Young Readers Published by: Heritage History Homeschool Method: Classical, Charlotte Mason, Eclectic Age Recommendation: 7 and up Synopsis: The Young Readers collection is the introductory unit of the Heritage Classical Curriculum. It is intended for grammar school students who are reading fluently and would benefit from a broad introduction to leading events and characters of Western Civilization. The Young Readers library includes easy-to-read, engaging selections from many of the other libraries in the Heritage History curriculum series. Most of the books in the Young Readers collection are anecdotal rather than comprehensive histories—that is, they provide short stories selected to appeal … Continue reading →

Book: Our America…. The King Philip’s War Adventure Author. Susan Kilbride Ages: 10 and up (however, it works as a great as a read aloud for younger children) Uses: History reading list or read aloud Homeschool Method: Any Book Description: Finn & Ginny’s parents are lost back in time, and the two young twins have decided to take a second trip back to early America to find them. In The Pilgrim Adventure they had found themselves living on the Mayflower, but this time they get caught up in the horrors of King Philip’s War. The King Philip’s War Adventure is … Continue reading →

Book: Building a New Nation Author: Elizabeth Kearney, ed. Publisher: Christian Liberty Press Format: Soft-cover Grade Level: 5th Subject: Reading and history Add On or Supplemental: Teacher’s Manual, Test Packet, Student Exercises Book Description: Building a New Nation is an exciting collection of stories that picks up where Finding a New Land leaves off. Children will experience important historical events from the westward expansion of America through the mid-20th century. Students will learn about such important people as Davy Crockett, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, and Booker T. Washington. They will also enjoy the American folk tales and poetry scattered throughout … Continue reading →

Book: Finding a New Land Author: Elizabeth Kearney, ed. Publisher: Christian Liberty Press Format: Soft-cover or PDF file Grade Level: 4th Subject: Reading and history Add On or Supplemental: Test packet and Answer Key Book Description: This reader uses a series of stories and poems to teach students about the exploration and settlement of the New World. Students will learn about people and events of colonial America and the struggle for American independence; and will be introduced to such famous people as Christopher Columbus, Jonathan Edwards, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Betsy Ross. My Thoughts: Finding a New Land is … Continue reading →

Book: Our America…The Pilgrim Adventure Author: Susan Kilbride Ages: 10 and up Subject: American History Format: American history taught in story form. Uses: Read aloud, student private reading Book Description: Finn and Ginny’s parents are lost back in time, and the two young twins have decided to go back to early America to find them. Their search takes the twins to the Mayflower where they discover that the Pilgrims had far more adventures than they had ever realized. This first book in the Our America series is designed to teach the real story of the Pilgrims in such a fun … Continue reading →

As you know, the United States has a Presidential election every four years. In November of this year, someone will be elected President. Before your child can understand the election process, and the significance of it, he or she has to understand some related vocabulary words. This year, 2012, is an election year. Many news stations and websites have been talking about the political process, the candidates, and the impact of certain issues that are likely to play an important role in how people choose to cast their vote for President of the United States. No matter what your political … Continue reading →

State history is required in most states. I must admit I am not always up on teaching state history while in the middle of teaching algebra, biology, preschool, American History, Ancient History, Latin, and all other subjects to my children. I teach history chronologically and so far we have not hit the history of my state. After giving this great thought, I realized it is important to take out time to briefly teach the history of my state. After all, it is where we live and one should know about the place they dwell. It is only logical. To help … Continue reading →

Book: Letters for Freedom: The Civil War Published by: Innovative Kids Age Recommendation: 8 and up Use: To enhance history lessons. Type: Hands-on Homeschool Method: Any Book Synopsis: The past comes alive with this jam-packed, interactive book that puts history in context as it describes every moment of the Civil War, from its causes to its consequences. With flaps, gatefolds, pull-tabs, and removable letters that provide a first-person account of history as it’s happening, there is no better way to learn everything there is to know about the war that almost divided, and eventually united a nation. Why I Recommend … Continue reading →

Product: Explorers of the New Word: Discover the Golden Age of Exploration Published by: Nomad Press Recommended Ages: 9 to 12 Use: Hands on history unit study Just this month, Nomad Press, released Explorers of the New World: Discover the Golden Age of Exploration. I enjoy the unit studies and books by Nomad Press. I have always found them to be engaging with just the right amount of information for young students. The projects in their books are always fun, engaging and interesting. Explorers of the New World is no exception. I cannot wait to use this unit with my … Continue reading →

Don’t Know Much About History: Everything you need to know about American history but never learned. By: Kenneth C. Davis This book will make an interesting supplemental or additional reading to your curriculum. If you are familiar with the children’s series than you know how interesting this book will be! Book Synopsis: First published two decades ago, when the “closing of the American mind” was in the headlines, Don’t Know Much About History proved Americans don’t hate history—just the dull version that was dished out in school. With wit and irreverence, in question-and-answer form, Don’t Know Much About History took … Continue reading →