People think that history is a collection of facts, a series of events that happened in the past. While it does contain facts and a timeline, history is far more than this. It has shaped identities, it has influenced politics and it has been used as a weapon in culture wars. But to use it in this way is a misuse of history and will only serve to undermine its utility in the future.
It’s a subject that helps to analyse past mistakes so that they don’t happen again in the future. The fact that it teaches us about different civilisations and their differences helps in building empathy for those who are different from you.
History is also a subject that can help you realise that the world is constantly changing and growing. This means that it will never be the same as it was when you were a child. That’s why learning about the past is so important and something that all kids should be doing.
Studying history gives you a sense of where you fit into the world and your culture, it allows you to understand yourself. It teaches you the values of your ancestors, how they lived and what they valued. It can be an eye-opening experience for children, particularly if they are aware of the hardships their ancestors faced. It can also teach them to be more appreciative of the things they have today, especially in a world that seems to be filled with bad news and negativity.
Historians know that they can never be entirely objective or unbiased. They have their own vantage point, something they want to prove, and their interpretations of the evidence are often inseparable from their viewpoints. To claim that Tacitus or any other historian was utterly objective is a misrepresentation of their work and a complete denial of the realities of how they were shaped by their own experiences.
One of the best ways to explain this to students is to use a metaphor: a magnifying glass and a kaleidoscope. Explain that the process of history is much like detective work or peering at patterns in a kaleidoscope, accumulating evidence slowly to build up a bigger picture and noticing similarities and differences as they do so. It’s also useful to mention that sometimes there are multiple interpretations of a particular event or person and that these are referred to as contested histories.
The importance of studying history is that it helps to build reading and writing skills. Just like an English class, history involves reading a variety of texts and analysing them for their themes, motifs and details. It also encourages the development of a deeper understanding of difference, a vital element in our modern society where inclusivity is paramount. So, if you’re concerned that your child doesn’t read enough or isn’t able to communicate clearly or express their opinions, consider encouraging them to study history. It’s a subject that will help them grow in confidence and be prepared for the future.