Past and Present: Then and Now
Kindergarten · Social Studies · Study Guide
Learn how life was different long ago compared to the way we live today.
The past is the time that already happened, and the present is right now, today. Long ago, things looked very different from how they look today.
In the past, people traveled in wagons pulled by horses. Today, we travel in cars, airplanes, and trains. Schools looked different too. Many children learned in one room with students of all ages together.
Communication has changed a lot. Long ago, people wrote letters and waited days or weeks to hear back. Today, we can talk to people far away instantly using phones and computers.
Homes have changed as well. Long ago, many homes did not have electricity or running water. Today, most homes have lights, heating, and indoor plumbing.
Even though many things have changed, some things stay the same. Families still love each other, people still go to school to learn, and communities still help each other.
Key terms
- past
- The time that already happened, long ago
- present
- The time that is happening right now, today
- then
- Another word for the past, or long ago
- now
- Another word for the present, or today
- change
- When something becomes different from how it was before
- communication
- The way people share information and talk with each other
Flashcards
- past
- The time that already happened, long ago
- present
- The time that is happening right now
- then
- Long ago, in the past
- now
- Today, in the present
- change
- When something becomes different from how it was before
- communication
- The way people share information and talk with each other
- transportation
- The way people travel from place to place
- history
- The story of what happened in the past
Questions
What does the word 'past' mean?
- Right now, today
- Time that already happened
- Time in the future
- Only yesterday
Show answer
Answer: Time that already happened
The past is time that already happened, like long ago or yesterday.
Long ago, many people traveled by horse and wagon instead of cars.
Show answer
Answer: True
Before cars were invented, horses and wagons were a common way to travel.
The time that is happening right now is called the _____.
Show answer
Answer: present
The present is the time that is happening right now, today.
How did people communicate long ago before phones?
- By email
- By text message
- By writing letters
- By video chat
Show answer
Answer: By writing letters
Before phones and computers, people wrote letters to communicate with each other.
Everything about life has changed from the past to the present.
Show answer
Answer: False
While many things have changed, some things like families loving each other have stayed the same.
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