Hands-On Activities for Studying the World Wars

So, it is inevitable, right? We have to teach our kids about war. Wars are an important part of our world history, so grab these hands-on activities for studying the world wars in your homeschool.

When your kids study world wars, and how much destruction they have caused, a curious child may ask some really tough questions of you. Maybe they will ask why God allows this to happen. Or they may ask why abortion is not OK, but war is.

Ahh, the wonderful world of Christian parenting.

Secular thinking would have simple answers to these questions, right? War is wrong, and abortion is a right (and a personal issue).

As Christians, we understand that things aren’t as “surface-ly” easy. I know that isn’t a word, but it explains that things are more profound than their worldly, surface meaning when it comes to our Christian walk.

We know that God has wiped out entire nations and has let pagan enemies defeat them. He has also allowed his people to defeat many enemies in humanly impossible circumstances.

In general, we can -at the very least- conclude that war in some circumstances is just and that the Lord allows it for His sovereign reasons.

Ultimately, we should consistently be pro-life as Christians. War should never be the first choice, but it may be necessary for some situations.

Here is the truth that many people will NOT like at all. Don’t kill the messenger. Here goes.

Exodus 20:13 says, “You shall not murder.”

People have tried to apply this command to war. However, the Hebrew meaning for the word here means:

“the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice; murder.”

Martin Luther expounded on this very thing. He said that that the prohibition of killing is forbidden to the individual in his relation to anyone else, and not to the government. God has delegated his authority in punishing evildoers to the government. (Apologetics Press reference)

Check out what Romans 13 says about Submission to the Authorities:

13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except God, and God has instituted those that exist. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Of course, the system isn’t perfect. We do know that there are several instances that the Lord directly ordered a war. Yes, the God of LOVE, the God of mercy and grace, who made way for our salvation, also used people to wipe out nations.

Numbers 31: 2 – God ordered the Israelites to take vengeance on the Midianites.

Deuteronomy 20:16-17 declares, “However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them…as the LORD, your God has commanded you.”

1 Samuel 15:18 says, “Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.”

You get my drift. I say this only to give you some backing when speaking to your children about these world wars.

Now back to academics; thanks for reading my rant.

If we want to teach our children about world history, it is hard to do without the truth about the wars that have taken place around the globe.

When teaching your kids about world wars, try hands-on activities to help them engage and understand the history in relatable ways.

Explore these resources and hands-on activities for studying the world wars.

FREE History of Wars Cheat Sheets

Hands-On History Projects: Learning About the World Wars | As We Walk Along the Road

Learning About History: Wars & Warriors Historical Coloring Books | Brain Power Boy

Crusades (1095–1291; sporadically thereafter)

Crusades Activity (Middle Ages Game) | Science Spot

Hundred Years’ War (c. 1337–1453)

Hundred Years’ War and Joan of Arc Webquest | History Wizard

Highly Interactive Map Activity Hundred Years War | – Bill Burton

French and Indian War (1754 – 1763)

15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War | Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

French Revolution (1787–99)

Origins of the French Revolution Digital Activity | You Will Love History

French Revolution: Three Estates Projects and Activities (2 Day Lesson) | Drew Bailey

Mexican-American War (1846–48)

Map Lesson Mexican American War Activities | Literacy in Focus

American Civil War (1861–65)

Hands-On Activities for Studying the Civil War

Spanish-American War (1898)

Spanish American War Activity | Science Spot

World War I (1914–18)

How did World War 1 start? Messy Hands-On History Lesson | Adventures in Mommydom

Interactive Notebook World War II | Love Learning

World War 1 Interactive Notebook Activities, World War I, WW1, WWI | Heather LeBlanc – Brainy Apples

America & World War One (WWI) Graphic Organizer | Captivating History Lessons by Mrs Sandoval

PUZZLE STATIONS World War II: Woodrow Wilson, Treaty of Versailles, Allied Powers | Think Tank

World War II (1939–45)

Hands-On American History World War II | Nourishing My Scholar

7 Best World War 2 Activities for Secondary | Students of History

Watch a World War 2 Documentary for Children| Educational Videos for Students

World War 2 Activity Cryptology codes and Code Breaking | Education with DocRunning

Timeline World War II | Coffee and Clipboards

Interactive Notebook World War 2 and the Cold War | Students of History

Food Rationing & Recipes in World War II | Tricia Goyer

World War II Food Rationing Simulation/Activity | Heather’s Online Classroom

The Great Depression | World War 2 | Digital + Printable Lapbook | Gay Miller

World War II Free Resources and Activities for a Middle School Unit Study | Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Simulation World War 2, World War II, WW2, WWII | Heather LeBlanc – Brainy Apples

Korean War (1950–53)

Map Activity Korean War | History Gal

Hands-on History Korean War lesson plan for elementary kids | Adventures in Mommydom

FREE Korean War mix & match – activity | TES.com

The Korean War Activity | You Will Love History

Vietnam War (1954–75)

ESCAPE ROOM Vietnam War | Amped-up Learning

Stations Vietnam War Lesson Plan | Medium

Vietnam War Map Activity | History Gal

Bundle! 6 Hands-On & Engaging Vietnam War Resources! | History with Mr E – A Social Studies Professional

Cold War (1947–1991)

Leaders of the Cold War Pop Up Notes | Students of History

The Cold War Map Activity | Smart Apple

Leaders Pop Up Notes (Cold Wars) | Students of History

Cold War Escape Room | Vestal’s 21st Century Classroom

Research Project with Rubric (15 Cold War Events) the Cold War | History Matters

Timeline Activity Cold War | History Gal

Cold War: Red Scare ~A Student Simulation & Activity~ | Amped-up Learning

In wrapping up your lessons, we can assure these things on the hearts of our kids.

We are living in a fallen world, and yes, there will be war. Wars are always the result of some type of sin. There will be troubles until the Lord’s miraculous return.

Remember this verse until then:

Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “There is…a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” 

John 16:33 says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”