Here are some fun and inspiring free homeschool curriculum ideas and ways to teach homeschool history.
We all know the importance of teaching history to our kids. It is important to understand the past, as knowing where we've been helps us to understand where we are going. Also, having an understanding of other civilizations helps us to better understand our own.
Find a Point of Interest
For a reluctant history student, it might help to use historical fiction as a jumping off point to learning about different time periods in history. Once a great story has gotten your child interested in a certain time period, and given him a general idea of what life was like during that time, you can then delve into learning about the actual people and events of that time period.
Another great way to learn about history is by reading biographies of famous historical figures. For some students, learning about the real lives involved in historical events can really spark an interest in learning more about the past. Kids are often quite fascinated at the idea that someone like George Washington was not always a general and a president, but at one time was a child like them.
History Close to Home
Field trips to historic places can really make history come alive for students. Find out about the history of your state, city and community. Check your local library or your local Historical Society for information on interesting historical events and figures from your area. Seek out historical sites when you travel, as well.
Trying to comprehend the vastness of history, and how all the various points in history fit together, can be confusing for kids. Creating a timeline is a great way to help your child make sense of history. It can be difficult to grasp the great spans of time between significant historic events. A timeline helps your child to visualize just how far apart various time periods really are.
Live History at Home
Help your kids to explore what it would have been like to live in a particular time and place in history. Imagine, for example, what it might have been like to be a child in Colonial America. Find out about the clothing styles of the time. Find some recipes, and prepare a meal that colonists would have eaten. Find out what a typical day would have been like for a child of that time. Discuss the differences and similarities of living in that time compared with how we live today.
When you take a creative approach to learning history, you and your child will love learning about the past together.
 | Homeschooling is a rewarding way of educating your child, but it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. |
 | There are pros and cons to homeschooling; while homeschoolers do tend to do exceptionally well, there are also some challenges to educating your child at home. |
 | When you start homeschooling a shy child, you will be presented with unique challenges. It can be difficult if your child is naturally shy and reserved. |
Successful homeschooling requires an honest assesment by parents, who must decide if they're fit for the job. Are you? |
The bad news is that there are indeed some potentially negative effects of homeschooling. The good news is that if parents are aware of them, they can all be overcome successfully. |
