Homeschooling History - A Method That Improves Retention And Makes Learning Fun!
Homeschooling History - A Method That Improves Retention And Makes Learning Fun!
I'm convinced that there is no bigger waste of time in a traditional
classroom than memorizing lists of names and dates only to forget them
as soon as you complete the test.
History can go beyond memorization to the study of the lives of famous
people and the significance of important events. Homeschooling history
provides an opportunity to learn about the past and different cultures.
It also gives us a framework for understanding why the world is the way
it is..
To successfully homeschool history, begin by following your child's
interests. Is your child interested in sports? Put a map on the wall
and mark the locations of favorite teams. Track a team's travel
schedule, and read biographies about the lives of past and present
athletes.
Learn about the history of the sport. Where did it originate? Who
invented it? What else was occurring in that country at the time?
A child who is interested in baseball can learn about the Negro Leagues
(history), congressional hearings on steroid use (government) and
favorite pastimes in other countries (geography). This concept can be
applied to any area of interest from horses to dance to inventions.
In addition to following your child's interests, take advantage of the
learning opportunities that present themselves daily. Have
conversations about current events. Check out interesting books from
the library. Read historical fiction, and watch documentaries as a
family.
Ask questions like, "Why do we do things this way?" and "Where did this
familiar saying originate?" Look for the answers together. Give your
child access to homeschooling resources like a history encyclopedia, an
atlas, a map and a globe.
As for those names and dates, learn them within the context of your
discoveries. Your child will remember more from these exciting
adventures than he or she will from outlining a chapter from a history
textbook.
