We can present "mini" history lessons
through pictures, books, videos, and simply through telling stories based on our
own knowledge. Remember, compared to what preschoolers know about the world,
we know volumes, and we can break that information down to their level of understanding:
Covered
Wagon Days: One of my favorite "early forms of transportation" that's
fun to share is that of "Covered Wagon" travel. I personally have
lots of pictures because one of my hobbies is that of collecting books about the
great American West, but I'm sure there are tons of "picture" books
at any library.
Or, how about introducing the "stagecoach"
to the children?
Early Automobiles: We can show pictures
of "automobiles of old" and talk about how they didn't have air conditioning
or CD players.
Early Air Travel: A mini-lesson on how
air travel came about would also be neat!
Favorite Books: Nine for California, by Sonia Levitin; Cat Bowman
Smith, Illustrator: (This book is for ages 5-9 but if you read it in
advance and make adaptations, it can also be of interest to younger children.):
A little girl takes a stagecoach journey with her family back in the late 1800's.
Hog Music, by Mary-Claire
Helldorfer; S. D. Schindler, Illustrator:
This is a wonderful nineteenth century story about how a birthday present from
an aunt in Baltimore gets to a little girl in Illinois. It's delightful
and funny while teaching history at the same time.
Share
Your "Stuff" Too! ------------------------------
Reminder
from Stormie: If you would like to begin collecting ALL my current classroom
ideas (each on a 4 x 6" index card), as well as new ones that I create, you
can do so by ordering my "Activity Cards." Click here
to check them out.
