There are a whole host of history modules you can choose to teach at KS1 and KS2. It’s wonderful to have such a rich array of choices, but choosing between them can be tricky. This is especially the case if you’re a home educator who can’t rely on the choices made by colleagues. However, there are a few things you can do to make the decision easier to make.
Consider Local Links
Plenty of history has taken place right here in the United Kingdom, so you should start by considering any local links. Was your town home to any significant historical figures? Is there an important historical site close to your house or school? If so, it makes sense to choose a subject that fits around what’s on your doorstep. Doing so provides ready-to-go opportunities for teaching outside the classroom, and children are often more interested if history seems linked to where they live.
Factor in Other Subjects
Perhaps no available modules chime with your local surroundings. If so, try thinking about the other subjects you’re covering. Are you just about to introduce your students to Shakespeare? If so, why not cover history centred around the Elizabethan period? Complementing subjects in this manner helps children learn and provides a strong foundation for fresh learning.
Ask Your Students
You shouldn’t overwhelm your students with options, but it might be worth asking them directly what they would prefer to study. Provide a brief overview of a couple of subjects, then take a vote to see which is the most popular choice. This should help engage interest right off the bat, and children should feel more motivated to learn when they’ve helped choose the subject.
If all else fails, why not ask yourself what you’d most like to teach? It’s no secret that teaching tends to be more effective and enjoyable when you get to cover a subject you’re interested in yourself. If a certain period of history speaks to you, why not choose that one?