Part I
I get asked all the time which history programs I recommend and why. Well, I have done quite a bit of research (with my own children as the guinea pigs in many instances) and have some great recommendations for you.
You see, history is my favorite subject. But that hasnt always been the case. I remember sleepy afternoon classes with a teacher that emphasized facts and figures, dates and names. Frankly, I still have not memorized the terms of office for our U.S. presidents. And I am sure that I ever will. I do, however, know their order (or used to, at least) and their approximate time period in office, but come on
history does not have to be so dull!
We have been homeschooling for 8 years now and I have taught history using a Well-Trained-Mind approach. This is a book written on classical education by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer. We tackle history chronologically, read tons of great books, record significant events on a timeline, label historical blackline maps, outline key events and assemble everything into notebooks.
Sometimes, we even make lapbooks or do a project or two. We do not need a history curriculum. But lets be realistic
it is easier to stay on track and move forward when I do not have to come up with everything on my own.
And this is where a good history program or plan comes into play. I have used 3 curricula primarily over the years, but have a pretty good handle on about 5 and I will share my thoughts and opinions on each.
THE STORY OF THE WORLD
First, I would like to talk about the Story of the World series written by Susan Wise Bauer. For two reasons primarily 1. because it is an excellent stand alone program for younger students and, 2. because so many other curriculum writers incorporate it into their program or plan, or even base their program around it as a spine.
Let me define the world spine. Spine just basically means a book or series of books that all of the other reading selections and activities are based from. So, if I say that the Story of the World is the spine of a program, it is the core reading text which dictates what will be studied and when.
The Story of the World is a four-part series. It is a chronological narrative of history in story format beginning in ancient times and concluding at the end of the 20th century. Susan Wise Bauer writes in a very engaging manner and leaves the reader wanting more, which is just what we want when we are teaching history, is it not? The narratives are geared toward elementary students, but can be enjoyed by older ones as well.
These books are incorporated into four of the history programs that I am going to discuss today. So that says something about the quality, or at least popularity, of the books right there. If so many curriculum writers are assigning them as central reading in their programs, they are obviously well-liked and approved of by many.
The narrative books are a stand-alone product. However, the publisher Peace Hill Press has provided activity guides which turn the series into a complete history curriculum. Included in the activity guides are suggested reading lists, discussion questions, hands-on activities, map work, coloring pages and more. If your children are in 1-4 grades, you would not need anything else.
There is one complaint I have often heard about Story of the World and that is that it does not seem to come from a Christian world view. Well, I am acquainted with the author and I can tell you that she is most definitely a Christian. She is married to a pastor and their family is very devote and committed to the Lord. Her faith aside, she has tried to write from a neutral stand point, leaving out theological commentary. She believes that religion and religious matters should be taught to children by their parents and their church leaders. Basically, she has left the parents room to teach history through their own theological grid, rather than hers.
What does this mean for you? Basically, you would just need to add in your own teaching of your religion as you go. For example, teach your students your beliefs on the origin of the world before diving into the books. Teach your children how God orchestrated events they did not happen by chance as you progress through the series. Read your Bible as you study ancient history and record events on a timeline so you can see how world history events lined up.
Stay tuned for Part II |
