History teaching resources

History is the study of past events, societies, and civilisations, with a focus on understanding how these have shaped the present and can inform the future. In the educational context, history enables students to explore significant events, movements, and individuals from local, national, and global perspectives. Through learning about history, students develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, research, and empathy, as they examine different sources, viewpoints, and interpretations. Teaching history helps learners to understand cultural heritage, social change, and the complexities of human experience. In the New Zealand Curriculum, history includes Māori and Pākehā histories, along with world history, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Teachers might use history-tagged resources to support inquiry-based learning, create engaging lessons around historical periods or themes, encourage discussion about cause and consequence, and develop research projects or presentations. History resources can include primary sources, timelines, biographies, historical fiction, documentaries, and interactive activities that make the past relevant and accessible to students.