Warm-up and Introduction: 10 mins
- Discuss with the class how objects can reveal stories that tell us about the people and history behind them.
- Explore collections of Irish objects and present various images to the class. Turn this into a creative brainstorming game asking children to guess the purpose or meaning behind the objects.

Development: 40 mins
- Discuss with the class how things we use in our everyday lives have changed over time.
Questions to find out more:
- What is it?
- Why was it made?
- How might it have been used?
- Who might have used it?
- What skills were needed to use it?
- What skills were needed to make it?
- Where might it have been used?
- Has its use changed?
- Invite students to think about objects that have a particular value to them. What objects do they cherish that say something about who they are?
- Things they use everyday – sport item, pencil, bike
- Special keepsakes – an old teddy or a special birthday present
- Favourite objects – favourite book, toys
- Ask students to work in groups and to write down all their ideas on a big piece of paper.
- Once done ask each student to select 2-3 objects to bring into class for the next session.

Conclusion: 10 minutes
- Invite students to reflect on the process:
- Why did you select each of those objects?
- How do they tell something about you?
- Do objects tell a story that words or images aren’t able to convey as effectively?