Sep 05
2008One of the first questions a child asks is Where did I come from? This question provides an ideal opportunity to begin a family history story. Families possess incredible histories and each one is unique. You will know when your child is ready for you to teach history. History is a record of the past, its people and events and the central ideas and values that are a country’s foundation.
Every child becomes a part of history at birth, a character in the middle of a fantastically big story. Family documents and treasures, birth certificates, graduation diplomas, awards, commendations, cherished letters and cards, keepsakes, mementos, immunization records, early samples of your child’s writing and art are all historical sources that weave a story for your child.
Your child already has a rich history of significant events. From the day they are born children are part of history. Some are born on days that are anniversaries of world or country events, others share their birthdays with monumental historical events like man first landing on the moon. A child may also share a birth date with a relative or friend.
During the first year in Kindergarten children share stories about themselves, their family and their neighborhood. Each child’s special days are recognized. Teachers encourage family members to visit the classroom and share family history. When students go on a vacation, visit relatives, celebrate a special day they typically share their experiences with their classmates.
Throughout their school years children read and are read stories about how people live and lived in different parts of the world. The study of the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth helps children understand how the world in which they live has changed over time. Children are always fascinated by the small sailing ships that early explorers used to chart coastlines.
As children become independent readers they encounter things that are initially unfamiliar. A student’s curiosity about how people traveled in times past may initiate days of research and individual projects and culminate in an historical time line depicting the invention of various modes of transport in numerous countries. Another student may wonder how we got atlases and dictionaries. This question would involve historical research into early writing tools, the invention of the printing press and typewriter and computer.
Gradually the students gain knowledge about their place in history. They begin to develop an appreciation for how they are the same and different from others. They recognize that each country and people celebrate differently and have differing histories. World historical events, both past and present begin to influence their lives.
Parents can facilitate a thirst for historical information. They can model and guide their children’s experiences to include activities that have a historical bias. Dinner table discussions can include the current news and the importance of daily events.
National and international events inevitably become tomorrow’s history. Children can learn how these events shape their lives. They will realize as they grow older how these events also shape their thinking and their ways of solving significant problems. Remember - an informed citizenry makes a strong country.
