CURRICULUM

Homeschool history curriculum recommendations - featuring our personal favorites! - in a suggested sequence of study. Click through the links to order directly from Amazon.com – the world’s largest online bookstore – and Homeschool Patriot will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support!

Reference


KJV Axis: A Study Bible for Teens. Finally, a stylish King James Version of the Bible just for teens! The King James Bible is known for its poetic beauty and structure. While its language may sound archaic today, a familiarity with this version of the Bible prepares modern students for reading Shakespeare. (The King James Bible was published in the same year that William Shakespeare began work on The Tempest.) The Axis Bible includes interesting introductions to each book, plus timelines and maps to connect Bible events with the history and geography learned in school. The Axis encourages teens to read and study the Bible for themselves, showing them through unique features and engaging design that God’s Word is timeless and relevant to their culture today.

The American Patriot’s Bible. The American Patriot’s Bible intersects the teachings of the Bible with the history of the Unites States while applying it to today’s culture. Beautiful full-color insert pages spotlight America’s greatest thinkers, leaders, and events that present the rich heritage and future of our great nation. Includes a beautiful full-color family record section, memorable images from our nation’s history, maps and historical documents, and hundreds of enlightening articles which complement the New King James Version Bible text.


Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, by Noah Webster. No other dictionary compares with Webster's 1828 dictionary. The American Dictionary of the English Language is based upon God's written word, which Noah Webster used as the foundation for his definitions. This classic reference work will greatly assist students of all ages in their studies from American History to literature, from science to the Bible. Webster's 1828 dictionary is a necessity for homeschool families, Bible students, and all Christian Americans.


America's God and Country, by William J. Federer. Encyclopedia of quotations highlighting America's Christian heritage. Great for high school and college reports!


First Grade - Ages 5 to 7


  • America: A Patriotic Primer, by Lynne Cheney. (This is a great first book on American history for any family with young children looking for a fun, informative, and simple approach to patriotism.)

  • Celebrate holidays and special days. Learn about the historical events and customs associated with national holidays. See: Holidays & Special Days
  • Learn about the history and geography of the region in which you live.
  • Make a family scrapbook and a family tree. Tell stories about the childhoods of parents and grandparents.
  • Learn about community workers. Go on a field trip to a fire station, farm, factory, supermarket, etc.
  • Visit parks, museums and zoos.


    Second Grade - Ages 6 to 8

  • Liberty’s Kids. Teach your kids about the origins of the United States with this 6-DVD set! In this animated drama, the young central characters – Sarah, James, and Henri – and their friend, Moses, find themselves in the middle of key events leading up to the American Revolution, through the Revolutionary War itself, as well as its aftermath. Historically accurate, respectful of our Founding Fathers, and fun to watch, this series is a great introduction to American History!

  • The American Adventure. An exciting historical fiction series for boys and girls ages 8-12 that the whole family will enjoy. Read aloud, this series would be an excellent introduction to American History for a second or third grader before beginning a more formal history curriculum.

  • Easy-to-read books from the library about geography, maps, biographies, etc.

  • See also: Geography Resources


    Third Grade - Ages 7 to 9

  • Liberty’s Kids. Teach your kids about the origins of the United States with this 6-DVD set! In this animated drama, the young central characters – Sarah, James, and Henri – and their friend, Moses, find themselves in the middle of key events leading up to the American Revolution, through the Revolutionary War itself, as well as its aftermath. Historically accurate, respectful of our Founding Fathers, and fun to watch, this series is a great introduction to American History!

  • The American Adventure. An exciting historical fiction series for boys and girls ages 8-12 that the whole family will enjoy. Read aloud, this series would be an excellent introduction to American History for a second or third grader before beginning a more formal history curriculum.

  • Unit Studies on different states (using encyclopedias, library books, maps, postcards, magazines, travel brochures, etc.). Begin with your own state and then branch out to surrounding states, or start with the original 13 states and add new states in the order that they entered the Union. Do one state each week and you will have studied all 50 states in a year!


    Fourth Grade - Ages 8 to 10

  • The Light and the Glory for Children, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. (Discovering God's Plan for America from Christopher Columbus to George Washington.)

  • From Sea to Shining Sea for Children, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. (Discovering God's Plan for America in Her First Half-Century of Independence, 1787-1837.)

  • Sounding Forth the Trumpet for Children, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. (Examines the history of the United States from the early 1800's through the events leading to the Civil War, focusing on God's plan for this nation.)

  • The Light and the Glory: Children's Activity Book (Crayons, pencil, and an eager mind turn this book of activities, pictures to color, and simple word games into a window on God's grand work in the North American wilderness.)

  • Unit Studies on various countries of your choice (using encyclopedias, library books, maps, postcards, magazines, cookbooks, DVD's, etc.)

  • World Atlas Countries of the World (Includes a helpful list of Countries by Continent.)

  • Wikipedia List of Countries (Click on a country for a full page of facts and photos. Contents include: history, geography, government, economics, culture, flag, etc.)


    Fifth Grade - Ages 9 to 11


    The Story of the World: Volume 1: Ancient Times, by Susan Wise Bauer. From the earliest nomads to the last Roman Emperor (5000 BC to 400 AD). The Story of the World with its accompanying Activity Book and Test Packet is a complete history curriculum for one year. You can also read literature that relates to the time period being studied.


    Sixth Grade - Ages 10 to 12


    The Story of the World: Volume 2: The Middle Ages, by Susan Wise Bauer. From the fall of Rome to the rise of the Renaissance (400 - 1600). The Story of the World with its accompanying Activity Book and Test Packet is a complete history curriculum for one year. You can also read literature that relates to the time period being studied.


    Seventh Grade - Ages 11 to 13


    The Story of the World: Volume 3: Early Modern Times, by Susan Wise Bauer. From Elizabeth the First to the Forty-Niners (1600 to 1850). The Story of the World with its accompanying Activity Book and Test Packet is a complete history curriculum for one year. You can also read literature that relates to the time period being studied.


    Eighth Grade - Ages 12 to 14


    The Story of the World: Volume 4: The Modern Age, by Susan Wise Bauer. From Victoria's Empire to the end of the USSR (1850 to 1994). The Story of the World with its accompanying Activity Book and Test Packet is a complete history curriculum for one year. You can also read literature that relates to the time period being studied.


    Ninth Grade - Ages 13 to 15

    (State History is required and Geography is highly recommended.)

  • Welcome to the Wonderful World of Geography, by Barbara Runkle. A comprehensive core knowledge geography text for grades 6-12. Includes interactive daily lessons, incremental review, hands-on activities, critical thinking problems, full-color illustrations. Recommended to use with the student workbook and teacher’s guide. (Requires no teacher preparation.) If you like Saxon Math and/or Apologia Science, you will like this course!

  • Biblical Geography - The Promised Land comes to life through On Assignment: Geography of the Promised Land. This award-winning multi-media unit study seamlessly integrates outstanding teaching, interactive maps, scenic geographic video, motion graphics and Bible text for maximum educational impact. Students will come away with new insights into how God’s creation and His words fit together to tell His story. This series is a valuable supplement to the study of both geography and the Bible. The complete unit study comes with five lessons on two DVD’s, a student workbook (targeted to junior and senior high schoolers) and 80-page instructor’s manual. Lessons include: Geographic Features, Geographic Regions, Climate and Geology, Geography and the Bible, Review and Assessment. Perfect for homeschool, church, families, classrooms! Order a free demo or purchase the full version at 1-800-569-0950 or online at www.sycamorepress.com.


    High School - Ages 15 to 18

    American History

  • The Light and the Glory, 1492-1793, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. (A look at our nation's history from God's point of view.)
  • From Sea to Shining Sea: 1787-1837, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. (A look at our nation's history from God's point of view.)
  • Sounding Forth the Trumpet: 1837-1860, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. (A look at our nation's history from God's point of view.)
  • A Patriot's History of the United States: From Columbus's Great Discovery to the War on Terror, by Larry Schweikart and Michael Patrick Allen. (An excellent, comprehensive history book that can be used effectively as a student text in high school, as well as a library reference. The book is also enjoyable to read without it being a course requirement. Unlike modern history books with their anti-American bias, this one is not "politically correct." In fact, it is a refreshing antidote to the left-wing textbooks currently used in most public schools and colleges. It's tragic that so many students come out believing that the U.S. is a dangerous aggressor nation, that capitalism is evil, and that the only solution is socialism under a world government. While written in a conservative tone, this book presents a much more accurate and fair portrayal of American History.)
  • Drive Thru History America: Foundations of Character (A complete standards-aligned curriculum that explores the lives of eight individuals who, through a commitment to God and Country, helped lay the groundwork for the United States of America. It includes nine sessions of DVD content along with reproducible student worksheets, activities, formal assessments, and a teacher’s guide. A great unit study in character education, American history, government, civics and citizenship for grades 6-12.)

    World History

  • Drive Thru History: Greece, Rome, Turkey, and East Meets West (Perfect for use in homeschooling, Christian schools, or Bible classes as an introduction to the history of the ancient world and the early Christian church.)
  • We recommend a history encyclopedia as well, like the Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History, Usborne Book of World History, the Kingfisher Illustrated History of the World, or the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia. The main advantage to these encyclopedias are the wonderfully detailed illustrations.

    Economics
    (One semester of Economics is required. Students learn how our economy works with practical applications of the American business system, the nature and functions of product markets, the role of government in promoting greater economic efficiency and equity, national income, price levels, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade.)

    Books

  • Biblical Economics in Comics, by Vic Lockman. (A good primer on the Christian view of economics based on Biblical principles. The comic book format makes the topic fun to read and easy to understand.)

  • Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career, and Financial Security (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (In the "Uncle Eric" series, the author structures his books as a collection of epistolary letters to his nephew. In this first book in the series, Uncle Eric introduces the concept of model. Models (or paradigms) are how people think; they are how we understand our world. Models help us recognize and use the information that is important and bypass that which is not. To achieve success in our careers, investments, and every other part of our lives, we need sound models.)
  • A Bluestocking Guide: Building a Personal Model for Success, by Jane A. Williams. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in the primer "Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career, and Financial Security," an Uncle Eric book by Richard J. Maybury.)

  • Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (The economic model explained in simple terms for ages 10 through adult. 124 pp.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: Economics, by Jane A. Williams. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in "Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?")

  • The Money Mystery (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (The first sequel to Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, explains one of the least understood forces that affect businesses and investments. Ages 14 through adult. 90 pp.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: Solving the Money Mystery, by Kathryn Daniels. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in "The Money Mystery.")

  • The Clipper Ship Strategy (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (The second sequel to Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, should be read after The Money Mystery. Ages 14 through adult. 270 pp.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: Applying the Clipper Ship Strategy, by Kathryn Daniels. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in "The Clipper Ship Strategy.")

    Note: Ideally, the student should read the chapter from the primer and then immediately answer the corresponding questions in the study guide. The study guide enables the student to apply the knowledge he/she learned from a given chapter to "real world" situations so that the student may personalize the information and better retain and apply the knowledge gained from the primer. Comprehension Questions are given for each chapter and may include Definition, True/False, and/or Short Answer/Fill-in questions. Application Exercises typically include Discussion, Essay, and Research assignments. A comprehensive final exam is also included. There is no "right" or "wrong" timeframe for covering this material; Bluestocking Guides are organized to allow the instructor flexibility in designing the ideal course of study for the student. The instructor should tailor the study of the primers and study guides to the student's unique school schedule, learning style and age. For example, younger students might only complete comprehension exercises in the study guide, whereas older students may complete additional application exercises and suggestions for further reading/study. For Essay and Research assignments, a project may require several days or weeks to complete. It is best that the instructor preview these assignments to select those most appropriate for the student and the timeframe available. An easy-to-apply rule of thumb for determining length of study is to divide the number of chapters in a primer by the number of weeks the instructor plans to study the subject/book. Some instructors may choose to complete the primer in a few short weeks, in which case multiple chapters may need to be covered for each lesson period. Others may cover the primer over the course of a semester, in which case only one or two chapters per week will need to be assigned. Chapter lengths vary, so sometimes a student may easily be able to read more than one chapter per lesson. The key is to move quickly enough so that the student is engaged with learning and also able to absorb all concepts fully. In addition to assisting the student in the retention of the subject matter, the study guide will serve as documentation of course completion.

    Websites

  • http://www.garynorth.com/public/department57.cfm - An economic commentary on the Bible showing how the Bible mandates free market capitalism.
  • http://www.garynorth.com/public/1033.cfm - An Introduction to Christian Economics
  • http://www.garynorth.com/public/512.cfm - Honest Money: The Biblical Blueprint for Money and Banking
  • http://www.fee.org/library/ - Foundation for Economic Education
  • http://www.mises.org/money.asp - What Has Government Done to Our Money?

    Government
    (One semester of Government is required. This course provides students with an overview and analysis of the founding principles and structure of American government. Students will learn how our national government functions and how it compares with other forms of government. The course will cover Federal, State, County and local government, with a study of the individuals who occupy the more important positions in state and federal government including: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Members of the President's Cabinet, State Executive Officers, Legislators, etc. National and state elections and political parties will also be studied. An emphasis will be placed on the role of citizen involvement in the government process. In addition, students will have to pass a test on the Declaration of Independence, the Flag of the United States, and the Constitution of the United States.)

    Books

  • Whatever Happened to Justice? (An Uncle Eric Book) by Richard J. Maybury. (The legal model explained. Explores America's legal heritage and shows what's gone wrong with our legal system. Discusses the difference between higher law and man-made law, and the connection between rational law and economic prosperity. Ages 14 through adult. 256 pp.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: Justice, by Kathryn Daniels. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in the primer "Whatever Happened to Justice," an Uncle Eric book by Richard J. Maybury.)

  • Are You Liberal? Conservative? Or Confused? (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (Political labels. What do they mean? Liberal, conservative, left, right, democrat, republican, moderate, socialist, libertarian, communist - what are their economic policies and what plans do their promoters have for your money? Does inconsistency to the original American philosophy endanger liberty? Clear, concise, explanations. Facts and fallacies. The model applied and misapplied. Ages 14 through adult. 140 pp.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: Political Philosophies, by Jane A. Williams. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in the primer "Are You Liberal? Conservative? or Confused?," an Uncle Eric book by Richard J. Maybury.)

  • Ancient Rome: How it Affects You Today (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (Are we heading for fascism like Ancient Rome? Mr. Maybury uses historical events to explain current events. Take a look at Roman government and how it affects you today. Ages 14 through adult. 92 pp.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: Ancient Rome, by Jane A. Williams. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in the primer "Ancient Rome: How It Affects You Today," an Uncle Eric book by Richard J. Maybury.)

  • Evaluating Books: What Would Thomas Jefferson Think About This? (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (Guidelines for Selecting Books Consistent With the Principles of America's Founders. Learn to identify philosophical slants of most writers and media commentators on the subjects of law, history, economics, and literature. Ages 14 through adult. 106 pp.)

  • The Thousand Year War in the Mideast: How It Affects You Today (An Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (A concise European/Mideast history course. Ages 14 through adult. 270 pp.)

  • World War I: The Rest of the Story and How It Affects You Today, 1870 to 1935 (Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (Maybury will give you a new perspective on wars and history, filled with facts of interest rarely mentioned elsewhere. He examines the causes, events, and effects of the conflict, discussing the nature of war and how it influences economics and society in general.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: World War I, by Jane A. Williams. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in the primer "World War I: The Rest of the Story and How It Affects You Today" an Uncle Eric book by Richard J. Maybury.)

  • World War II: The Rest of the Story and How It Affects You Today, 1930 to September 11, 2001 (Uncle Eric Book), by Richard J. Maybury. (This is part two of a two-part series on the world wars. Read part one first. Recommended for ages 14+ for courses in World History, U.S. History, International Relations, Economics, and Government.)
  • Bluestocking Guide: World War II, by Jane A. Williams. (Designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in the primer "World War II: The Rest of the Story and How It Affects You Today," an Uncle Eric book by Richard J. Maybury.)

    Websites

  • http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/15319 - The Government Class Book, by Andrew W. Young
  • http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/outusgov/ - Outline of U.S. Government
  • http://s155777461.onlinehome.us/docs/21be_47e.htm - Ruler of the Nations: Biblical Principles for Government

    A study of current events as well as a strong foundation in the Constitution and Government of the United States is very important in preparation for registering to vote!

    Historical Documents

  • The Federalist Papers
  • Articles of Confederation
  • The Declaration of Independence
  • The Constitution of the United States of America
  • The Bill of Rights

    Biblical Economics

    Recommended Elective - Constitutional Law Online
    Constitutional Law Online, taught by Michael Farris, Chairman and General Counsel of HSLDA and President of Patrick Henry College. If you've always wanted to learn more about the history and background of our legal system from a biblical perspective, or if you're looking for a good U.S. government class for your home schooled students, then this class is for you. The 18-week internet- based course follows Mike Farris' textbook, Constitutional Law for Christian Students, and uses a computer-based audio CD-ROM to deliver the "classroom" lectures. The syllabus, posted on the class home page, lists the reading and listening assignments for each week and offers a flexible schedule for homework. Every two weeks, students can participate in a live chatroom discussion - hosted by Mike Farris - to ask questions and discuss the material. Twice during the class, students will submit essay exams for grading. A certificate of participation will be awarded to all students at the end of the class.

    This website is a project of:

    These pages are a continuous work in progress.
    Copyright © 2000- by Teri Ann Berg Olsen
    All rights reserved.

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