As parents, we all want the very best for our children. We want to see them grow up curious, kind, and confident—ready to take on the world with open hearts and open minds. But in the whirlwind of ABCs, counting to ten, and endless snack breaks, there’s one subject that often gets pushed aside: history.
I get it—history can seem like a subject for the future. After all, does your kindergartener really need to know about the American Revolution or how steam engines changed the world just yet? The truth is, yes! Introducing history early can have a profound and lasting impact on their development. Trust me, it's not just about dates and dusty old facts.
Here are five reasons why starting history now will help your little one grow in ways you might not expect:
5 Benefits of Introducing History in Kindergarten
- Igniting Curiosity
- Building Empathy
- Developing Critical Thinking Skills
- Cultivating a Sense of Identity
- Fostering a Love for Learning
1. Igniting Curiosity
History is full of amazing stories—tales of bravery, adventure, and discovery. You know those famous moments we all learned about as kids, like George Washington crossing the Delaware or the Wright brothers' first flight? While you might not remember exactly when you first heard these stories, they probably stuck with you for life. Now, imagine sharing these captivating stories with your child. Teaching history sparks their imagination and lights up their curiosity, making them eager to learn more.
I experienced this firsthand when some of our family moved to another state. My daughter was so curious about where they were going and asked, “Where do they live now?” We grabbed a map to see where they moved and compared it to where we live. That was just the beginning! Soon, she was fascinated by all the other states, and before long, we were looking at a globe and learning about other continents. It was like opening the floodgates of endless curiosity.
And yes, I know—brace yourself—you’ll start to hear more “Why?” questions than you ever thought possible. You know the ones: “Why did George Washington need to cross the river? Couldn’t he just go around?” And while we sometimes daydream about a world where we get a break from the constant stream of whys (maybe just for five minutes, please?), isn't that really what we hope for? Children who are endlessly curious about the world and never stop asking questions—even if it means we have to brush up on some facts ourselves!
2. Building Empathy
In today’s world, we want to raise kind, compassionate kids. When children learn about the past—about the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of people just like them—it helps them put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
As my daughter has grown older she has developed a deep fascination with Mexican culture. She loves the language, the music, and especially the traditional attire. We’ve made it a fun family activity to practice speaking small amounts of Spanish, cook traditional Mexican dishes together, and listen to their vibrant music. Through these experiences, she’s learning to appreciate the beauty of different cultures and perspectives. These small, everyday connections are already helping her develop empathy for others—an understanding that the world is a colorful, diverse place, and that’s something to celebrate.
3. Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Let’s be honest, we’ve all found ourselves caught off-guard by those tricky toddler questions: "Why is the sky blue?" or "How does that work?" Well, history teaches kids to think critically from an early age. As they learn about events, they'll begin to analyze and ask questions like “Why did that happen?” or “What could they have done differently?” These aren’t just great questions—they’re the foundation for critical thinking.
I’ve seen firsthand how teaching my daughter history has encouraged her to ask thoughtful, curious questions. The more we explore history together, the more I see her developing the ability to think things through and understand the bigger picture.
4. Cultivating a Sense of Identity
Ever wondered how you can help your child feel more connected to their roots? History gives them that opportunity. Whether it’s through family stories or learning about their cultural heritage, history provides children with a sense of belonging.
In our family, we had a wonderful experience playing family photo bingo to learn about our ancestors. One of the highlights was when my daughter got to sit down with her great-grandma and ask questions about her life as a kid. We spent the afternoon learning about Great-Grandma’s family and their experiences, with my daughter soaking in every word. It was such a special moment—seeing her start to understand where she came from and feel a connection to the generations before her. Sharing these stories helps her feel proud of her family’s history and gives her a sense of identity she’ll carry with her as she grows.
5. Fostering a Love for Learning
When learning is fun, kids want more of it. And the beauty of history is that it’s full of opportunities for creativity and play. Whether it’s a hands-on activity like building a paper model of the Mayflower or playing dress-up as colonial settlers, history can be the subject that lights the spark of lifelong learning.
In our home, we’ve seen how making history engaging has fostered a love for learning. My daughter’s natural curiosity, especially about the American flag and different cultures, has led us to so many exciting projects and conversations. Seeing her face light up when we dive into a new historical topic or activity reminds me that these early lessons are planting the seeds for a future where she’s excited to learn, explore, and discover.
So, why wait? Let’s start bringing history into our homes today. Watch as your little ones grow into curious explorers, thoughtful listeners, and big-hearted thinkers, eager to learn not just about the past, but about the world around them. Together, we can raise the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and change-makers by starting with a simple story of long ago.
What moment in history are you excited to share with your kindergartener?