Learning dates and about the kings and queens can get a little dry when trying to teach about the British. When teaching about British history, I knew I didn’t want it to be dull. I wanted to teach my kids about history all around the world, but I am not a history buff. Therefore, teaching it can get really, boring really fast. I needed some help. I found these resources to teach kids about British history helpful. Then, I tried to make it as interactive as possible.
The royal visit
The island where I live is still a kingdom; a constitutional monarchy. We have never been overtaken by another country, although I am sure they have tried. We have a king and queen, making it easy for us to understand the relationship between our neighboring countries and England.
Our neighboring countries, like New Zealand and Australia, are still closely connected to the UK through the British Commonwealth. All the Commonwealth nations share the same Queen (Queen of England) as a head of state and they each still have a Governor-General who represents the Queen in those countries.
That is why when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited us on their tour of the Pacific, the whole country was turned upside down. You could feel the excitement everywhere. From the airport to the downtown area, school kids sat at the side of the road waving British flags while the royal family vehicles drove by.
Even I, American to the core, was excited about the royal visit. Having connections with the Australian government here through some contractual work, I was able to attend an event where I stood literally two feet away from both Meghan and Harry – sneaking a few photos to prove it.
This made my children super interested in the royal family and created an opportunity for us to learn all about British history at home.
The British explained
The very first thing that I needed to do was clear up for my kids the terms Great Britain, England, and the UK (United Kingdom). I understand how young learners can get confused since they are often used interchangeably.
The best explanation I could give my kids was this:
The UK is an acronym for The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Yes, that WHOLE phrase. The UK is made up of four countries; England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
“British” is anything relating to Great Britain or the United Kingdom and people who live in England are called British. British people can live in England, Britain, and the UK.
So, there you have it. I hope that helps your kids somewhat. I had to show my kids on our globe for them to truly grasp it, so I suggest that as well.
Explore these resources to teach kids about British history in your homeschool.
BRITISH HISTORY PRINTABLES
FREE Kings and Queens of England Cheat Sheets
Date Dash England – English History Card Game
FREE British History Timeline (Answer sheet attached as well) | TES.com
England Unit Study… and FREE Printable My Country Study Packet | As We Walk Along the Road
The United Kingdom Worksheet Pack | Teach English Step By Step
England Mini Book for Early Readers – A Country Study | Starlight Treasures
Homeschool Activity England |The Frugal Navy Wife
United Kingdom Printables Pack | Royal Baloo
Learn About the United Kingdom: A Unit Study for Kids! | The Homeschool Resource Room
Homes in Britain (Types of Houses) | Busy Teacher
RESOURCES TO HELP TEACH BRITISH HISTORY
Studying the United Kingdom | UNRemarkable Files
British Empire | Kidzsearch.com
Fun Facts About The United Kingdom | World Atlas
England Facts for Kids | Science Kids
British History for Kids | BBC
Poems and British History | History for Kids
England Booklet (a country study!) | Emily Bynum
Reading British History Worksheets | ESLPrintables.com
All British History Lessons & Resources | School History
History of Britain – Timeline, and Facts | ProjectBritain.com
Here are a few fun facts for the British that your kids may enjoy (my kids did).
- The Anglo-Zanzibar War in England fought in 1896 lasted only 38 minutes – the shortest war ever.
- Soccer began in England. The early soccer was known as “Kick Dane’s head.” I will let you guys research more on that one.
- US eggs are banned in the UK because they are washed, UK eggs are banned in the US because they are not washed.
- The British Navy used Britney Spear’s songs to scare away Somali pirates along the coast of Africa. We were tickled over this one! I told my kids I will make them listen to Britney Spears songs over and over if they are punished.
- Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the oldest royal residence in the world.
These books will help you teach your kids about British history alongside your lessons.
Off With Their Heads!: All the Cool Bits in British History (Buster Reference)History of Britain and Ireland: The Definitive Visual GuideKings & Queens: The History of the British Monarchy (Haynes Pocket Manual)The Big Book of the UK: Facts, folklore and fascinations from around the United KingdomEngland (Horrible Histories Special)Queen Elizabeth II: The World’s Longest-Reigning Monarch (History Maker Biographies)
You and your kids can have lots of fun studying about Britain. These resources to teach kids about British history will be a great place to start your British journey.
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Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!
