Toys And Free-Time Objects Unit: Free-Time And Recreation

Jacks is a game where you throw the pieces into the air and catch them while you pick up more pieces.  The game was especially popular with girls. Modern jacks might be made out of plastic, but in the time of the Blundell children (before plastic was invented) they had to use whatever materials they had available to make their toys. These jacks are made of the knucklebones of a sheep.

Spinning tops were a favourite with boys. The tops were made of wood. To make a top spin, firstly, a long piece of string would be wrapped tightly around it.  Then, while holding tightly on to the end of the string, the top would be gently thrown on the floor.  A flick of the wrist would pull the string and send the top spinning.