Costume History Lessons
Historical Costumes Make Halloween Part of a Fun Homeschool Project
Aug 25, 2008
Turn your homeschool history lesson into a time period halloween costume. Every era that has passed has brought its own share of fads and styles. Early humans, like cave men and Neanderthals can be identified by their animal skin clothing, and on each continent throughout history, clothing styles have evolved and brought with them materials, patterns, fabrics, textures and technological sewing processes unique to their generation.
Period Costumes
Using the Internet, history book pictures, or the Bible, children can make note of the styles of clothing specific to the time period they've chosen. This research can be quite complicated. A renaissance costume, for example, would vary greatly depending on who is wearing it. A peasant or barmaid would not be dressed the same as a king or noblewoman.
If You Plan to Make Costumes
Modern fabric stores have quite a lot of options, but pay close attention to the availability of synthetic fabrics. Until the 50s they weren't widely available. Colors are another important thing to consider. There was a time when shades of purple and certain reds were only available to royalty.
Homeschool Project
If you're researching a medieval or renaissance costume, the Society for Creative Anachronism hosts local re-enactment groups that tend to be quite strict about historical accuracy. Visiting an SCA seamstress for advice or hiring one to make a costume will ensure accuracy. Researching the costume, learning about the elements and meeting with the seamstress offers plenty of learning opportunities, even a non-sewing parent or child can have a historical costume.
Homeschool History Field Trip
Consider going on a few field trips to research your costumes. Many museums have mannequins built into their displays that are either wearing real artifacts or reproductions of historical costumes. Understanding what materials were available and the lifestyle of people in previous eras can help students relate to the figures they've chosen.
Costume History Lessons
While researching costumes, consider journaling the process. Taking notes about the preliminary intentions regarding the project, discoveries made along the way and final decisions and outcomes creates a unique keepsake record. Swatches of fabric and pictures of the final product help turn your history notebook into a memorable project portfolio.
Regardless of which time period your homeschool history lessons are centered, you can make costumes for halloween that reflect your studies. Study the fashions and textiles specific to the time period, make costumes or work with a seamstress and document your learning for posterity.
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