History is a fascinating subject, with unimaginable events being haven taken place. Students find history boring whilst studying, however history can be amazingly fun, if learnt with an open mind and the right way.
We, at skoolshop, want you to be interested in history, as we live in a country, rich in stories and successes and everyone should know these amazing tales.
Mahatma Gandhi's nickname was Moniya in school. He was only 13 years old when he married his wife, Kasturba Gandhi and lived in South Africa between 1893 and 1914 where he practised law.
While studying in England, Gandhi tried learning dancing and playing the violin to try and live more like an Englishman, but later gave it up for a simple living.
Somehow I find this more interesting than simply reciting the facts of Gandhi's protests. I imagine you do, too.
We, at skoolshop, want you to be interested in history, as we live in a country, rich in stories and successes and everyone should know these amazing tales.
Mahatma Gandhi's nickname was Moniya in school. He was only 13 years old when he married his wife, Kasturba Gandhi and lived in South Africa between 1893 and 1914 where he practised law.
While studying in England, Gandhi tried learning dancing and playing the violin to try and live more like an Englishman, but later gave it up for a simple living.
Somehow I find this more interesting than simply reciting the facts of Gandhi's protests. I imagine you do, too.
Ken Burns, award-winning producer of PBS series on the Civil War and other topics, has said that the key to making history interesting is to engage the emotions. If we can find some personal, moving connection with history, we will want to learn more.
The last five letters of the word explain it: history is a story. We all love stories, and we relate better to stories than to a listing of facts, dates, and wars. History is our story. It is the shoulders on which we stand to see farther in our own day. The story of human beings, of people who have courageously become immigrants, used their God-given abilities to produce great inventions, and given their lives in a noble cause, is not boring.
Here are some suggestions on how to make your study of history come alive.
- Don't depend on textbooks. Textbooks try to organize and arrange the material for the convenience of the teacher, not necessarily for the enjoyment of the student.
- It is helpful to have some overall framework in which to place people, events, and trends; but I encourage you to find a source that is a good narrative of the story of history and not simply an outline of facts. Supplement this with real books, living books, that make the story personal.
- Emphasize on individuals. World War II to me is not just a big war that started with Germany and Japan being aggressive. People, familymen, fathers, served in World War II. Many of them landed in northern France the day after D-DAY. They endured the battle of the Bulge and enemy bombings. Many of them survived and had children and good lives. Read about these amazing stories, there are enough autobiographies and biographies out there. Make history personal.
Come back tomorrow for a really fun activity in class which will make history your favorite subject!!
Also, you can check out our Facebook page for videos, pictures and really cool articles at www.facebook.com/SkoolShop and follow us on twitter at @Myskoolshop
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