Determine the topic that you will teach to your class. Select your topic based on state and district standards. While your topic is based on standards, design your lesson to interest the children in your classroom. If children in your class enjoy acting out books, write a script based on your trade book to extend their learning. Some common kindergarten history teaching points include: teaching children about past and present and teaching why we celebrate national holidays.
Look for books that fit your topic specifically. If you are teaching students about the history of Martin Luther King Jr.. find books that speak directly about him. Kindergarten children are concrete thinkers and will learn best if the information is presented clearly.
Decide what parts of the book you will read. Read an entire book only if it is written on a kindergarten comprehension level. Read parts of the book when the book discusses a variety of topics.
Stop and clarify what you have read to the children midway through the book. Ask your pupils questions to ensure they understand. History can be a complicated concept for young children to grasp. They often have trouble thinking beyond the present. Sharing the pictures of the trade book can show children concrete information to support what you read.
Design extension activities to go along with the trade book and material. Select activities that will help your pupils to think about the topic on a deeper level. Challenge students to think about how they would feel if they were living in the past. Bring in props to help your young learners visualize the past and allow children to act out the past in story form. Encourage pupils to find their own trade books on the topic. If you are teaching about Martin Luther King Jr., your pupils can head to the library to find additional trade books on the topic.