Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

How can I make the study of history come alive? HSLDA Chairman Michael Farris talks about acting out a famous historical drama today on Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Farris:


While reading Wide as the Waters by Benson Bobrick, I was struck by how dramatic the history of the English Bible truly is. Adding drama to the study of history can sometimes really help to make it an exciting subject.


Do your students have a flair for the dramatic? Why not let them create a one-act play about their history topic, instead of writing a paper? As they design their own version of the event, they'll need to get inside the minds of their chosen characters and dig for details. Students will better understand the part their chosen character played in the flow of history when they step into the shoes of that historical figure through drama.


If you decide to read Wide as the Waters, consider reading portions of Shakespeare's Henry VIII along with it. The play focuses on Henry's attempts to annul his marriage to Katharine of Aragon, because he desperately wanted a male heir.


Compare Henry's scheming to that of Joseph's brothers, and see how God was able to use tragedy in the life of one person, and in this case Katharine of Aragon, to bring good to vast numbers of people. The plan to make Henry Supreme Ruler of the Church of England, nullified the Pope's authority over his marriage, and opened the door for an Authorized Version of the English Bible to spread throughout the realm.


Incorporate drama in your teaching and the vast tapestry of history will certainly come to life. I'm Mike Farris.