How to Make a Historical Report Fun for Kids?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores ideas and suggestions for making a historical report engaging for children. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on potential historical figures that could be chosen for such assignments.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration about the complexity of a historical report assignment for their child, mentioning the need for props and a costume.
  • Several participants suggest various historical figures, including Regis Philbin, Juliette Gordon Low, Clara Barton, and Doris Christopher, as potential subjects for the report.
  • One participant shares their experience of a similar assignment, detailing how their child dressed as Nellie Bly and the props used.
  • Another participant mentions the availability of resources for researching Juliette Gordon Low, including a link to the Girl Scouts website.
  • Some participants discuss the criteria for choosing a historical figure, questioning whether it must be someone deceased or if contemporary figures could also qualify.
  • One participant suggests Louisa May Alcott and discusses the availability of information about her life and works.
  • Another participant reflects on the significance of historical dates and events, sharing personal memories related to them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the criteria for selecting a historical figure, with some participants suggesting both historical and contemporary individuals. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach to the assignment.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and suggestions based on their children's assignments, highlighting the challenges and creative solutions involved in making historical figures relatable and engaging for kids.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to parents and educators looking for creative ideas to support children in completing historical reports or projects.

JenBowen
Gold Member
Messages
66
Ok so this is not PC related at all, but I am completely lost. My 9 year old DD has to do this report on a Historical person. But not just an normal report of facts and such so she could pick anyone. She has to get 5 "interesting" facts about this person, create a business card, draw a picture of their face...and DRESS like them with props! I don't know about any of you but I don't have old english get ups to do someone like Betsy Ross! Ok just had to vent. Thanks! :D
 
How about Regis Philbin? I think he's old enough to qualify for historical! LOL!!
 
Seriously.....how about Juliette Gordon Low? (Founder of Girl Scouts) As a GS leader, she's the one that immediately came to mind.
 
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LMAO...I almost suggested William Shatner..just so she could talk like him! Hilarious!:p
 
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pcchris said:
Seriously.....how about Juliette Gordon Low? (Founder of Girl Scouts) As a GS leader, she's the one that immediately came to mind.
That might work...she has the uniform! THANKS for the idea
I have to find a book on her though? hmm wonder if there is one
 
do some online checking....otherwise call your local Girl Scout council...tell them what you are doing, I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out!
 
Okay, my DD did this same thing, and she picked Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross). She just wore a long skirt, a blouse and a shawl, and had her hair in a tight "bun". It worked...she got an "A" for it. (sorry, it was an afterthought)
 
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pcchris said:
Okay, my DD did this same thing, and she picked Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross). She just wore a long skirt, a blouse and a shawl, and had her hair in a tight "bun". It worked...she got an "A" for it. (sorry, it was an afterthought)
I really appreciate the ideas, I was involved in GS before, so she would know about that...I like the ARC idea though. Thanks so much.
 
No problem....glad to be of help! Should be interesting to see what others come up with! HEY! How about Doris Chistopher??
 
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whos that lol? i have no sense of history
 
pcchris said:
No problem....glad to be of help! Should be interesting to see what others come up with! HEY! How about Doris Chistopher??

That's who I thought of immediately!!!!
She is the founder of Pampered Chef! :)
 
I asked my kids and they both suggested Clara Barton.
 
My DD had this type of assignment last year. It was called a wax museum and she went as Nellie Bly, she was a famous female newspaper reporter who traveled around the world in 80 days. She wore a long blk skirt with a high neck white blouse with her hair in a tight bun. She had a suitcase and old typewriter for props. We live in the middle of nowhere so costumes were hard to come by. Some of the other girls were Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Jane Austin,and Ellenor Roosevelt. Good luck!!
 
JenBowen said:
That might work...she has the uniform! THANKS for the idea
I have to find a book on her though? hmm wonder if there is one

Here is a good link http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history/low_biography/ to help with the research.
 
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tlennhoff said:
Here is a good link http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history/low_biography/ to help with the research.

I have that info. Thanks...But she actually needs a book! which makes it the hard part. If she could just go online and do it, I wouldn't care so much. Not a big deal. But she has to find a book that is on her level.
 
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chefjenibel said:
That's who I thought of immediately!!!!
She is the founder of Pampered Chef! :)
DUH I should know that :eek:
 
How about Helen Keller? She wouldn't have to say anything.

[turns, ducks, holds hands over head]

Eleanor Roosevelt? Clara Ford? (She fed gasoline to the carburetor while Henry tested his first internal combustion engine.) Maggie Thatcher?

Doris Christopher has a book. Several have been written about Eleanor Roosevelt, Clara Ford can be found in several books about the Ford family.
 
The girl scout handbook has an 'album' section on Juliette Low with facts about how she started GS, where she was from, what activities she did, and how she sold her pearl necklace to start GS. Don't know if that's the kind of book you're looking for, but hope it helps.
 
I noticed that you are in PA...I was born there and moved to Texas when I was 10.

Anyway...I digress. How about Sam Houston? Fairly well known...TONS of books about him, and the teacher will be truly impressed! (I'm a teacher and I would be impressed!!! :0) ) So what if she's a girl....go to the salvation army and find a suit, the hair would be easy....

Here's a link. Guess i'm a little bias...went to Sam Houston State!

http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/index.html
 
How about a really interesting character in American automobile history that no one seems to know anything about? Edsel Ford.A brilliant man, an excellent designer, leader of the arts community in Detroit, and someone that is remembered for an awful car that was named after him. He deserved better than that, and deserves to be remembered for the gentleman that he was.
 
oh oh I got one !Louisa Mae Alcott she wrote "Little Women" you will find so much info about her and her family and it would most likely even be interesting to you both (which makes helping easier) and she can also watch the movie.
 
and does "historical" mean it needs to be an old/dead person? or someone who has done something historical?
I know our 5th graders do this and they go from George Washington to current heros & sports figures.
what about Christie McColugh (sp?) the teacher that was on the space shuttle.....
geesh I can't remember the name of the shuttle how long ago was that anyway?:o
 
People tell me I'm historical. Oh, wait, that was hysterical.Never mind.http://www.starhop.com/images/chris.gif
Christa McAuliffeYou can read her biography http://www.starhop.com/cm_bio.htm. The Challenger exploded 73 seconds into its mission on January 28, 1986. It's one of those dates and times, like September 11, 2001 and November 22, 1963 where I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news.
 
thanks KG .
I knew someone could refresh my memory.
 
Eleanore Roosevelt. That would be my pick
 
How about Laura Ingalls wilder. She wrote her own books about herself. Actually there are books about her at the library too. Just a long skirt, and a bonnet, lunch bucket and your set. But popular, others might be her also.

I was working when the shuttle exploded. Remember it well, but couldn't remember the date. Would have had to look it up. 2001 is too recent to have forgotten that date yet. Not born yet in 1963.
 
You will never, ever forget September 11, 2001.My parents' generation will never forget December 7, 1941.I will never forget November 22, 1963.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a historical report engaging for kids?

To make a historical report engaging for kids, incorporate interactive elements such as games, quizzes, or hands-on activities related to the topic. Use visuals like maps, timelines, and pictures to capture their attention, and encourage storytelling to make the history come alive.

What types of visuals can I include in a historical report?

Include maps, photographs, illustrations, and infographics that relate to the historical topic. You can also use timelines to show the sequence of events and create a visual narrative that helps kids understand the context better.

How can I encourage kids to participate in the report presentation?

Encourage participation by assigning roles or tasks to each child, such as acting out a historical figure, creating a visual display, or leading a discussion. You can also include a Q&A session at the end to engage the audience and make them feel involved.

What are some fun activities to include in a historical report?

Consider incorporating activities like role-playing, creating a diorama, or hosting a mock debate about historical events. You can also organize a scavenger hunt for historical facts or create a timeline mural that kids can contribute to throughout the project.

How can I make the research process enjoyable for kids?

Make the research process enjoyable by turning it into a treasure hunt for information. Provide them with fun worksheets or scavenger hunt lists that guide them to find interesting facts. Encourage the use of multimedia resources, like documentaries or podcasts, to keep them engaged.

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