Uncovering the Best US History Resources for Middle Schoolers: Fun Wall Maps, Games, Movies, and More!
- Crystal Yu
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
When teaching U.S. history to middle schoolers, capturing their attention is key. Instead of relying on old textbooks and dull lectures, we encourage more engaging resources that will bring history to life. In this post, we will share our go-to resources for the Holmes Takes America curriculum, including large wall maps, detective puzzles and games, engaging magazines and books, and inspiring movies that nurture curiosity and spark interest.
Large Wall Maps
Large wall maps are powerful tools that provide a vivid view of US history. They do more than show geographical boundaries; they depict significant events, migrations, and battles in an eye-catching way.
For example, maps that showcase the Louisiana Purchase or the routes taken during the Trail of Tears help students visualize real historical moments. A study found that visual aids can increase information retention by up to 65 percent. Get students involved by having them pinpoint key locations or draw routes they believe were taken by historical figures, like Lewis and Clark! The Holmes Takes America curriculum includes continuous map work, guiding learners to map such events, but having a larger visual that's always in focus can really help paint the whole picture.
Marking up a wall map is a fun way to make learning feel more hands-on. It’s a great trick for visual learners, making history come alive and feel real to the student.
Here are some we love!
Puzzles and Games
The Luminara Holmes Takes America curriculum is overflowing with opportunities for budding detectives to investigate U.S. history. With games, mysteries, word puzzles, and more, these activities not only make learning exciting but also help you sharpen your problem-solving skills and think critically, just like a real historical detective.
For extra fun, students can tackle jigsaw puzzles that feature famous historical landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore. These puzzles teach US history from a geographical standpoint and also put into perspective the location of historical events and landmarks! Research shows that hands-on activities can boost student engagement by up to 70 percent! As you piece together these puzzles, you'll not only have fun but also learn about why each landmark is important and the stories behind them.
Games are amazing for learning, but you probably already know this. Sometimes, I will surprise my daughters by tossing a lesson aside and then replacing it with a day of board games. We might stay in pajamas, have lots of snacks, and then gather around a coffee table for a full day of game school that's perfectly on theme! Below you will find some of our favorites for US History.
Magazines and Books
Detective magazines and books aimed at younger readers can really light a fire for US History with their cool stories. These publications dive into real-life mysteries and throw in some fun challenges that keep students hooked.
Magazines like "National Geographic Kids" and "Smithsonian Tween Tribute" regularly feature articles about awesome historical discoveries and mysteries. For example, an article about finding a long-lost Civil War ship can totally spark curiosity and get readers wanting to learn more.
Our family loved "The Week Junior," a publication filled with adolescent articles about current world events. We referenced these for various projects and assignments throughout the year. The Week also offers youth an opportunity to get in on the action by submitting their own articles or even joining the team!
Plus, book series like "The 39 Clues" or the "I Survived" series serve up thrilling adventures that mix historical events with suspense and intrigue. When students dive into these tales, they start to see history as an exciting journey instead of just a bunch of dates and events.
Here's a few more of our favorites:
Movies
Using Movies and Documentaries to Teach US History
Movies and documentaries are awesome ways to dive into US history. They mix storytelling with visuals, making it a fun and engaging way to learn about the past.
Take “Harriet,” for example. It shines a light on the real-life events that occurred during a dark portion of America's history, including the Underground Railroad, as well as the significance and bravery of women like Harriet Tubman, who led at least 300 enslaved people to safety. Then there's “Lincoln,” which gives us a close-up look at the struggles faced by the 16th President during the Civil War. After watching these films, teachers can spark discussions about themes like leadership and resilience.
If you're looking for something lighter, “Johnny Tremain” gives an enjoyable overview of key historical events. Studies show that movies can really help people grasp complex topics in a way that's easy to understand. After a screening, students can get creative by writing reflective essays or making posters about what they learned, blending creativity with historical insights.
You can check out our list of film suggestions in our article "17 Honest Films That Bring U.S. History to Life for Secular Homeschooling Families." We also provide film suggestions in the "Magic Makers" portion of the Holmes Takes America curriculum, including the Common Sense Media Ratings!
Engaging Young Minds
Adding engaging resources such as large wall maps, detective puzzles, interesting magazines, and educational movies can transform the way middle schoolers connect with US history. These tools not only foster active participation but also encourage critical thinking and a genuine interest in the past.
For teachers and parents alike, exploring these innovative resources can make history lessons exciting and memorable. By making learning enjoyable, we help young learners develop an appreciation for US history. For every Luminar School of Wonder Curriculum, we include a list of Magic Makers. Weekly, we offer inspiration and suggestions for activities, movies, and games that you can add to your schedule to enhance learners' magic of learning.
These engaging methods can turn lessons into adventures, creating a curriculum that resonates with today's young learners. Happy exploring!
Comments