One of the biggest challenges that any teacher faces is the challenge of making history fun. Although it takes an innovative approach that goes beyond the textbooks and dates and names, teachers (and homeschooling parents!) can make history engaging and interesting to their students.
Make it a Mystery
Choose a story from history and turn it into a mystery. This works very well with stories that have a clear "who," "what," "when," "why," or "how" answer. Lead into the exercise with the background of the story to catch your child's attention. For example, you can explain how everyone thought the was unsinkable. Describe how excited people were to travel on it and the safeguards that were in place to prevent disaster. Then state that somehow, it managed to sink on its very first voyage. Ask the child why.
By this time, you should have his attention and he should be engaged. Then you can proceed with the rest of the lesson, saving the answer for the very end. If the child is old enough, have him conduct his own research and find the answer.
You can also use online tools such as HSI: Historical Scene Investigation for an easy, pre-planned adventure. HSI includes the case, links to the "evidence" documents and assignments. HSI has a teacher and student view, and is free to use.
Make it a Game
Games -- especially computer games -- are always a popular learning choice. There are many interactive online tools and games for teaching history. Have Fun with History has some great links for online games.
Act it Out
If your kids can't sit still, don't make them! Dress up and act out the historical events. Assign everyone a part and get moving.
Learn about Relatives
Learning about your ancestry can reveal many adventures and ties to historical events. Did you have a relative cross the Oregon Trail? Fight in the Civil War? Finding a personal tie to these events can make it more interesting to children.
More recent events can be investigated by interviewing family or community members who remember the events. A first-hand account is often more interesting than a textbook.
Watch Movies
Watch recent movies about historical events and investigate their accuracy. Discuss the truths and the misrepresentations presented in the movie. In addition to teaching historical lessons, this teaches children to be critical of what they watch and the messages the media shares. These skills benefit children later in life, as it encourages them to think for themselves and investigate the truth.
Take a Field Trip (Even if it's Only Online)
Although it would be infinitely more fun to visit the Smithsonian in person, you can still take a virtual tour from the comfort of your home. Travel if you can -- but if you can't, find websites that have virtual tours. Many museums and other popular locations have these features.
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