Does your dc's primary have a History Club?

[choosyfloosy]

Casting around in desperation for something I could do for school - this is about the only area in which I have more than average knowledge - but not sure if anyone tries it, as everything I come up with is probably done in class anyway, or is taken from Nurse Matilda books and wouldn't work? I'd like to have some idea whether it would work at all before bearding a teacher?

e.g. reenact battle of Trafalgar on playground?

pick 1 local house and track inhabitatnts through the censuses, then go and visit (by arrangement!)

ask grandparents for their first historical memory (news/local event/politics) and find out more about it

timeline in the classroom filled in through the term

??

I think it's a great idea. School history topics tend to be very similar year on year (I think even more so in England) so once you know which topics the school cover, you could very easily avoid them.

You are thinking on a very big scale re your battle re-enactment and house visits! I'd suggest you start fairly small, fun and manageable and buld up to your epics!

What a fab idea.
I'm sure the school would be delighted with the offer of help.

mm yes... they do sound too frightening! but i would also like to avoid frighteningly dull...

first step must be to discuss existing syllabus with teachers

good point about avoiding what's already being done

if you combine the history with art & craft and ICT, you should avoid dullness. There are excellent belair books which show historical art projects (if you need ideas)

Thanks pointydog, that's a good tip.

In case anyone else finds this in the future, I came across this Museum club video on Teachers TV which sounds fun and MUCH easier - am going to suggest we try this.