Here’s an exciting history lesson your children will never forget.

You’ll need magazines or newspapers with pictures, a container you can seal, and some sturdy tape. Tell your children they will be creating a time capsule so that when future generations find it, they can learn something about how children live today.

First, get a container with a tight-fitting lid. A large jar or a sealable plastic container will work.

Have your children look through the magazines and newspapers to collect pictures of a few important things from their lives. Then ask them to think about other items that represent their lives and times. They might want to add a few toys, a computer game, a DVD of a favorite TV show, or a CD of some of their favorite music.

Ask them to write a letter to the children who will open their time capsule. In it, they can describe their lives today.

Have everyone in the family meet for “show and tell.” There may be some negotiating about what goes in the time capsule and what doesn’t.

Once everyone is satisfied with the collection, label items by name. Add any other information that will help those who find them understand why they represent our time.

Place the items in the container, seal it, and find a place to store it. Now your children haven’t just studied history—they’ve left a record for students in the future.

Copyright © Parent Institute