Making Historical Figures Come Alive for Students

Hello and Happy 2015!

Did you know that one of the biggest complaints from history students is that the subject is boring? Can you believe it? Granted, most of those students are in college, but that’s another post for another time. The point is that as teachers we have to find a way to make history come alive for the students. Make it less like facts to remember and more like real life.

One of the best ways to make history memorable is to make historical figures more like someone the students know. Bios can give them fun and interesting characteristics, or help students form pictures in their minds. For example, if your students are taught that “George Washington was the first president and he helped form the constitution and first bank”, your students might remember him or they might not. Cue eye glazing. This is especially true if they are learning about several men that helped form the Constitution. All those names will run together like marathoners when the start-gun pops.

However, if you teach that George Washington was an army captain who beat the British and helped make the United States’ laws, suddenly he is riding a horse or holding a gun. He’s a hero and that will make him memorable. Details about where historical figures are from, what their job is, even if they had family or loved hunting dogs (that last one is Roosevelt, FYI) will make them realistic and easily accessible to students.

Another way to bring history to life is with an activity that lets students play. We have a great First Five Presidents Talk Show Interview class activity that will not only have students laughing about history, but storing it away in their noggins. (Click here to take a look.)

We’ve been busy adding curriculum to our store. In fact, we’ve got a new activity graphic and organizer bundle up just in time for President’s Day! Check it out by clicking on our Teachers Pay Teachers store button to the right or clicking here. We’ve also added a new Pinterest board with all sorts of cool info on the first five presidents of the United States. We hope these help you create lasting impressions in the classroom without exhausting yourself over the long weekend.

Cheers until next time!