Reading widely is important. The more you read, the more you understand. You understand how different things work and how you and others fit in the grand scheme of things. Through reading you learn about different people, different places, different cultures and different beliefs.
These interesting stories from History were created by The Weekly Plan and are a wonderful addition to your reading diet. These stories are non-fiction (true) will inform you about a wide range of people, events and even companies that have had an impact on our past.
Pick an article based on the date, or because it is about someone or something you are interested in, or better yet because it is about something or someone you DON'T know about.
Anne Frank — During World War II over 6 million Jewish people were killed, including over 1 million children. This was not due to bombs but simply because they did not fit Adolf Hitler’s idea of the "perfect" German.
Anzac Day — Anzac Day is observed on the 25th April every year. The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.
Attach on Pearl Harbour — Some of you may recognise the name ‘Pearl Harbor' from the Hollywood movie starring Ben Affleck. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor, which the movie was based upon, was a huge historical event that had an impact on much of the world.
Auckland Harbour Bridge Opens 1959 — Up until the 1950’s, the North Shore was a quiet, rural area of settlements with a population of only 50 000.
Bombing of Darwin — In 1942, Darwin was a small town of 5 800 people, all women and children had been evacuated when the Pacific War broke out in 1941. Darwin was considered the ideal location for an allies base during the war because the Japanese were becoming more aggressive in the Pacific and were preparing to attack Timor.
Coca Cola — Coca Cola started out its life not just as a drink, it was originally meant to be a medicine and was in fact invented by a chemist.
Harry Houdini — Long before the success of today’s magicians such as Dynamo and David Blaine, there was Harry Houdini. Houdini is one of the most famous magicians in history.
Hawkes Bay Earthquake — The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, was New Zealand's deadliest natural disaster. More than 250 people were killed, and the city centres of Napier and Hastings badly destroyed.
Martin Luther King — Martin Luther King is considered one of the most famous people in American history. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this week, 48 years ago, to honour his civil rights work. He made history because at 35 years old, he was the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Monopoly Board Game — Most of us have sat down to a game of Monopoly at some point in our lives. It’s a great form of entertainment and healthy competition. However, when Monopoly first hit the market over 100 years ago, it was viewed as more than just a fun activity to pass the time...
Nelson Mandela's Imprisonment — Nelson Mandela was a civil rights leader and the first black President of South Africa. His beliefs led to his imprisonment on June 12 1962. He remained in prison for 27 years but never gave up his fight to achieve human rights and a better future for everyone in South Africa.
NZ's 1st Poppy Day — This week you will notice people in the streets (and maybe your own school) selling poppies. Have you ever thought about why we do this each year?
Rosa Parks — Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist and leader, best known for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. By doing this she helped drive the fight for equal rights and fair treatment for people of all races.
Sir Edmund Hillary Conquers Everest — If you were to ask the average New Zealander on the street to name the 3 most well known New Zealanders, you could just about guarantee that Sir Edmund Hillary’s name would be mentioned.
Steve Jobs — Steve Jobs is the man responsible for founding one of the best-known companies in the world today.... Apple
Survive a Shark attack — “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.”
The history of soccer and the FIFA World Cup — Soccer is considered to be the world’s most popular sport. It is also one of the oldest sports in the world.
Treaty of Waitangi — Waitangi Day began as a way of commemorating the signing of a Treaty made between Maori Chiefs and European settlers in 1840.
Valentine's Day — Valentine's Day is observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it is usually not a holiday from school or work.