You can probably make many child appropriate costumes out of any characters, objects, and historical figures, and include a lesson describing why this character, object, or historical figure is important. These are just a few little ideas to get the ball rolling.
1. Ms. Frizzle
a.k.a. The best teacher ever! Get yourself a dress, apply decorations (planets, music notes, clouds, etc.), add a stuffed lizard, and pin your hair up. You'll look ready for a field trip worthy of the Friz!
2. Abraham Lincoln
Dressing as the 16th president of the United States can also provide a history lesson for your students. You can discuss Lincoln's childhood, his presidency, his role in the Civil War, and his assassination. All you need is a suit, a top hat, and some fake facial hair.
3. Scottish Highlander moo
With this costume you can provide your students with a lesson about Scottish history and culture. Who were the Gaelic people to wear the standard kilt? You can explain how each clan has its own tartan (plaid) pattern, and how the kilt is commonly worn by men. You can also discuss the bagpipes as well as other musical traditions of Scotland. For this costume, you will need a kilt, a sporran, a shirt, some tall socks, and a pair of shoes. You can make your look as traditional or as modern as you like. You can even get creative and make your own kilt. However, kilt making is a very detailed and specific process, which you can learn more about here.
4. Amelia Earhart
The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic will inspire a great lesson for your students, and show them that the possibilities are endless. For this costume, you will need tan khaki pants, brown or black boots, a brown leather jacket, a white scarf, and a brown aviator hat and goggles. It's a pretty simple costume. If you can, make a plane out of a cardboard box like this photo!
5. Aristotle
This would work especially well for a philosophy class. This Greek philosopher taught Alexander the Great, and has greatly influenced Western philosophy. For this costume, you will need a greek robe, or a DIY toga using a sheet and a belt, some sandals, and a nice gray/white beard.
6. Harry Potter
Or any character from Harry Potter, really. Grab yourself a black robe from the Halloween store, wear a tie/scarf in your House color, and bring your wand along! And if you do plan on dressing up as The Boy Who Lived, don't forget your glasses and lightning scar!
