History Methods

[aelgraham]

Hi folks,

I recently posted about my struggle with trying to make WTM-- which I love in theory-- work realistically for my DS age 11. In doing so I'm focusing on methods, not so much curriculum recommendations. So my question is, what methods for history have worked well for you?

We are doing a timeline, actually what Charlotte Mason calls a 'Book of Centuries', outlining, reading, narrating, supplemental reading. These are the basics described in the WTM. Is there anything different that you do that might make this a little more exciting? Some tweak or twist on these methods?

Many thanks,
Amy

[allearia]

We like to throw in some historical science experiments and study--something hands on but still very worthwhile. Also some art type study and reproductions of types of art from different historical periods -- again getting away from the cut and paste but still of real educational value, especially as your son is 10. We also will occasionally re-write a myth or story from a culture as a more creative writing tie-in, it could be a straight re-telling or with different ideas, etc. depending whether the child likes creative writing or not. I would also like to find resources for more advanced mapwork, haven't figured that out yet though.

We've only implemented these here and there so far (Archimedes density experiment, Greek vase painting, Platonic bodies, etc.) but they've given the best value for time spent out of our hands-on type endeavors.

[JennW in SoCal]

The method to my history madness has been to treat it as little as possible as a separate subject. History, literature and often science have been tied together through the years, with some straightforward history texts thrown in from time to time.

What makes it exciting is to follow the interests my kids have on a particular period or country. Or I'd focus on a particular period or country to mix things up. Another idea is to study the history of something your son loves -- sports, theater, science, art, or music. We've studied the history of theater through Greek drama, Shakespeare and modern musicals. We've also read about the lives of scientists, gone to art museums and looked not just at the style of painting from a time, but of the clothing and themes.

I also never felt compelled to have some kind of assignment or written response for everything we read or saw. Sometimes a simple discussion would suffice.