Ever thought of using American history games to teach? Half the battle in teaching is getting kids interested and excited about what you're trying to teach them. Sparking the interest of reluctant students can be particularly challenging. By using games as a teaching tool, you make learning fun.
Match the Dates
Make two sets of cards, one with important historical events, and another with the years those events took place. The object is to pair up the cards, matching the events with the proper date. There are many variations that can be done with this game, such as setting a timer and trying to beat the clock, or, if you have a group of kids, dividing into teams.
Who Am I?
In this guessing game, one person must get the rest of the group to guess which historical figure they are by giving clues such as, "I was born in a log cabin," until someone guesses correctly. The person who correctly identifies the historical figure then takes a turn giving clues, and the game continues. This game becomes more of a challenge if the names of the historical figures are drawn from a hat.
History Trivia
Divide into teams and take turns answering trivia questions about the people, places and events of history. Points are awarded for correct answers. If you're feeling really ambitious, you can award more points for more difficult questions.
American History Games on the Web
In addition to old-fashioned in-person games, you can also find some great American history games online. Check out these sites for fun history games:
The official Colonial Williamsburg Web site offers a whole bunch of fun interactive history games, such as "Pardon or Pillory" and "Name that Founding Father". The games here all have a little humorous twist, to make learning history extra fun.
Test your history knowledge with the US History Trivia Machine. This is pretty straightforward trivia game that can be played alone or with another player. Requires a current version of the Adobe Shockwave plugin.
Be a History Detective with History Mystery. In this online game, students use clues to solve a history mystery. In addition to learning about history, your kids just might learn a thing or two about how to research and solve problems.
The American Presidency Game Show features a vaguely Jeopardy-like game board. Students must answer questions about the office of President of the United States for increasing point values.
 | Teaching American history doesn't have to be a dull exercise in memorizing dates and facts. These tips will help kids become fascinated with the dramatic stories behind the major events of history. |
 | The history of the American flag offers a window into America's growth, the legends that shape our thoughts of the past and the symbolism that forges national identity. These tips will help you unlock a world of lessons involving our flag. |
Use these ideas to teach Native American history to children, either as part of a curriculum or as part of their education outside the classroom. |
It's important to teach kids the history of American government, because it provides valuable insights into the way our current government works. These tips and resources will help you explore the subject, whether you're homeschooling or simply encouraging more in-depth study. |
Early American history can be tough for kids to grasp, because the major dates are spread far apart. Constructing a timeline can help the dates and events make sense. |
