Why I Turned My U.S. History Class Into a Game
I've been teaching history for years, and it's one of the most important subjects our students can learn.
But let's be honest, US History isn't always the class kids are excited to attend. Some students think it's boring or not all that relevant. And if your kids are anything like mine, super competitive, then traditional history might feel like torture. But give them a goal, a scoreboard, and the chance to win something, and history becomes a challenge they can play and win.
Instead of following the same old route, I took a chance🪪 literally and I gave my history class a total game board makeover. And it is called HISTOPOLY!
It is history gamified!
Students earn monopoly money, buy "properties," and collect rewards for homework and for actually learning something meaningful.
It's one way students can win and own it all (history knowledge, of course)!
How It Works
Every week, students travel the board and explore key moments in US history. Think places like Cuneiform Corner, Jamestown Junction, and Revolution Row. Each stop includes a quest or challenge to engage students in a way that seems more gamelike than school-like.
But here's where it gets fun:
If a student completes a challenge, they earn Histopoly Dollars, and with those, they can buy shares in properties on the board. When teams play the game in class and land on those spots, the student who owns the shares wins the prize. They can collect rent from other classmates.
It's part research, part strategy, part work, and all about making history stick.
What They're Learning
Sure, it's a game. However, beneath the surface, authentic learning is taking place.
- Students embark on virtual field trips, gaining historical knowledge and facts.
- Students remember key figures and events not just because they "have to," but because they are earning something from it.
- Students bartering, solving problems, and working together in teams.
Even the quiet students get pulled in. There's always a way to participate—whether it's buying a property, solving a riddle, or presenting a quick fact to win. It is all a win!
Why I Love Teaching It
Honestly? I created this class because I love Monopoly and enjoy playing the game with my kids. When combined with American History, the combination makes for an enjoyable way to learn about US history.
And it is a lot of fun!
Enrollment Is Open Now
Histopoly runs for 30 weeks and includes everything from the beginnings of America to the modern era. It's perfect for homeschool students in middle or high school who want something more than a textbook and a test.
If you're looking for a class that brings history to life, I'd love to have your student join us.
Read my student reviews!
Let's make history something they'll never forget.
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