One of the most exciting and amazing things about being a human being is the rich and diverse history of humanity, and discovering all about the different periods of time and how different types of people lived in the past is one of the greatest adventures of all.
So, whether you are a self-described history buff and want to encourage this or else simply recognise the supreme importance of teaching your child or children about history, you have come to the right place.
Continue reading to learn how to teach your children about history in a fun and entertaining way.
Picture Books
In a world where technology is absolutely, whether you like it or not, all-powerful, and the fashion for children to prefer video games and computers over playing outside shows no sign of waning in the near future, the humble picture book still reigns supreme.
For children of any age, the best way for them to learn is to visually see what you are describing, and there is a myriad of different historical picture books to bring historical moments to colourful life for your child.
Visit a Stately Home
Although if you sat down at the dinner table and told your children about what a stately home actually is they may well assume that it sounds ‘boring’ and not their thing in the slightest, in reality, your children are likely to absolutely adore discovering how people lived in the past by actively and physically exploring their homes.
There is a wide plethora of fascinating and multi-faceted stately homes in the UK and when choosing the best stately homes to visit in the UK, you should endeavour to choose one that also has a vast amount of outdoor space so your children can run around after the home tour.
Watch Films of a Historical Nature Together
Another fantastic way of getting your children interested and even enthusiastic about history and historical events is to choose child-friendly historical films to watch together on movie nights.
Such films include, but are categorically in no way limited to, the following:
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Mr Peabody & Sherman
- The Prince of Egypt
- Pocahontas
- The Sound of Music
- Apollo 13
- Fiddler on the Roof
- Charlie Brown: The Complete Series
Dressing Up
There is nothing that children love more than dressing up, so for your child’s next birthday party, instead of the standard Harry Potter or Marvel-themed fancy dress theme, instead ask each child to dress up as someone from history.
This way, not only will they enjoy looking on the internet and through books and magazines to find the perfect character that suits and excites them, but while they are doing so, they will be learning too. What is more, when it comes to the day of their birthday party, they will enjoy seeing all their friends dressed up in historical characters and will be able to learn more about other famous people in history.