Basic 1 · History · Why and How We Study History
What is History?
In this topic you will learn that history is about things people did in the past.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain what history is
- Tell the past from the present
- Give examples of past events
What you already know
- Talking about things that happened yesterday (KG)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- History as a Subject
- Sub-strand
- Why and How We Study History
- Indicator
- B1.1.1.1.1 – Explain that history deals with past human activities
Introduction
Do you remember your first day at school? That day is now in the past. Talking about it is talking about history.
1. Past and Present
Past: The time that has gone before now.
Present: Now, the time we are in.
| Past | Present |
|---|---|
| yesterday | today |
| last year | this year |
| when I was a baby | now that I am in Basic 1 |
2. What is History?
History: The story of things people did in the past.
Remember: Things that happened yesterday are already history.
New words
- history
- The story of what people did in the past.
- past
- The time before now.
- present
- Now.
- event
- Something that happens.
Summary
- History is about things people did in the past.
- The past is before now. The present is now.
- My first day at school is part of my history.
Class activity: My First Day
- Tell your group what happened on your first day at school.
- Listen to your friends' stories.
- Say if each story is about the past or the present.
You need: Old family photographs, Clay pot or calabash, Exercise books
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. History is about things that happened in the…
- A. Past
- B. Future
- C. Dreams
- D. Sky
Show answer
Answer: PastHistory is about the past.2. Which is in the past?
- A. Yesterday
- B. Today
- C. Now
- D. This minute
Show answer
Answer: YesterdayYesterday has gone.3. Your first day at school is part of your history.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIt happened in the past.4. Tomorrow is in the past.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseTomorrow has not come yet.5. Now, the time we are in, is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: presentThat is the meaning of present.6. Write one thing you did yesterday.
Show answer
Answer: Answers will differ, e.g. I played football.Yesterday is in the past.
Homework
- Ask a parent about one thing you did when you were a baby.