How to Host a Living History Day for your Homeschool Co-op
Our Living History Day at our homeschool co-op is one of my favorite activities. Our students work hard creating their presentations, costumes and display boards to give us a peak into their characters life. If you are considering an event like this, then this post on How to Host a Living History Day for your Homeschool Co-op will get you moving in the right direction.
What is Living History Day?
This event can be called many different things, we refer to it as Living History Museum Day, but I have heard it also called, Living Wax Museum, Time Traveler’s Day, Historical Immersion Day, or just a History Fair. Students are encouraged to choose a character from history, research them and create a presentation about them. To make it more fun, they dress up in that character and speak in first person when talking about them. Other students and parents walk around and listen to the various presentations.
Why do a Living History Day at your Co-op?
Not only is it so much fun to see and learn about so many different people in history as a spectator, but more importantly, students have the opportunity to do research and practice their speech and presentation skills. And because they are repeating their short speech multiple/dozens of times they build confidence and experience.
Planning and Preparing for the Living History Event
First decide if you want your students to focus on a particular time period or if they will have the freedom to choose any character from any time frame. (Caution here if you have issues with them possibly choosing a less than moral character.)
Set a date and location- We typically schedule ours to be around Halloween because students have an easier time finding costumes for their character at this time.
The location should be one that will fit all the presenters- they will need tables to hold their presentation boards and any props. As well as provide enough room for spectators to walk around without being on top of each other.
Recruit Participants- Give a clear explanation of what the event is and what the expectations are going to be for the participants. A simple sign-up sheet either in person or online can work.
What do the Participants Need to Do for Living History Day?
Deep Dive into History:
- Choose a character. Encourage students to choose someone that participants might know but not know a lot about. Some fun ideas can be found at Finding Mandee
- Encourage research on the chosen theme and character.
- Utilize books, documentaries, and online resources.
Be Engaging:
- Write the speech with consideration of how the character might present themselves. Keep it short, typically only 2-3 minutes.
- Brainstorm props related to the character. We once had Melton Bradley as a character and the student passed out monopoly money.
Gather Costumes and Props:
- Encourage creativity and resourcefulness.
- Utilize thrift stores, online marketplaces, and DIY projects.
Setting the Stage for the History Fair
- Create an Immersive Environment:
- Use decorations, music, and lighting to set the mood.
- Divide the space into themed sections or exhibits, making sure there is enough space between participants so that they don’t sound like they are speaking over each other.
- Prepare Exhibits and Displays:
- Showcase student projects, artifacts, and visuals.
- Include interactive elements for visitors to engage with.
Additional Tips to make your Living Wax Museum Day a Success.
- Start small and gradually expand the event in future years. The first year or two that you host, you may not get a lot of participation since it’s new. Don’t be discouraged, start with who is interested and then build on that.
- Consider opening the event up to the homeschool community to participate in.
- Invite friends and grandparents to come and listen to the participants.
- Embrace creativity and flexibility to make the event unique and memorable.
Other Homeschool Co-op and Group Event Resources
How to have a Successful Morning Meeting at your Co-op
How to Host a Homeschool Co-op Open House
How to Plan a Homeschool Co-op Graduation
Angela is the Homeschool Encourager for the Overwhelmed & Under-Caffeinated and the Chaos-to-Confidence Specialist behind Schooling with Grace. With a no-fluff approach, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of heart, she helps homeschool moms cut through the chaos, ditch unrealistic expectations, and teach with confidence.