National History Day

Parents Forum
1

<p>I just learn about this “National History Day” from other thread.</p>

<p>My son is a 6th grader. He loves history, especially World War II and all kinds of “WARs”. People call him “history walking dictionary”. This is the area I can see him having passion to grow into if I can give him support and guidance.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, there are much more information about how to prepare for national contest in math and sciences. but I have not seen anything about history.</p>

<p>Will this history contest give him any edge if he becomes very good and helps him into good college like math or science contests as EC?</p>

<p>Hope I can get some tips in this History area.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>PS. I am not pushed him into any contest at this moment. I am just collecting information. </p>

<p>He plays violin, in the boy scout, just got his black belt in karate 6 months ago, and now will take fencing as a new sport. he also learns Chinese over the weekend besides Spanish in MS. </p>

<p>He did not join the youth orchestral for his violin because we want him to put boy scout higher priority than youth orchestra. He takes group lessons to gain experience playing with other kids. He loves to play violin in a group.</p>

<p>He actually wants to take private lesson in voice. He loves to sing and he is very talented. but he should not take voice lesson until his voice is changed. That’s why he takes violin now to train his music sense but will move to voice when he is older.</p>

<p>He joined children choir at 1st grade and took group piano lessons when he was in pre-school and kindergarten. but we switch him to violin at 2nd grade. I think volin can give him much more challenges at young age than piano and sining in choir. but his love/passion is to “sing”.</p>

2

<p>The middle school in our district requires that all 8th grade honors students in social studies do a National History Day (NHD) project and they regularly send students to the state and national competitions. Many of the 6th and 7th graders also participate. There are a fairly large number of students in the high schools who also do NHD and again, place in the state competitions and go on to nationals. So if you’re looking for a nationally recognized award, this might be a good activity for your son. I don’t know if it will give him any sort of an edge with Admissions Committees. Does your school have a team? But even more important than resume building, the NHD program helps to develop research and analytical skills in history and social sciences.</p>

3

<p>I would contact someone from your school regarding National History Day. At our school all 7/8 grade students do a project. The school level winners are entered into the district competition. The 1/2 place winners at the county level go on to the state level and the 1/2 place winners at the state level go on to the national level.</p>

<p>If your child enjoys history it is a great way for him to learn research skills and to develop his writing.</p>

4

<p>If he loves to sing, let him join the choir (or find a barbershop group!) If he wants voice lessons don’t worry about voice changing–music teachers get around it somehow. Voice training would be great at a young age before you learn all the bad habits.
History fairs (just like science fairs) are common in the schools and even have state and national level competitions.
Model United Nations (MUN) is something he may be interested in when he gets to HS. It’s especially great for a history buff. Requires research, current events and history. Some schools have MUN as a club and others as a class. There are state competitions and national competitions in MUN. Colleges have MUN also so it’s a club that he could continue with after HS. In a MUN competition each “delegation” (2-4 students) are assigned a country and a council (security council for example) and debate topics from that country’s viewpoint.
Does he like violin? I tend to want my kids to learn things that are more mainstream and that they really love to do. Things that they can carry into their adult life and enjoy with others.
Why is boyscouting important to you? If HE loves it, that’s wonderful but when he has other interests that mean more to him, I’d go with that.</p>

5

<p>The only thing my son has a desire for competition so far is “audition” for solo part in school concerts…lol</p>

<p>I am not sure he will have “drive” to compete even in history. but it never hurts to try, right?</p>

<p>but I agree, if he can learn to do research and improve his writing, I think it is good enough. </p>

<p>I can see him interested in debating if he is given more chances to grow into. will those history knowledge will help with debating?</p>

<p>I pick up some books when I see book titles like " XXXX WARS…" in bookstores.</p>

<p>I think I need to develop bigger reading collections but have no ideas where to find them.</p>

<p>Any suggestions?</p>

<p>P.S. I am a Chinese who do not grow up in USA. Most of Chinese focus on math and science. so, I have not any clues to grow him in history, public speaking, debating, and writing since English is not my first language and I am not good in literature. That’s why I need help to provide him the guidance and support since he does not look like to be a nerd in science and math even he gets good grade in those areas. but he shows no passions in them.</p>

6

<p>Our hs did NHD only in 10th, I think. Some hs have kids participate multiple years. The first round is usually judged at the school, by teachers. It’s not a big, authoritative contest, just a chance for kids to pick a topic that interests them and run with it. For our hs, the kids who got to DC had an interesting angle, not huge depth of knowledge. </p>

<p>He’s only in 6th, but the advantage to choir or a singing group at hs is being part of a team effort (ie, engagement.) Then, he builds his confidence to audition for a play or musical. Ime, History Day, in itself, is not a tipping factor for colleges. But, a nice, rounded set of ECs is important.</p>

<p>ps. My nephew, same age, is also highly interested in wars. I wish he’d also balance some of that with books about peace negotiations or some of the age-appropriate bios of presidents or top generals. Just a thought.</p>

7

<p>I did not take him to cub scout when he was young because hardly any Chinese did scouting. He found it out himself when cub scout did information meeting in school and he insisted to go. So, I gave in and let him try the last year of cub scout and let him bridge to boy scout at 5th grade. </p>

<p>we don’t have enough time for everything he is doing now. we have to cut things. youth orchestral has weekly practices. If we miss more than 2 practices, he can’t do the concerts. He is new to boy scout so he is still in the mood for most of activities. That’s why I don’t want to sign him up for orchestral to save the weekends for boy scout for now. He wants to get his ranks with all his peers. and he gets frustrated when he did not see them often. so, I am waiting for his fever for boy scouts to calm down.</p>

<p>Plus, we think Engle scout may give him more benefits in college admission than in youth orchestra if he can’t get both into his resume. violin and orchestral are very time consuming and he is just an average player, nothing standing out.</p>

<p>We even do not know how to fit in his new fencing class and what about voice/choir choices.</p>

8

<p>As a 6th grader, maybe too soon to worry about orchestra- he’s got all of middle school yet to go. Scouts is a long term thing- very good. Many schools DO admire Eagle Scout (but focus on the fun, for now, not college.) Eagle scouts AND orchestra, in high school. Don’t obsess over any of this yet. Don’t burn him out. When I run into families thinking this far in advance, my thought is always preventing 11th grade burn out. (At that age, the slump is pretty tough on a kid’s ego.)</p>

<p>Don’t forget, top colleges aren’t going to just tally all the impressive things- the formula, if there is one, is achievement, responsbility AND normal, nice kids. That’s not a list. It’s what comes through on the app.</p>

9

<p>National History Day is a cool event. Each year they pick a large theme and then the students choose a topic that fits that theme. This year’s theme is Turning Points. I’m sure he can find something in his area of interest that fits the theme.</p>

<p>An entry can be individual or group. It can be a website, exhibit, documentary, paper, or presentation/drama.</p>

<p>My daughter went to nationals this past year and it was impressive to see what everyone was doing.</p>

<p>They really emphasize primary sources. Documentaries often include interviews with people from the event. If not, they usually include interviews with historians. Some of the exhibit boards looked museum quality.</p>

<p>Some states are more competitive than others for NHD.</p>

<p>NHD can be done some years and not others. It’s not something that he has to start now and do every year. He does need a sponsoring teacher, though. Our school doesn’t have a NHD at the school level – everyone goes to districts. So, it wouldn’t have to be something that the school did.</p>

10

<p>I think NHD is a great activity for kids who are interested in history. It might help a bit with admissions at selective colleges, but nothing at the level like the very prestigious math/science contests, so don’t let that be the reason to pick NHD as an activity. Do it as a learning experience, and only if the student is genuinely interested in history. </p>

<p>Look online for your state coordinator, and ask for any guidance. Many states have their own NHD websites, with lots of resources.<br>
For example, here is the NJ NHD website: <a href=“New Jersey State Contest”>New Jersey State Contest;

<p>While a student doesn’t have to do an NHD project every year, I think there are real advantages to starting early and participating more than once. Being able to look at the entries from other students at the contest helps open up your mind to ideas for future years’ projects. Plus, repeated exposure to concepts like understanding primary sources can only help.</p>

<p>A parent can act as the “sponsoring teacher” if your school doesn’t participate. My S’s middle school had a school-sponsored NHD program, but the high school did not, so I signed up as his teacher for when he entered while in high school, and he made it to Nationals.</p>

11

<p>Let him try out everything he wants to and let him drop whatever he doesn’t want to do. Don’t focus on Eagle scout awards for example–it takes a lot of work and dedication and if his interest or time isn’t there its simply not worth it. He’d be better served doing something he loves.</p>

12

<p>Good for your son speaking not only as a history graduate, but also as a Chinese-American. :)</p>

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<p>That’s quite unfortunate considering the study of history was traditionally considered crucial in the education of Chinese scholar-officials and a mark of an educated gentleman among those of the older generations(i.e. Born in the 30s and before). </p>

<p>Speaking of literature, it’s funny its study is held in such low esteem here in the states by many parents/society. Two pre-professionally oriented uncles who have been successful business executives…including an engineering major have actually lambasted their sons at times for not taking any interest in it during their school years…or since. </p>

<p>In fact, both uncles tried to urge me to take another major in Chinese or English/American literature as they viewed the education it imparted very highly. Unfortunately for them, my interests laid more with political history and institutions, not literary theory/analysis or studying ancient poetry.</p>

13

<p>Most of Chinese students are into math and science national competitions. Our local Chinese schools provide all kinds of supports in those competitions. Violin and music instruments are another hot areas for many Asian students. that’s why I avoid those two areas because the competitions are too strong. Boy Scout, fencing, singing and history have no many Asian students probably because they are not hot in ivy league admissions.</p>

<p>I am out of the mainstream of the Chinese culture for the young kids. I hope I am doing the right things. Of course, i want my son to go to top university if he is able. but I also want to balance his life between competitions and having fun as a kid. So far, I do not push him like typical Chinese/Asian families but more than typical non-Chinese/Asian families.</p>

<p>That’s why he is the only Chinese kid so far taking martial arts for 6 years when all others trying all the mainstream sports. </p>

<p>He wants to do martial arts so he can “self-defend”. He wants fencing now because it is a sword fighting. He is the only kid in the neighborhood who will collect all the tree sticks to fight with other kids. He has a huge collection of sticks. He collects all kinds of toy swords.</p>

<p>He wants to do wrestling after he got his black belt in karate because wrestling is better for street fight. Karate is only good for “above the ground fighting” and wrestling is good for “under the ground fighting”. However, he gave up wresting after a summer camp because he did not like to be threw into the floors. Well , I tried to give him what he wants but he dropped the ideas after three days summer camp….lol </p>

<p>He wants to do boy scout because he wants to learn” survival” in case one day he lands on a no-man land when his airplane crushes. He has good reasons for anything he picks. </p>

<p>So far, the only thing I force him to learn is “violin”…</p>

<p>I don’t think all his passions for self-defense and survival will lend him to any ivy league or most selective university in the future. </p>

<p>That’s why I told him he needs to get Engle Scout. He needs to develop his leadership through this program. He agrees because his best friend in the scout/school at 5th grade is the son of scoutmaster of the cub scout. His father got his Eagle Scout when he was 14 years old. This boy is aiming for the leadership in boy scout. My son will not be as ambitious as his friend but he learns the value being an Eagle Scout from his friend. </p>

<p>Well, we will see how long he will stay with boy scout. Maybe he will drop it soon like he did with wrestling. but he may stay with it to get Eagle Scout just like he stayed with karate for 6 years to get his black belt. He wants the black belt.</p>

14

<p>National History Day is a wonderful program. Each year has a new theme, but you can usually fit your interest into the theme. As pointed out earlier, at the high school level there are various ways to approach the topic – research paper, performance, documentary, etc. One recent graduate from our school is at Harvard. She was a top NHD competitor. Contact your school for more information. There is also a website.</p>

<p>I think you’re wise to recognize that your son’s interest or talent in violin is limited. Our son is in the high school orchestra and enjoys the daily practice at school, but he no longer takes private lessons. No time for everything. But music is a very important part of his life, and the orchestra program at school has served to nurture and enhance that. </p>

<p>Scouting is excellent for helping boys learn social skills, enjoy the great outdoors, do community service and practice leadership skills. Your son will get the most out of this program if you can get involved, too. Parents – moms and dads – can volunteer to go on outings, help organize fundraising, keep records, etc. All you need to do is ASK the scoutmaster how you can get involved.</p>

<p>Is your son bilingual? I would definitely nurture that, if so. </p>

<p>Don’t worry too much now about college. Enjoy these years with your son. They will pass quickly.</p>

15

<p>I have never thought about dropping the private violin lessons. I only wants him to play in the orchestra to enjoy the music with others. At what level, he does not need private violin lessons?</p>

<p>He even asks me to teach him piano few years ago because he has some piano lessons when he was little. but I think playing violin in an orchestra will give him more social interactions than with piano.</p>

<p>Yes, I go outing with him, not his father. His father said he could not survive in the outdoor…lol. I think boy scout is great for him since I and his father did not grow up in USA and we lack of many community sense and life skills that most of typical USA boys have. </p>

<p>For examples, he goes to a canoe trip with the troop. How am I going to find 10 boys to go on a canoe trip without the troop? I even could not get my brother’s family to go on a camping trip when they told me they can only survive in air-conditioned hotel room for vacation. I finally gave up asking friends and families for those outdoor activities after I found out about boy scout.</p>

<p>Yes, he has limited knowledge in Chinese but he can understand the simple conversations. He just starts the Spanish in MS. He told me he can speak Spanish much better and quicker than other kids because of his experience in Chinese. I think his good musical ears also helps him with 2nd or third languages learning.</p>

16

<p>You’ll have to make a decision about private music lessons if he just doesn’t have time for everything. I would follow his wishes – if he wants to keep up the lessons, all the better! As to Chinese, keep at that with him. He has a unique opportunity to be bilingual if you speak another language at home. Yes, it helps train his ear for a third language. And I think music helps, too. My son is almost always listening to music – all kinds. He has started listening to opera! Me, I prefer my quiet …</p>

17

<p>Well, time is always the problem. We just need to play by ear from now on. Thanks for the advices.</p>

<p>By the way, I asked my son what will he write if he is given a topic “the turniing point” using WWII. He immediately gave me some stories which I have no ideas what they are.</p>

<p>I asked him why did he like WWII. He said because of all the weapons used, such as tank,etc. He also likes the battles happened in Mediaeval time because of the castle, swords,etc.</p>

<p>He does not like civis wars because the weapons used were small and not powerful.</p>

<p>Now, I finally understand the base of his interest in all those “famous battles/wars” is based on the type of weapons. No wonder he likes marshal arts and fencing but not the mainstreams sports.</p>

18

<p>^ ^</p>

<p>Funny, I happen to be a WWII buff as well…except my interests tends to lean a bit more on the East Asian/Pacific side. It’s also made more interesting by the fact I have several older relatives who old enough to remember the Second Sino-Japanese War/WWII in China. </p>

<p>Also, had an uncle who despite being the family dark sheep, graduated from Whampoa Military academy and died fighting the Japanese during the war.</p>

19

<p>So, do you asked your “old” relatives about their memories of WWII?</p>

<p>Do they know something that are NOT docuemented in public publications?</p>

<p>Were you around when the news about your uncle’s death came about? It must be a sad moment.</p>

<p>There are lots of stories between Japan and China during the WWII. I should find out more for my son to learn and take him to China one day to revisit those famous cities. </p>

<p>I am not ineterested in history myself. but I think I will get involved more now since he likes WWII.</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing.</p>

20

<p>So, do you asked your “old” relatives about their memories of WWII.?</p>

<p>Oh, yes. And my relatives…including parents were more than happy to share.</p>

<p>Do they know something that are NOT docuemented in public publications?</p>

<p>What about specifically? </p>

<p>If we’re talking from the PRC…I’ve found even they have acknowledged the KMT army had a much larger role in fighting the Japanese from visiting one of their war history museums than their prior Maoist historiography would imply. </p>

<p>If we’re talking from bulk of US historiography on war responsibility, recent books like Herbert Bix’s “Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan” and recently uncovered documents have revealed that contrary to US popular wisdom, Hirohito actually had a far more active role and was privy to nearly every aspect of Imperial Japanese military operations/Imperial policies in occupied territories than that historiography would imply…he was no mere figurehead. </p>

<p>Were you around when the news about your uncle’s death came about? It must be a sad moment.</p>

<p>He died 30+ years before my birth. I’m in my 30s. </p>

<p>*There are lots of stories between Japan and China during the WWII. I should find out more for my son to learn and take him to China one day to revisit those famous cities.</p>

<p>I am not ineterested in history myself. but I think I will get involved more now since he likes WWII.</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing. *</p>

<p>No problem. Very fascinating period in history. Moreover, I’d also strongly encourage him to learn about the US Civil War. It would go a long way into helping him not only understand how the US developed as a nation, but also how its effects still reverberate down to the present in many ways.</p>