Dig up the past and show students how history is an essential part of our everyday life. In particular, history should come alive by studying your own heritage and visiting historical sites. History should never be dull, nor should throw anyone into a loop of endless memorizing of names and dates.
Globe, world maps, and atlas are essential tools when
studying history and geography. Blank timeline templates can be purchased and
filled up as each period of history is learned. Our timelines were placed in a
prominent place in the house for a few months, as we studied those time periods.
By placing people and events in chronological order, children will not jumble
up concepts and facts. They will be able to put names, places, and events in
sequence. Assist them in understanding the big picture and implications of
current events. As children watch the news, relate what is happening now
with the past. Old maps are
an asset and can be used to compare with recent
versions. Maps of the world have changed numerous times over the years, so take
the opportunity to compare these maps with recent ones.
History Odyssey was our main history curriculum. It offers a chronological and comprehensive study of Ancient, Middle Age, Early Modern, or Modern History. It encompasses literature, historical events, and geography of the time period. This curriculum teaches history by analyzing different cultures and their interaction and influence in other areas in the world. It puts emphasis on literary analysis, writing skills, research skills, and timeline analysis.
For those parents who want to incorporate religion in their studies, this is not a Christian curriculum. Regardless, you can use this opportunity to reinforce your family’s beliefs and have open discussion with children on different viewpoints. These underlying suppositions can serve as a launch pad for discussion and sharpen children’s critical thinking skill.
I agree with your thoughts about teaching history. One of my favorite tools for teaching history is reading good biographies about historical figures from the time period we are studying. Those seem to really bring it all to life and engage our children significantly. We also love historical novels and movies that help us enter the "world" we are studying. J.E. Polson, MT
ReplyDeleteMy son loved “My name is America” These novels feature stories told through the eyes of young boys from ages 12 to 16 and talk about events that took place during their lifetime in different part of the world. The Journal of Rufus Rowe is a story about the Battle of Fredericksburg, The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins is a story of a World War II soldier, and The Journal of Jasper Jonathan Pierce is a story of a pilgrim that took place in Plymouth in 1620. These are just a few examples of the books that are available.
DeleteI encourage you to consider having your child take a US History CLEP test after completing US History I. As I was informed at a convention that US History in high school is still US History in college. After completing US History I and using a CLEP study guide, the CLEP was successfully completed.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. It is true, U.S. or World History are the same in high school and college. The CLEP exam is a great option for those classes. Be careful with biology. My son took biology in high school and the teacher told him to take the AP exam and skip the college class. I told him not to take the AP exam and take the college class instead. After taking the biology class at the university, he realized how much he would had missed if he had skipped it. He is a neuroscience major (pre-med) and biology is very important.
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