I'm convinced that there is no bigger waste of time in a traditional classroom than memorizing lists of names and dates only to forget them as soon as you complete the test.

History can go beyond memorization to the study of the lives of famous people and the significance of important events. Homeschooling history provides an opportunity to learn about the past and different cultures. It also gives us a framework for understanding why the world is the way it is.

To successfully homeschool history, begin by following your child's interests. Is your child interested in sports? Put a map on the wall and mark the locations of favorite teams. Track a team's travel schedule, and read biographies about the lives of past and present athletes.

Learn about the history of the sport. Where did it originate? Who invented it? What else was occurring in that country at the time?

A child who is interested in baseball can learn about the Negro Leagues (history), congressional hearings on steroid use (government) and favorite pastimes in other countries (geography). This concept can be applied to any area of interest from horses to dance to inventions.

In addition to following your child's interests, take advantage of the learning opportunities that present themselves daily. Have conversations about current events. Check out interesting books from the library. Read historical fiction, and watch documentaries as a family.

Ask questions like, "Why do we do things this way?" and "Where did this familiar saying originate?" Look for the answers together. Give your child access to homeschooling resources like a history encyclopedia, an atlas, a map and a globe.

As for those names and dates, learn them within the context of your discoveries. Your child will remember more from these exciting adventures than he or she will from outlining a chapter from a history textbook.