Take a look at this week's dumpling squishy-inspired assembly and classroom resources here A lifesaver, a distraction or a topic that's a little more complicated? Dumpling squishy toys have quickly become a talking point in many primary schools. For some children, they're a calming, tactile resource; for others, they're the latest playground craze, while some teachers report that they are a classroom distraction they did not need. As videos of people squeezing, collecting and opening the toys have spread online, so has their popularity. But what turns a toy, game or idea into a craze? This week's Picture News story asks: what makes something popular? Exploring popularity through a primary school assembly discussion This week’s assembly helps children understand why dumpling squishies have become so popular, from their soft, satisfying texture to the online videos showing people squeezing, collecting and opening them. It also introduces other sensory toys, such as pop-it toys, stress balls, fidget spinners, slime, sensory putty and textured balls, helping children make connections with toys they may already know. The story also raises an important question about toy safety. Children consider why some squishy dumpling toys are in the news, what it means for products to meet safety rules and who is responsible for checking that toys are safe before people buy them. Assembly resource used to support discussion about dumpling squishies, sensory toys and toy safety PSHE, Media Literacy and classroom discussion in primary schools When a toy becomes a craze, children can quickly be surrounded by videos, adverts and recommendations telling them what to buy and believe. But popularity is not proof that something is safe, genuine or even what it claims to be. This week’s Media Literacy activity uses a trend many children will recognise to help them question the information behind the hype. By weighing up claims, looking for evidence and deciding which sources they trust, children begin to understand why seeing something everywhere does not automatically make it true. Media Literacy resource supporting discussion about trust, evidence and checking information Questions to support classroom discussion • What does it mean for something to be popular? • Can you think of a toy, game or activity that suddenly became a craze? Why do you think it happened? • How can friends, advertising, films, television and social media influence the things we choose? • Have you ever wanted something because lots of other people had it? Did you still want it later? • Does something need to be popular for people to enjoy it? Why? • Who do you think is responsible for making sure toys are safe? Using current events in primary school assemblies and lessons Dumpling squishies may be the latest craze, but they certainly won't be the last. What makes something popular? This week's story encourages children to explore how trends develop and spread, think critically about the information surrounding them and recognise that their own experiences and preferences ultimately shape what they enjoy. The reflection page supports the final part of the assembly, helping to draw together learning Explore this resource further here
