Let me count the reasons I love history! #Blog365 Day 99

This is a question from one of my students posted on our "See - Think - Wonder" wall.  

I LOVE THIS QUESTION!!

There are so many reasons.

• HISTORY opens doors for more learning.  More than any other subject that I have found in the classroom, students make connections.  Science has the similar impact, but I have found that I can weave history throughout my day on a daily basis.
• HISTORY engages both my struggling students as well as my gifted students.  I can think of multiple kids in each group that latch onto a person or event and can't stop asking questions.  For my struggling students, it motivates them to want to read more.  I can still remember scolding two of my kids for reading a new book on presidents so that we could get to our basals.  Who ever heard of a teacher scolding kids to put away a book?
• HISTORY challenges me as a teacher.  Not a day goes by that my kids don't ask me a question that I have to respond that I don't know the answer.  How great is that?  They see that I am still on a path of learning.
• HISTORY builds friendships.  I am very proud and thankful for the many relationships that I have with friends across the country because of our passion for history.  It is a unique and nerdy bond that I would not trade.
• HISTORY expands my own knowledge.  I have to admit to my affection for quality children's books. Truth be told, I learn a heck of a lot from reading a well written picture book. These books introduce me to a diverse collection of topics that often inspire me to want to know more.
• HISTORY is just fun.  Some of my favorite stories are the obscure tidibits that are intruguing.  LIttle facts and anecdotes that are just plain fun.
• HISTORY is a conversation starter.  I love hearing about some of the conversations my own students share with their parents (more on that later).  You don't get that out of a basal curriculum!

So thanks to my student for asking this question.  History is a part of my life and I can't imagine a day without it.