The doll symbolises empathy, while the teddy bear represents safety.

Historically, toys have reflected societal advancements and cultural values, conveying knowledge and preparing children for life. From showcasing scientific principles to exploring complex emotions, toys offer engaging ways to understand the world.

Unfortunately, we often think toys are just for children. But if you look closely, especially through the lens of places like the Museum of Toys in Kraków, you see they're so much more. They're actually incredibly powerful tools for learning, growth, and even bringing different generations together. It's a philosophy that really makes you think about how learning doesn't just happen in a classroom – it can absolutely be woven into play, and that's a huge takeaway for anyone teaching adults, too.

Our History, in the Palm of Your Hand

When you delve into the museum's vast collection, spanning centuries, you quickly realise how much toys have reflected our changing world. From tiny, ancient tools that taught survival to intricate historical pieces, they've always been there, quietly preparing us for life and passing down knowledge. It's a fascinating way for adult educators to explore cultural shifts, design evolution, and even human behaviour, all through these familiar objects.

Making Tricky Stuff Click

The Kraków Museum of Toys has truly mastered the art of using toys to explain complex ideas. Think about it:

• Science Made Simple: They've used toys to break down tricky physics principles and the history of mechanisms, making abstract concepts easy to grasp and genuinely engaging. It just goes to show how much more effective hands-on, experiential learning can be.
• Understanding Emotions: They've even used toys to symbolise feelings and facilitate discussions around empathy, security, and connection. It’s a gentle and approachable way to tackle sensitive yet important emotional intelligence topics.

Analogue Time in a Digital World

In today's fast-paced, screen-dominated world, the museum is a strong advocate for spending quality "analogue time" with toys. This isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about fostering crucial future skills. We're talking about really thinking through information, analysing it, and building those vital soft skills, not just memorising facts. For adult educators, this is a clear sign to lean into interactive, non-digital activities that encourage deeper engagement and holistic development.

What We Save Today, Teaches Tomorrow

Ultimately, these toy collections are more than just artefacts; they're "powerful treasures" of insight. They help us understand where we came from, navigate the present, and even thoughtfully plan for the future. By appreciating the deep roots and continuous evolution of toys as educational tools, we gain valuable insights into how to teach effectively, regardless of the age. It's all about building a more informed and adaptable learning landscape for everyone.

To learn more, you can watch our interview with Katarzyna Sosenko - an art historian, antiquarian, and president of the Sosenko Family Collections Foundation, who are the authors of the amazing Toy Museum project. You can visit it in Apteka Designu in Kraków, Poland.  Also, you can visit their website and check their toy collection https://muzeumzabawekrakow.pl/

Here is a link to the interview - 

https://youtu.be/1CUTx2JEx_k?si=V4EN5mMY5yP1Qz7w

The interview is part of the Folklore for Future series, which features inspiring conversations with knowledgeable and passionate individuals exploring how the past, present, and future are interwoven through ancient traditions, culture, and folklore. More of the videos you can find on the Nausika Foundation YouTube Channel, and more about the project on our website - https://nausika.eu/folkloreforfuture/. Folklore for Future is a strategic partnership in Erasmus+ Adult Education co-funded by the European Union.