"Time travels" and "The forms of time". Two experiences for the teaching of History at the School of Childhood

Abstract

Is it possible to make history in kindergarten? Can the Montessori method stimulate the child's interest in human history? Through public history, is it possible that children become protagonists of new historical research practices and teachers communicate in original forms? To this end, two specific didactic paths have been developed, both characterized by practical experiences, reconstruction methods and diversified narrative forms, including the final exhibition of the paths themselves. In the first, "Time travels" is worked on a different scale, from the pupil's personal biographical history to the more in-depth knowledge of the "stories" through museum visits, reconstruction of historical landscapes, simulation of ancient activities, diversified narratives (pop-up book, dramatization). With the second project "The forms of the time" it is investigated over time from different perspectives (physics, biology, psychology) and "making history" is being carried out with and by children through workshop activities, storytelling, living history.