Many might be surprised that Horrible Histories, a low budget BBC Children's programme based on a series of books by the same name, won the award for best sketch show at the British Comdy Awards hosted by Jonathon Ross on 22 January 2011, against tough competition. Two 13-part series have been screened and a third series has been filmed due for TV in spring 2011.
Entertaining Kid's History Books
Most of the adult audience will have never seen and may not even have heard of the Horrible Histories show which is on on the Kids' BBC schedule and CBBC. Most people in Britain will, however, have come across the Horrible Histories series of books which has many others but is most notably associated with Terry Deary.
Why Horrible Histories is So Good
There are many reasons the BBC Horrible Histories show is so good:
- It's really funny and interesting
- Its historically accurate
- Its social history content covers the interesting reality of historical lives such as what we did before we had toilets
- Its content appeals to children, such as what it was like to be a kid and go to work
- It's easy to watch as entertainment, not as a dry history programme
- It's enjoyable for children of all ages and adults.
Educational History DVD, TV, Books, Toys for Children
It is widely acknowledged that children learn through play, through being entertained and engaging with the material. A child might not be able to recall the lessons at school but can often give a blow by blow account of his favourite TV shows and films. This is not just true of kids, but adults also often find it much easier to learn about something new or difficult when it is presented as entertainment.
Songs and visual images are good aids for memorising and the Horrible Histories uses these frequently, such as a song about the order of the wives of King Henry VIII and how they died.
History Books for Key Stage 2 & Key Stage 3 School Children
The Horrible Histories TV series will appeal to children in Key stage two or higher, aged eight and older, including adults. The books are going to be a good introduction or supplementary source for any history student and are good for children of any age from key stage two or three.
Horrible Histories Educational Books
In addition to the the TV programme ,there are a number of Horrible Histories products which kids will be pleased to receive as gifts. Horrible Histories products include:
- Books
- Games
- DVDs
- Jigsaws
Horrible Histories Books relate to specific periods in British History, such as Rotten Romans, and also to themes such as Perilous Pirates and Wicked Witches. There are also Horrible Histories books about places including Dublin, Edinburgh and London.
The whole concept of entertaining, funny but factual books has been expanded into Horrible Geography and Horrible Science books.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
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