Knights and princesses, disasters and dinosaurs! History has a treasure trove of exciting discoveries for kids.
History is one of the most worthwhile and enjoyable topics to share with children. Spanning natural history, family genealogies, scientific discoveries, and ancient wonders, there’s a topic to interest everyone and endless opportunities for adventure and learning.
Discovering Family History
There are so many topics to explore that it can be difficult deciding where to begin. A great starting point is your family history. Was there anything you did as a child that you can pass on? My father brought out a fantastic suitcase for my girls a few weeks ago. It was filled with comics, old toys, things he had made as a boy, and even a book with a secret cut-out in the middle—a hit with my spy-obsessed 5-year-old! Perhaps you have an old stamp collection, coins, books, or toys to spark a conversation.
Exploring Local History
Next, consider the history of your town or city. Is it famous for anything? Who lived here 100 years ago? Scholastic’s My Story series offers fantastic chapter books from a child’s perspective, covering topics from Victorian child labour to Viking raiders. New Zealand-specific titles include the Wahine disaster and women’s suffrage, perfect for readers aged 8 and above.
Try It: Dig out childhood relics and set a time-travelling scene. Make a timeline with drawings and notes about various eras. See how many historical periods you can explore together!
The Origins of Everyday Objects
History isn’t just about people—it’s about things too! The origins of everyday objects can captivate kids, especially topics like failed inventions, paperclips, or the first attempts to fly. Gross histories, such as medical science in the dark ages, are also a big hit. A family project can make these topics even more engaging. Spread it over a month or two to allow for deeper exploration.
Try It: Pick a topic your kids love—trains, robots, princesses—and make a project of it. Build castles, design robots, or plan a medieval feast. For hands-on ideas, visit BBC History for Kids.
Living Through History
History isn’t always in the distant past. Events like NZ’s earthquake rebuild are significant historical moments. Recording these with photos, newspaper clippings, or even a family time capsule is a great way to engage children. Older kids might enjoy making a documentary, while younger ones could create scrapbook pages or drawings of how they imagine Christchurch’s future.
If earthquakes upset your child, focus instead on the exciting possibilities of building a new city and its future.
Linking History to Identity
Understanding history helps children discover their identity. Teach them about their cultural, familial, and societal history to give them a sense of belonging. Linking their behaviour to historical figures can also be inspiring. For example, “You thought up a great idea, just like John Britten with his world-record motorbike.”
Try It: Pick a relatable hero and learn about them together. Then, link your child’s actions to the hero’s traits: “Helping your brother just now was just like … What a hero!”
