Take a look at this week's Toy Story 5-inspired assembly and classroom resources here The upcoming release of Toy Story 5 is exciting a new generation of children, while leaving many adults feeling surprisingly nostalgic. Across social media, people who grew up with the original film have been sharing the same realisation: they were once Andy, but now they're closer to being Andy's mum. Alongside the nostalgia, the film has reignited conversations about childhood and whether technology is now changing the way children play, learn and spend their free time. This week's Picture News story uses the release of Toy Story 5 to explore how childhood has changed and whether technology is influencing the way children play today. Technology and play: a primary school assembly discussion Using the upcoming release of Toy Story 5 as a stimulus, children are introduced to some of the film's key characters, including Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the new digital toy, Lily Pad. As they explore the characters' different qualities and roles within the story, children consider why the arrival of a technology-based toy might create challenges for more traditional toys. Understanding the characters and their perspectives provides a useful starting point before children begin exploring the wider questions raised by the story. Assembly resource used to support discussion about Toy Story 5 PSHE and classroom discussion in primary schools This story invites children to think about what childhood means to them. Through discussions about toys, technology and films, they consider how childhood experiences may differ across generations and whether screens are changing the way children play, learn and spend time together. Resource 1 compares toys from the past and present, while Resource 2 explores the messages films can share. Together, they help children reflect on how childhood is evolving and which experiences remain important, regardless of how technology develops. Resources supporting discussion about childhood, technology and changing experiences Questions to support classroom discussion • What do you think some of the messages of Toy Story 5 will be? • Which Toy Story character might be your favourite and why? • What activities do you enjoy doing without screens? • Do you use screens differently to when you were younger? How might this change as you get older? • What interesting lessons can films teach us? • Do you think people have more or less fun with screens than playing with toys? Why? Using current events in primary school assemblies and lessons Is technology changing childhood? While adults may remember a childhood without smartphones, streaming services or tablets, many children today have grown up with technology as part of everyday life. This discussion encourages children to consider how technology influences their experiences and whether it is changing childhood or simply shaping what childhood looks like today. The reflection page supports the final part of the assembly, helping to draw together learning Explore this resource further here
