History is a broad topic. It spans thousands of years and hundreds of generations. A lot of students lose interest because they don’t see the relevance between what happened then and their life now. Getting your kids interested in history doesn’t necessarily mean studying ancient civilizations. There are plenty of other ways to pique their interest and build connections.
Start with Your Own Family
Make it personal by working with your kids to explore your own family history. Create a family tree and research your ancestors. Who are they? Where did they come from? What did they do? Do you have a family business that has been passed down through the generations? Or maybe traditions or special recipes?
You can slowly broaden the scope by having them research the countries your family descended from, and different cultures that have shaped you. Talk to surviving relatives and ask about stories from their past and people they remember. What were times like when they were growing up? Compare them to your child’s life today.
Keep It Local
Focus on where you are now. Learn about the history of where you live. How did your town or city get its name? Who are some famous people who were born or lived there? What historical events occurred there? Visit different sites around town or the surrounding area, and check out various museums. They can be a great resource and starting point to get your kids interested in where they live.
Get Creative
Have your child write a letter to their future selves. Talk about the way things are today, as well as predictions for what they think things will be like in the years to come. How do they think the world will change? Compare today to life 50 or 100 years ago to get them thinking about how things evolve. They can even create a time capsule and put some mementos or pictures inside to open later!
Watch Documentaries or Listen to Podcasts
There are tons of resources available that are geared toward kids. Find age-appropriate documentaries on subjects they show an interest in. This can be a great way to present information in an engaging way and give them important facts. Podcasts are another wonderful option. Try to give your kids different perspectives on the same topic. If there is an aspect they are particularly interested in, research it together.
Get Involved
History is being made every single day. What we do today affects tomorrow, whether we realize it or not. Volunteer and get involved with the community so your child can be part of making a difference. Discuss how what they are doing affects others. Have conversations about current events (in an age-appropriate manner) and talk about how you can make an impact.
There are so many different facets of history to explore. Crafting Scholars can help your child make sense of what they are learning in school and create a stronger foundational knowledge to keep building upon. Students can also develop a variety of strategies for taking notes, studying, and preparing for tests so they keep the facts straight. Secure your child’s spot today by contacting Crafting Scholars.