History teachers will often hear "Why do we need to know about stuff that happened so long ago." Instead of some canned response like "It is on the CRCT, or so that history doesn't repeat itself," teachers could focus on world events. Some students are baffled by world news. The places are far away and foreign and they may not know much about the events or the key players. Without any background knowledge, it can be difficult to understand what is happening. Everything that is happening on the news is happening because of something that is in history and it can be an excellent hook or wrap-up explanation of why the subject is important. There is also the old cliche that "History happens every minute."
Have students read or listen to a current event or news story from the area of the world that you are currently studying. Then have them write a few sentences about how history has impacted that area. Because the news is written for the masses there are ample opportunities for students to find a story that not only interests them, but may challenge them as well. ELL students could also have the opportunity to use a news source in their native language. This strategy could help bring their culture into the classroom and make the news more real for students.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20819462
Above is a link to a BBC news story about Somali refugees being repatriated. It could complement a lesson on British neo-colonialism (SSWH15) or modern history (SSWH20).
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