How to get children interested in history

Anita Anand, Devika Cariapa & William Dalrymple

Children are naturally interested in history. Quite early on, they are curious about what shaped their world, searching for their place in a story that began before they were born. How often have you heard questions like “Where did I come from?” or “Have you always been here?”, or “Was Nana always old?”

History is the story of humans. As a subject, it has often been condemned as unworthy of serious study. One common perception is that since it is all about the past, history is irrelevant for our present concerns.

The truth is, however, that we are all historical beings. Our societies, traditions, technologies and even our genetic makeup is the result of centuries of change. The past has made the present. To truly understand our present identity, we have to understand the links between past and present. Links that only history can provide. Only once we have understood the changes and mistakes of the past can we root ourselves in the present and begin to make better choices for the future.

As parents, encouraging children’s natural interest in history is part of a vital process of helping them develop a sense of self, of where they fit into their community or their country. This should be a fun and meaningful journey rather than one loaded with bookish knowledge.

In their early years, they will listen fascinated and wide-eyed to stories of the past. These could be simple tales told by a grandparent or elder — particularly lingering on details of how they lived, what they wore, what they did at school, even what they ate for lunch! Family pictures, including that picture of their Nana as a dashing young Captain in his Army uniform or Dadi driving the old family car, will introduce a sense of time and change.

Pre-schoolers will have fun with history-based activities like making a family tree to hang on their wall or being allowed to handle special artefacts in the house such as medals, an antique saree or a typewriter. These could be simple objects that have a story behind them. Read picture books with historical themes where you can point out different houses, dresses and modes of transportation. Introduce them to biographies of strong historical characters, preferably heroes and heroines who fought against injustice or inequality. Be sure to explain why this is relevant to their lives. For instance, Begum Rokeya fought for girls to be allowed to go to school, or Rukmini Devi Arundale fought taboos so you can learn your favourite Bharatanatyam dance.

Schoolgoing children will enjoy the tangible experience of going to a museum or a monument. Being able to physically relate to information from textbooks will be exciting. A little preparation in researching what is on display will go a long way. For example, making sure they can spend time at the Harappan toy collection at the National Museum, New Delhi, will give them insights they can relate to as children.

In places with limited access to monuments, a walk around town looking at old buildings or shops, older modes of transportation or meeting people with memories of a different era will have a similar effect.

History-themed role playing and dressing up sensitises children to everyday life in the past. “How did the Cholas travel from one city to another? How did they see at night without electricity?” Independent young readers will have a wide range of historical fiction, non-fiction and graphic books to choose from. Apart from the ever popular Magic Tree House or Horrible Histories staples, there is a range of excellent books by Indian publishers such as Tulika, Talking Cub, Juggernaut, Puffin, Duckbill and Hachette. Remember, even their interests have histories of their own. There are books on the history of dances, music, sport, mathematics and art.

As pre-teens, you will be competing with screens for their attention. Take advantage of this! Suggest period dramas, movies and podcasts to them. Watch the news together a few times a week. Initiate dinner table conversations on current affairs and talk about how the news of today ties in with historical events. Like, “Do you know how the conflict in the Middle East came to be?” or “Why do India and Pakistan have such a fraught relationship?”

Thinking historically about current situations builds empathy and understanding of peoples and cultures around the world. These are habits that will enable them to become more informed and responsible citizens. This is also the time to discuss critical thinking about how history is written, the multiple views of an event and how sources of information should be checked carefully.

Children prepare for the future by learning about the past. Whether they choose to be lawyers, politicians, journalists, scientists or entrepreneurs, an understanding of history will be the solid foundation of their education.

— The writers’ new book ‘The Adventures of Kohinoor’ is out now