Hands-On History

By Maggie Hogan

Introduction

 What is history? It is an orderly and systematic study of humans’ activities in the past.


Why Hands-On History (HOH)?

What we PERFORM, we REMEMBER


One way to teach a HOH unit:

1. Pick a period in history.

2. Gather good resources.

3. Flop on the floor with kids and browse.

4. Talk! Generate enthusiasm. Record questions.

5. Assign them to be history detectives.

6. Pay attention to what really captures their curiosity.

7. Begin bringing out additional resources one or two at a time. Games. Videos. Posters. Coins. Postcards. Activity kits. Crafts. Recipe books.

8. Add simple projects: cook, draw a picture for their timeline, play games.

9. Begin work on your maps & timeline. These are vital HOH activities!

10. Take a trip or do a special activity.

11. In the last weeks of the unit plan a final project - the grand finale.

12. Develop film, add pictures & memorabilia to notebook.

13. Organize and tidy the notebook.


Keys to Success

Be realistic.

Plan Ahead.

Don’t overload.

Give students some choices!

Simple HOH projects can be just as effective as elaborate ones.

Keep a notebook of everything worthwhile.

Smile - attitude is almost everything!