Bringing Historical Events to Life

Students often find the study of history dry and boring. In reality, the major events of history are dramatic, joyous, sad, and inspiring. If you study and discuss historical events by looking for the human factor and understanding the causes, you will find these famous events can be intriguing and will provide a real learning experience.

Recently, an American family took a year off and took their kids on a tour of the United States. The home schooling experience included the study of major events that occurred across the U.S. throughout history. Imagine standing on the battlefield at Gettysburg or walking the land of Little Big Horn. Think about visiting the cities and places in which the civil rights movement was rooted.  

No tour guide can give you the kind of understanding you can get by reading about the events and doing your own research. Why did Washington cross the Delaware River? You will have a better appreciation of the event if you read the clues and information before you visit the site.

You can approach world events in the same way. Read about the World Wars before you visit the shores of Normandy or a concentration camp. Find out about the men, women and children who lived these times and you will truly experience history.  

Read letters written by Abraham Lincoln and you will never see the civil war or the emancipation of the slaves in the same way. Lincoln’s letters and the biographies of world leaders cast a more personal light on the people who led us through history.  

Though some may find history a dry topic, it is truly the history of our people and our world and of the people who lived during that time. Understanding how and why these major events took place and how they changed the world will help you understand the world you live in today.