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Vacations with a Vocation – Using the Summer Recess to Light a Flame of Interest in Children

© Katie Anne Gustafsson

It's never too early to spark an interest in children. Whether you let them hand you "safe" tools when fixing the car, or mix the cookie batter in the kitchen, children learn from the experiences you allow them to have. The same can be said about educational interests. Like Women's History for example!

My interest started off with just the general subject of history. My mother would take me around castles and museums even as a young child. She never mentioned dates or wars or politics. She told of the people who lived in these places and used the exhibits. From her I learned a passion that has stayed with me throughout my life. She would show me various items and explain what they were used for, and then ask me how we did the same thing today. I learned without ever feeling I was being taught.

The school holidays are upon us. It's a great time to get out and about with the kids. A trip to the library may reveal some interesting facts about the local history of the area you live in. Think about the areas your child will be covering in history next session. Is there anything you can show them that will help put the words in books into some kind of physical context? Perhaps they will study a period at school next academic year which is in living memory - such as the second world war. Is there someone who lives nearby who lived through it, either as a civilian or a member of the armed forces? Someone who could bring that period of time to life. What about the Depression? Is there anyone who would be able to tell your child of their memories of living through the depression and what it meant to them?

If you live near any national monuments, or could take a day-trip to one, these often give many opportunities for learning without teaching. Whether it is just listening to members of staff recount what life was like in a Cavalry Fort whilst you wander around the walls and into buildings where people (and children) once lived, or by looking at exhibits in the display cabinets, or by standing in the actual place where once something interesting happened, it's amazing how much can be taken in by little minds who can then process the information at a later date when it's required.