Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to tailor education to your child’s needs and interests. So, when it comes to teaching middle school history, incorporating fun activities is a must to make learning engaging and memorable.
Here are 10 of my favorite fun ways to teach history when homeschooling middle school!
Middle School History
Historical Role-Playing
Have your child act out historical figures or events. This hands-on approach can help them understand the perspectives of different people throughout history. Studying the American Revolution? Have kids take sides and have a debate between American and British soldiers.
Tip: I would be really cautious about marginalizing or minimizing the experience of those who suffered throughout history. For populations who experienced deep trauma, re-enacting or acting out events of their suffering is never appropriate. In those cases, it’s better to approach the lesson in a different manner.
Virtual Field Trips
Explore historical sites and museums virtually. Many museums offer online tours, allowing students to immerse themselves in different time periods. Virtual field trips are one of our favorite extension activities!
Historical Cooking
Cook dishes from different time periods to experience history through taste and smell. This can also spark discussions about food traditions and customs.
Create a Timeline
Visual aids like timelines can help students grasp the chronological order of historical events. Encourage your child to create a timeline of a specific era or civilization.
Historical Fiction Books
Incorporate historical fiction novels into your curriculum. This can bring history to life and make it more relatable for middle schoolers.
Documentary Watching
Watch historical documentaries together as a family. Documentaries provide visual context and can spark interesting discussions about different historical topics.
Historical Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt with clues related to historical events or figures. This is especially fun to do if you’re visiting a historical site!
Field Trips to Historical Sites
Visit local historical sites or landmarks to provide a hands-on learning experience. Seeing history in person can leave a lasting impression on students.
Historical Games
Play educational games that focus on history. There are many board games, online quizzes, and apps that can make learning history fun and interactive.
Historical Document Analysis
Study primary sources such as letters, diaries, and documents from different time periods. Analyzing these sources can help students develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of history.
Make Middle School History Fun
Incorporating these fun and interactive activities into your history curriculum can make learning enjoyable for middle schoolers and help them develop a deeper appreciation for the past. Homeschooling provides the flexibility to explore history in creative ways, so take advantage of it! Make middle school history both educational and entertaining, and your kids will never forget it!
