If you are a teacher and will be taking up a high school history curriculum, either at your school or on your own through homeschooling, you are obviously going to be interested in making sure your students stay engaged on the topic at hand. To that end, here are a few tips that just might keep your students interested and entertained so that maybe they'll actually learn something.
Movie Day is Always Fun
You'll have to use this option sparingly, of course, but a great way to break up the monotony of a lesson plan is to insert every teenager's favorite words: Movie Day. The great thing about history is that there are so many historical movies out there to choose from. Obviously, you don't want to run astray of your school's content guidelines, but you should easily be able to find something that will keep people entertained while making sure they learn something along the way.
Come Up With Your Own Rhymes
Every history student has probably heard the one about how "Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492." Well, why does that sort of thing have to stop with Columbus? We're not going to toss out any suggestions because we don't know what you're teaching, but it shouldn't be too hard to come up with a new rhyme or two for the subject you are on. Mnemonics like this can help people of all ages remember important dates and the students will likely appreciate the extra step you took to help them memorize what could be some pretty dry material.
Keep It Personal
Your students might not care about certain historical figures, but what if that historical figure had a descendant with a connection to your own town? It can be much easier to retain information when there is a personal touch involved. Another idea would be to take an important historical event and spend a bit of time having the class discuss the ways the world would be different if it had not happened. Give the students an opportunity to see how history has personally affected them.
History class doesn't have to be boring. If you want your students to stay focused on their curriculum, make the class engaging by adding your own touch. The occasional movie has been known to help as well. For help forming a high school history curriculum, get in touch with an expert today.
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