How important is it to retain information on history in the early grades? We just started 2nd grade and my son only remembers bits and pieces of what I try to teach him. Is it just the exposure to history that's important at this point or the information? Just wondering what others opinions were.
For second grade I wouldn't worry about it too much. He'll get more in-depth as he goes, and he'll have more foundation to build more info onto. (if that makes any sense?)
YEP! Exposure! Phillip will be re-doing the history this year (age 11) that he did in kindergarten (he would sit and do it with his older sisters). Did I expect a lot out of him then? NO! Do I expect more out of him now? YES! But I feel it'll stick better because he's heard it before!
That was my idea as well, just exposure, so that when he's ready to really dive in, it will be familiar.
I remember almost nothing from U.S. history before Jr. high except for pilgrims and Native Americans. Actually, I think I learned MOST of what I know at home, watching movies like "The North and the South" lol. Personally, I just want exposure for my children at this point. When I pulled dd from 1st grade and ds from 3rd, neither knew anything really. Our ps is politically correct to the point of ridiculousness, so dd didn't even know about Thanksgiving (no Native American headdresses, no Thanksgiving feast at school). As others have stated, I am exposing my kids now, planning on another pass later, and another after that until I am satisfied. I did U.S. history with dd in the fall/winter of last year, and although she remembers things like "two if by sea", she doesn't remember Paul Revere. Both kids remember Ben Franklin as that guy with the kite in the thunderstorm, and some other weird facts, but I'm sure neither remembers the Glass Harmonica vid I showed them or the fact that it was said to drive people mad. This is one area that I think Spiralling is a great idea.
Thanks! You all pretty much confirmed what I was thinking. We are doing the 4 year cycle, so he'll see everything a few times before we're through.
I am of the opinion that most content area is more for exposure than memory. Do I remember exact dates and details from American history that I took in grade school, jr high, highschool, and college. Nope. But I have a general understanding of it and I know how to look up the details if I need them! Edie
That's true, Edie. I don't remember much of history as I never had much of an interest in it when I was a kid. It's been fun re-learning things. I'm enjoying it much more the second time around.
