Why Study History? A Back To School Activity & Lesson Plan
Key Takeaway: Unlock the profound significance of studying history with our compelling lesson. From understanding human behavior to shaping a future rooted in knowledge, delve into the vital reasons history holds a key to our collective progress.
Why is studying history important, and what insights does it offer? Explore this lesson, delving into the profound reasons behind studying history. From understanding human behavior to shaping informed decisions, discover the crucial insights history provides for a more enlightened and progressive society.
Why Study History? Making the Past Relevant for Today
Why study history? Beyond dates and events, this lesson unravels the powerful reasons behind delving into the past. Discover how history provides insights into human nature, informs decision-making, and shapes a society's trajectory. Join us on a journey that goes beyond textbooks, highlighting the invaluable lessons history imparts for a more informed and enlightened future.
Do you remember your middle school or high school history classes? What memories come to mind? Maybe excitement, stories of adventure, or maybe just day-dreaming as you were zoning off into your own little world! When I was in class, I remember thinking and asking myself:
"Why do we study history anyway?"
"When am I ever going to use this stuff in life?"
"Isn’t history about a bunch of old, dead people and things that have already happened?"
Why Ask Why? STUDENTS WANT TO KNOW WHY
Asking why is a vital part of learning and is actually a great question to ask! The question of why should not be dismissed, but instead, it should be explored. It is the inquisitive mind that asks why, and students who ask why are the students that truly want to learn. Start the first day of school, or the first lesson of any history unit, with “WHY” because students always want to know why?
Right from the beginning of any unit, I like to start with why. I have found that the “WHY” must be answered before the “WHAT.” When students know why, then learning can begin. If there is no why, then it seems like a waste of time to students. So with this question of why in mind, I have developed and tweaked this back-to-school lesson for my classroom. I begin the first day of any history class going through this classroom discussion to convince my students that history is truly important to their lives. This format has proven to be beneficial, and if you don't already have a resource like this, I encourage you to give it a try.
MakING THE PAST COME ALIVE
I know this activity will help your students as it has certainly helped my students get excited about learning and understanding the importance of history! If you are hesitant in knowing how to convince your students why they should study history, I have included all of my notes with examples throughout history to prove to students the importance of history.
I am including these teacher notes and the 6 reasons why, so you don't have to do any research — woohoo! In addition to the discussion slides and teacher notes, you will receive a few lesson ideas, a reinforcement activity, and a quiz template for additional assessment. All files are in a printable PDF as are also available in a Google Drive format for those who prefer Google Classroom. These digital files are even editable for your own adjustments and preferences.
Start your school year off right. Incorporate this “no-prep” Why study history lesson with your students and get them engaged in studying history! What other helpful things have you done at the beginning of the school year to hook your students and get them engaged in History? I’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments below or contact Mister Harms.
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