At school children have the opportunity to learn about history and what the world was once like. It’s an important part of the curriculum as it teaches us about the progress we’ve made as a society and valuable lessons for the future. It’s also a subject that children enjoy learning about as it’s the second most favoured subject in schools. They can learn about cool topics like the ancient Egyptians - how the pyramids came about and so much more. Here are some more reasons as to why children are taught about history at school.

This is a collaborative post which we’ve put together with the help of a prep school in London.

Culture

History can teach children about their roots and what it means to be British. It can also help them in understanding what life would have been like for their grandparents and great grandparents.

History helps students develop cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity. By learning about different cultures, civilizations, and historical experiences, students gain empathy and understanding for people from diverse backgrounds.

Learning from Past Mistakes

History can give us insight into what may happen in the future. We can learn from the mistakes of the past and make sure that they’re not replicated. Studying historical events helps students understand the consequences of actions and decisions, empowering them to learn from mistakes and make positive changes in the future.

Appreciating the Present

We’ve come a long way as a society and it’s all thanks to the contributions made in the past. Women are now allowed to get an education, vote, and have equal opportunities to men which would have been unthinkable before. Children were also forced to work in some instances as their families were poor. There’s a lot that we have to be grateful for and it can make children appreciate what they have.

Cultivating belonging and Identity

History helps students develop a sense of identity and belonging by connecting them to their cultural, national, and global heritage. By learning about their own history and the history of others, students gain a deeper understanding of who they are and where they come from.

Ancient Discoveries

People of the past were also very intelligent and there is a lot of knowledge that we otherwise would not have. Some of their discoveries and traditions are still in use today, like ancient herbal medicines that have amazing healing properties.

Fun History Book Recommendations

There are some fabulous, fun books out there for kids to learn history from. Here are some of our favourites:

Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne: In this beloved series, siblings Jack and Annie travel through time and space in a magic tree house, encountering historical events and figures along the way. Each book combines adventure, mystery, and history, making them perfect for young readers.

Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary: This series presents history in a humorous and irreverent style, covering topics such as the ancient Egyptians, the Romans, the Vikings, and more. With witty writing and cartoon illustrations, these books make learning about history fun and entertaining.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo: This series features short biographies of extraordinary women from history, highlighting their achievements and inspiring stories. With beautiful illustrations and empowering messages, these books celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history.

National Geographic Kids Everything series: This series covers a wide range of historical topics in an engaging and accessible format. From ancient civilizations to world wars to famous landmarks, these books are filled with fascinating facts, photos, and illustrations.

Finally, history education prepares students for the future by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and perspectives that are essential for success in a rapidly changing world. By understanding the past, students are better prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Teaching history in schools is essential for fostering informed, engaged, and responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society and make a difference in the world.

I hope that this post was insightful and that you enjoyed reading!

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.