A couple of weeks ago, my daughter contacted me about my grandson, Sage. She informed me that the six-year-old had a new name: Sir Sage. He was knighted during a historical reenactment.
“You’ll be pleased to know that he greets people and shares history tidbits,” she added. “Living history has become part of his world. Besides enhancing his history skills, he’s learning how to make connections and how to share with strangers.”
Live immersion into the reenactments of the American Revolution or the Civil War helps children become part of living history, and it also brings historical facts off the history book pages into their world. It gives a chance to compare how life was different centuries ago. It offers the children chances to role-play, act, and increase their vocabulary.
Since the children must wear period clothes, they learn to sew. Besides, what child doesn’t enjoy putting a costume together, dressing up, or pretending to be a character from television or the comic pages? Even big kids (adults) love role-playing, costume balls, and pretending.
Participating in historical reenactments, enrolling in an acting class, or agreeing to be a part of a community play are not only fun activities but growth opportunities, too. True, you might have to add it to your budget, but the cost doesn’t have to break the bank. You might want to start with reenactments that are local or just a few hours away.
Role-play and acting increase a child’s vocabulary and provide great exposure. They help children build self-esteem.
The next time I see my grandson, I’ll give him a royal greeting. With a slight bow after I open the door, I’ll say, “Nice to see you, Sir Sage!” before getting into our grandparent fun.