History. It’s one of the most politicized topics out there. But why? There are plenty of theories, but we’ll save those for another day. Instead, let’s focus on something bigger: each passing generation knows less and less about history.
You’ve probably seen those viral videos where people on the street struggle to answer basic history questions. It’s not just another viral trend—studies show that only 53% of Americans could pass the U.S. History portion of the U.S. citizenship test. And if you ask homeschool moms what subject they feel least confident teaching, history is often at the top of the list.
What does this tell us? The way history is taught isn’t working.
Think back to high school. What subject stands out most to you? I have a sneaky suspicion that for many, history wasn’t the highlight. For me, history class was boring. I didn’t understand why it mattered. Honestly, I thought history was just a hobby for old men or dads.
So how did I end up writing introductory history books for kids? And why should we start teaching history so young?
That lack of historical knowledge I mentioned earlier? It’s how history’s darkest moments creep back into reality. Without a firm grasp of history, we risk repeating the worst parts of it. All because the lessons that should have been learned were forgotten.
I didn’t realize this until I started my own self-taught history journey. One night, while holding my newborn son and watching a video on the American Revolution, a cute rhyme popped into my head. I put pictures to the words, and suddenly, a new way of learning history was born.
Even though introducing history at such a young age seemed like a far-fetched idea, I knew the current system wasn’t working. So I thought… what if we started earlier? What if kids had fun, relatable characters? What if the premise was easy to understand? What if it rhymed? Would this new way of learning create a solid foundation instead of the shaky, forgettable one so many of us grew up with?
But does introducing history early have benefits beyond my theory? Absolutely! It builds empathy, develops critical thinking skills, and nurtures a love of learning.
Let's dive deeper into that.
Building Empathy
You’ve seen the shirts—“Raise them kind.” The fact that a t-shirt company can capitalize on this phrase says a lot. Moms feel the need to remind the world of a simple truth: kindness matters. Learning history helps with this. It allows kids to explore different times, cultures, and perspectives. It encourages them to ask questions, seek understanding, and appreciate what they have today. When children can step into the shoes of people from the past, they begin to see the world with more empathy.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Have you felt it? The political tension you can cut with a knife? “This is what happened.” “No! This is what happened.” (Insert all the fighting and rude comments here) Yuck. Not a fan of that behavior.
History isn’t black and white—it’s filled with perspectives. We don’t get to sit down with people from the past and hear their side of the story firsthand. We don’t fully understand the world they lived in. We have no idea if, under the same circumstances, we’d make the same decisions. That’s why it’s important to look at history from multiple angles, ask questions, and think critically instead of just accepting what just anyone says.
Growing a Love of Learning
Ironically, the subject I used to dread is the same one that can ignite a lifelong passion for learning. Why? Because when learning is fun, kids want more of it. And history is FULL of opportunities for creativity and play.
Want to teach about the Mayflower? Build a paper model of it. Learning about colonial America? Play dress-up. When kids get hands-on with history, it transforms from a boring textbook subject into an adventure they can experience.
That's why at Little Lion History we not only create books but we show you ways to bring the pages to life.
Why Start Young?
Because a strong foundation makes all the difference.
When kids are introduced to history early, it unfolds naturally over time. They absorb it bit by bit, allowing their understanding to deepen as they grow. They start practicing essential life skills—empathy, critical thinking, curiosity—without even realizing it.
We all know what happens when you repeat the same failing method over and over again. So why not try something different? Why not give our kids a better foundation than we had? The way history is taught needs to change—and it starts right here, right now.
Explore how we bring our books pages to life here.
Sources
(n.d.). Many Americans Can’t Pass The Citizenship Test – Can You? New York Almanack. https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2019/02/many-americans-cant-pass-the-citizenship-test-can-you/
Wexler, N. (n.d.). Why Kids Know Even Less About History Now—And Why It Matters. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nataliewexler/2020/04/24/why-kids-know-even-less-about-history-now-and-why-it-matters/