects, like crafting dioramas of different time periods or writing diary entries from the perspective of someone living in those eras. It's an engaging, hands-on way to teach history that will leave your students eager for more. So grab your copy, and let's walk through time together!

Author: Anne Millard

Dr. Anne Millard is a leading figure in the realm of education and child development. If you're not familiar with her yet, get ready to be amazed by her valuable insights, especially if you're enthusiastic about interactive learning and creative teaching approaches.

Illustrator: Steve Noon

Steve, an illustrator from England, was born in Kent and has been a professional artist since 1985. He pursued Technical Illustration at Falmouth University in Cornwall and has received awards for his illustrations, especially those published by Dorling Kindersley.

Book Details:

Publisher: DK Children
Format: Hardback
Print length: 32 pages
Dimensions: 27 x 0.8 x 35.7 cm
Reading age: 7-11 years old
Published: 02 Jan 2020
ISBN: 978-0241411544

Read alongside these topics:

How can using A Street Through Time help in teaching Y1 Building Houses?

Anne Millard is Director of Music at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Using A Street Through Time in teaching Year 1 students about building houses can significantly enhance their understanding of historical changes and architectural evolution. Here’s how it can be effectively integrated into the curriculum:

Engaging Visual Learning

A Street Through Time features detailed illustrations that depict various key periods in British history, showcasing how houses and streets have evolved over time. This visual representation helps young learners grasp complex concepts of change and continuity in a tangible way. By observing the differences in building materials, styles, and community layouts across different eras, students can better appreciate how their own living environments have been influenced by historical events and societal needs.

Cross-Curricular Connections

Incorporating this book into lessons allows for a rich cross-curricular approach. For instance:

History: Students can explore the timeline of housing development, discussing what materials were used in different periods and why.
Geography: Lessons can include mapping exercises where students identify their own homes on a map and compare them to illustrations from the book.
Art: Children can create their own drawings or models of houses from different historical periods, reinforcing their understanding through creative expression.

Practical Activities

Teachers can design activities that encourage hands-on learning. For example:

Building Models: After studying different house styles, students could use recyclable materials to build models of homes from various time periods.
Story Sequencing: Using the narrative of how streets and houses have changed over time, students can practice sequencing events by creating timelines or story maps that illustrate these changes.

Encouraging Inquiry

The book serves as a springboard for inquiry-based learning. Teachers can pose questions such as:

"What do you think houses looked like when your grandparents were young?"
"How do you think the materials we use today differ from those used in the past?"

These questions prompt discussions that allow children to connect their personal experiences with historical knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of their own community's history.

In summary, A Street Through Time is an excellent resource for teaching Year 1 students about building houses, as it combines visual learning with cross-curricular connections, practical activities, and opportunities for inquiry. This multifaceted approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students develop critical thinking skills as they explore the past.