Choose Your Own Adventure are a series of young adult books that directs one to read a few pages of a story until they come to a page directing them to make a critical choice about the story. The choice directs the reader to a different page in the book and influences the path that the story will take. This is done several more times until the story ends, sometimes happy, and sometimes not. Consequently, each story is different and exciting. Why not apply the same principle to the history classroom? Make learning about history more exciting by having students choose their own history adventure.
Taking History Notes to the Next Level
Most history classrooms incorporate some sort of note taking. It’s a good skill for students to have and is another way to deliver and reinforce important information. Rather than having students take traditional notes, turn it into an even better learning tool by turning the notes into fun role playing adventures.
For example, students are learning about ancient Rome. One might start by teaching them about the basic geography of Rome. Give them a few structured notes on Rome to get them started and focused. Just when they think it’s going to be an hour of the same old notes they’ve always taken, present them with this situation:
Where will you build Rome?
- Right on the Tiber River
- On 7 hills 15 miles inland from the Tiber River
- In the mountains30 miles inland from the Rhine Rive
- 45 miles inland from the Mississippi River
To make it even more interesting can turn it into a game and tell students that if they get the historically correct answer they will get a certain amount of points. The student with the most points at the end of the game can get extra credit or a prize. This can also be a fun group work activity and really get students engaged in discussing the best choice.
Role Playing Can Be Used in History Review Too!
The same role playing idea can be used in history review activities. When teaching about Rome’s conflict with Carthage put students into groups and set up the review properly by telling them they are a Roman general or the leader of Rome. Students can even be put students into teams and create a battle flag for a Roman legion. Than present them with a series of fast paced role playing choices. For example:
What did Rome do to prepare for war with Carthage?
- Increase strength of your Legionnaires (army).
- Build a navy.
- Attack Sicily swiftly and decisively.
- Nothing, wait for Carthage to come to you.
The choices can even be modified test questions. Students can use their books or not, either way they are taking part in an exciting and unique review activity.
Role Playing Makes Learning History More Fun
Role playing and simulations can make learning about history more fun and relevant to students. By allowing students to role play in mock trials or simulations, or choosing their own history adventures, any teacher can make the social studies classroom a memorable and enjoyable learning experience for all of their students.
Miranda Zinnel - I hold a B.A double major in social studies education and history. I also hold a minor in political science. I have also completed my ...
