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Historical Thinking and Understanding in Children





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This resource presents two articles about historical thinking in children, an annotated list of picture books that have been selected to promote historical understanding in young children, and a slide presentation from the 2005 Social Studies Summer Institute.

Historical Thinking in the Early Years PDF

This article, written by Amy von Heyking, explores the role and purpose of history instruction in early years education in Alberta, and discusses past and current rationales for teaching history. The article includes discussions of the nature and purpose of history in elementary school and children's historical understanding. Six elements of historical thinking are examined: significance; epistemology and evidence; continuity and change; progress and decline; empathy and moral judgement; and historical agency. A list of cited works is also included.

Children's Historical Understanding Picture Book List PDF

This resource provides an annotated list of picture books that address the following Grade 1 learning outcome: Moving Forward with the Past: My Family, My History and My Community. The list is categorized by themes: Family Stories/Memories, Personal Change, Family Changes, Time, Community Changes Over Time.

 

Historical Thinking in the Middle Years PDF

This article, written by Amy von Heyking, explores important developments in the field of history education that have had important implications for teachers. Six elements of historical thinking are used as a framework for a review of current research into children’s historical thinking and for suggested activities that would appropriately address these elements: significance; epistemology and evidence; continuity and change; progress and decline; empathy and moral judgement; and historical agency in middle years classrooms.

 

Historical Thinking in the Middle Years: Summer Institute 2005 Presentation PDF

This slide presentation, created by Amy von Heyking, was used during her keynote presentation at the 2005 Social Studies Summer Institute.

 
Last updated: May 31, 2007 | (Revision History)
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