What was life like for suburban children in 1970s Australia?
Annie and Peter’s Story
Annie and Peter are brother and sister growing up in the suburbs of Australia during the 1970s. Their neighbourhood is full of houses with backyards, quiet streets and local parks where children often play together after school.
Like many children living in suburban areas at this time, Annie and Peter spend a lot of time playing outside. They ride their bikes, climb on playground jungle gyms and invent games with friends in their street. Most homes have only one shared telephone, usually kept in a hallway or living room, and children often take turns using it to talk to friends.
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This is a short excerpt from Annie and Peter’s full classroom profile, available here as part of the Growing up in the 1970s Teaching Pack — or try a free mini lesson below.
Profile snapshot:
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Names: Annie and Peter
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Where they live: Suburban Australia
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Time period: 1970s
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Home life: One shared home telephone
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Technology: Cassette players and television
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Play: Outdoor games, bikes and playground equipment
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Communication: Visiting friends in person or using the home phone
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Why this matters: Annie and Peter’s experiences help us explore continuity and change in children’s lives during the 1970s.
Free mini lesson
Compare Annie and Peter’s experiences with other children growing up in 1970s Australia
Download a free mini lesson with sample profiles and a classroom comparison activity.
Mini lesson includes:
✔ Colourful and engaging sample profiles for four children
✔ Guided discussion prompts
✔ A classroom comparison activity
✔ Student drawing and writing tasks
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