How To Find A Great Homeschool History Curriculum
History is a core subject that falls under the Social Studies umbrella.
The subtopics for learning history include:
Ancient History
Middle (or Medieval) Times
Modern History
Then, to get even more niched down, there's:
World History
US History
State (and local) History
Of course, learners from other countries will have their own local versions.
What Order Do I Teach History In?
Another fun aspect to take into consideration is historical timelines!
Many elementary schools start with social studies or civics, then move to local or state history around 3rd or 4th grade and work their way out toward the bigger picture.
Ancient history is generally a 6th-grade standard, with US History being 5th grade and then a topic in middle school along with basic US Government.
Homeschool doesn't roll that way.
Homeschool curricula publishers typically use the chronological order for sequencing history instruction and start at the beginning, in prehistoric and then ancient times.
Oftentimes, history instruction starts in early elementary years with general overviews and storytelling; then, it is cycled back through with greater detail starting in middle school.
The cool thing about homeschool history curriculum is that it is often a lesson told through story rather than the dry texts of our youth.
How Homeschool Curriculum Structures Learning Human History
So, if you have young students, elementary school aged, chances are you will be encouraged to begin history with ancient civilizations.
If you have middle or high school aged children, you have more options. Some like to study history and follow the historical timeline (chronological order) in more detail, and others like to focus on single topics for deeper understanding. Examples of this would be studying American history with the Civil War or having a focus on the events of World War II.
Word of Warning About Homeschool History Curriculum
History is full of speculation and opinion. For obvious reasons, nobody was there!
What you learn through reading will be through the background knowledge and opinions of the author, so you will need to be sure that you resonate with the author's belief system - both religious and political.
I always recommend to my clients that families download free samples of the text and really explore the available preview options before diving in - if anything, to minimize the possible political and religious belief surprises that may show up.
How To Choose The Best Homeschool History Curriculum
Finding a history curriculum follows the same guidelines for narrowing down your wants, needs, learning styles, etc., as with any homeschool curriculum.
If you're new to all of this, I highly recommend you check out my Homeschool Curriculum 101 post before figuring out history.
Story-based History Curriculum
Here are some great secular, story-based history curriculums that can breathe life into the past and captivate your learners' attention:
History Odyssey: This one combines the best of multiple methods, including literature, hands-on activities, and a timeline approach. As a secular world history curriculum, it addresses multiple perspectives, and world geography ensuring a comprehensive view of history.
This curriculum is Pandia Press's option for middle-school-aged kids. It's another that I frequently recommend to those looking for neutral historical accounts because I love that it structures the lessons to build up their ability to work independently - an important skill for middle schoolers!
History Quest: Also from Pandia Press, this world history curriculum is their offering for elemenarty aged kids (1st to 5th grades). It has been a great fit for our family, and I often recommend it for a neutral yet engaging social studies curriculum for older students.
If you're looking for something that's both secular and story-based, History Quest is definitely worth checking out. It's a series of narrative history guides that will take your children on a journey through time, while still maintaining a secular focus.
The Story of the World: This curriculum serves as a popular introduction to world history. It weaves a historical timeline through a fairy-tale narrative, taking your children on an adventure through time.
A word of warning about this popular option: it's pretty controversial in the secular world. Although some religious events are presented as historical events, it's often reported that there are religious undertones woven throughout the text. Remember, you're in control, so you can skip or supplement as needed.
Curiosity Chronicles: This is another popular secular, story-based curriculum that brings history to life. Through engaging dialogue, Curiosity Chronicles introduces learners to various events, periods, and figures while maintaining a dialogue between time-traveling historians. It's kind of like 'Doctor Who' meets the history classroom.
Literature Based History Curriculum
For those of you who prefer to immerse your learners in history studies through the rich narratives found within books and literature, here's a curated list of some outstanding secular literature-based history curriculums that embrace book lists and living books.
Some of these suggestions have history woven into their general curriculum, and some have book lists that are specific to history units.
Build Your Library is a curriculum that puts a considerable emphasis on literature as a tool for learning history. It takes inspiration from the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling, combining it with a secular perspective. What sets this curriculum apart is its focus on narrative and story, leveraging the power of storytelling to instill a deeper understanding of events and time periods.
BookShark: Here's a fully literature-based, secular curriculum that uses a four-day week to provide flexibility. It's structured around a comprehensive book list that pulls your kids into history through engaging stories. A real treat if you're a bookworm family! This curriculum is the secular sister to the popular Sonlight curriculum, which teaches through a biblical worldview.
Torchlight: Modern, secular, and literature-based, Torchlight offers a Socratic approach to learning. With a diverse book list that promotes critical thinking and open discussion, it's all about conversation-sparking history.
Moving Beyond the Page: This curriculum is a literature-rich, secular, and hands-on curriculum for creative, gifted learners. History is woven seamlessly into the books and activities, providing a multi-dimensional approach through language arts.
American History Curriculum for Homeschool
This list has US History curriculum options, but they follow various learning styles.
A History of US by Joy Hakim: This 10-book series is a favorite among homeschooling families. It's an engaging and lively presentation of American history. Although not a curriculum per se, it's a fantastic resource that can easily be the backbone of your history lessons.
Beautiful Feet Books: While known for its literature-based approach to history, Beautiful Feet offers a secular guide called "A History of Science". This guide can be a unique way to explore American history through the lens of scientific advancement.
Oak Meadow American History: Oak Meadow offers a standalone American History course as part of their secular curriculum. It's a comprehensive study of native cultures and first European contacts to the 21st century.
Blossom and Root: A River of Voices: This is a fascinating resource that presents American history through a diverse selection of voices and perspectives. As a secular, literature-based history curriculum, it provides a comprehensive exploration of US history.
What sets it apart is its focus on amplifying marginalized voices and offering balanced viewpoints. The curriculum uses primary sources, biographies, and even historical fiction novels to bring history to life. I've heard it's an excellent choice for those who want to give their children an inclusive and immersive historical education and like literature based learning.
Homeschool History Curriculum for Middle School
For those with rising middle-schoolers, choosing the right history curriculum can be crucial for fostering an interest in the subject. Here are a few options to consider:
Pandia Press History Odyssey: This option is tailored specifically for middle school students, with lessons designed to build independence. The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of world history, ensuring students gain a strong foundational knowledge.
America's Story: Aimed at grades 6-8, this curriculum focuses specifically on American history. It's written as a comprehensive program that uses engaging narratives to bring the past to life, making it an excellent option for middle school students interested in U.S. history.
The History of the World: This is a comprehensive curriculum that aims to give middle school students an understanding of world history. The interactive approach and story-telling style make it an enjoyable and educational experience.
History At Our House: History At Our House takes a unique approach with a focus on the 'big picture'. Students learn through on-demand videos and live online classes. This one looks awesome if you need to outsource your history lessons.
Online History Classes with Video or Live Classes
If you're looking for online sources to complement your homeschool history curriculum, there's no shortage of resources out there. Here are some top picks:
Outschool: Outschool offers live and interactive online classes in a small group format. Your kiddos can take history lessons from actual teachers, ranging from ancient civilizations to American history. The best part? Classes are full of engaging activities and projects that make history come alive.
Udemy: Udemy is another great site that offers a plethora of history courses. These are typically structured as video lectures, and they cover a wide range of topics. You get lifetime access to courses you purchase, which is a plus!
Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers free courses in world history and American history. The courses are comprehensive and broken down into manageable sections. The videos are easy to understand, and there are quizzes and practice tests to check your understanding.
Coursera: Coursera partners with top universities to offer history courses for free. They offer everything from Roman history to the modern world. Most courses offer a certificate of completion, which could be a neat addition to a homeschool portfolio.
YouTube History Channels for Children
For a more visual and interactive learning experience, YouTube can be a goldmine. Believe it or not, it has a plethora of history channels tailored specifically for children. Here are some common favorites:
Crash Course Kids: This channel offers a fun and fast-paced way to learn about different historical events and figures. Each video is richly animated and presented in an engaging manner that's perfect for kids.
Kids Learning Tube: This channel educates kids through music and catchy songs. Their historical content is not only informative, but also fun to sing along with.
Simple History: As the name suggests, Simple History breaks down complex events into easy-to-understand animated videos.
Horrible Histories: Based on the beloved book series, the Horrible Histories YouTube channel offers entertaining and educational videos that cover a wide range of historical periods.
History Bombs: History Bombs specializes in educational songs and skits that provide a unique and engaging take on various events and periods.
Fun Books to Supplement Homeschool History Lessons
I think that having a few reference books around always enhances student learning and makes on-the-spot fact learning more fun. How many times have you been told a random fact from who knows where? Reference books for the win.
These are a few of our favorites, but you really can't go wrong with any DK or Smithsonian history book. Be sure to check your library - ours won't let us check out reference books, boo :(
