Choosing the right history curriculum for your homeschool can feel like a big task! You want to make sure your child learns about the past in a way that's fun, engaging, and helps them understand the world around them. However, with so many different homeschool history curriculums available, it can be tough to know where to start.
Many history curriculums can be dry and textbook-heavy, focusing on memorizing dates and facts instead of making it fun and enjoyable. This can make history feel boring and irrelevant to kids, especially in the elementary years when their imaginations are just starting to blossom.
How do you find a curriculum that brings history to life, sparks your child's curiosity, and helps them develop a lifelong love of learning about the past?
This blog post will help you find the perfect history curriculum for your elementary schooler. We'll explore different curriculums, discuss what makes a great history program, and offer tips for choosing the right one for your child. We'll also share ideas for making history come alive with hands-on activities and engaging resources.
First, let’s see what makes the elementary history curriculum great!
What Makes a Great Elementary History Curriculum?
Choosing the right history curriculum for your elementary schooler is a big decision! You want to make sure it's engaging, accurate, and helps your child develop a love of history. Here are some things to look for:
1. Engaging and Age-Appropriate
History should be an exciting adventure, not a boring list of facts and dates! A great elementary history curriculum will capture your child's imagination with fascinating stories, hands-on activities, and interesting information that's presented in a way that's easy for them to understand.
Think about it like this: instead of just reading about ancient Egypt, your child might build a pyramid, learn about hieroglyphics, or even try to write their name like an Egyptian scribe! A good curriculum will use lots of pictures, colorful illustrations, and maybe even a few jokes to keep your child interested and excited about learning.
2. Accurate and Unbiased
History can be complicated, and it's important to make sure the curriculum you choose presents information accurately and fairly. It should include different perspectives and viewpoints so your child can learn about history from many angles and develop their own understanding of the past.
For example, when learning about the American Revolution, the curriculum should present the perspectives of both the colonists and the British, helping your child see the complexities of the conflict.
3. Hands-On Activities
Kids learn best when they're actively involved! A great history curriculum will include lots of hands-on activities, projects, and games that bring history to life. This might include creating timelines of important events or building models of famous landmarks.
You could also try putting on plays about historical figures or cooking recipes from different time periods. These activities make learning more interactive and memorable, helping your child truly connect with the past.
4. Variety of Resources
A good history curriculum will use a variety of resources to keep learning interesting and engaging. This might include textbooks, but also things like historical fiction books that tell exciting stories about the past and documentaries that bring history to life on screen.
It can also include primary sources, like letters or diaries from people who lived in the past, and interactive websites with games and activities. The more variety, the better! This helps cater to different learning styles and keeps your child excited about exploring history.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability
Every child learns differently, and every homeschooling family has its own style. A good history curriculum should be flexible enough to adapt to different learning styles and homeschooling approaches.
This might mean you can choose which activities to do, change the order of lessons to match your child's interests or add your own ideas and resources to make the curriculum even more engaging and personalized.
Looking for a History Curriculum That Fits Your Family's Unique Style?
The School House Anywhere's American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed with flexibility in mind. It's perfect for families who want a history curriculum that can adapt to their child's needs and interests.
Here's how the AEC offers flexibility:
Child-Centered Learning: We follow your child's lead, creating learning experiences that are tailored to their individual needs and interests.
Adaptable Lessons: You can choose which activities to do, change the order of lessons, and add your own ideas and resources.
Variety of Learning Styles: Whether your child is a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a kinesthetic learner, the AEC can be adapted to fit their unique style.
Different Homeschooling Approaches: The AEC works well with a variety of homeschooling approaches, from structured to unschooling.
Visit The School House Anywhere if you are ready to experience the freedom and flexibility of the AEC.
Now that you know what to look for in a great history curriculum, let’s explore some of the top options available to make history come alive for your child.
Top 5 Homeschool History Curriculums for Elementary
You're in for a treat! There are some fantastic homeschool history curriculums for elementary students that make learning about the past an exciting adventure. Here are a few of the top picks:
1. The American Emergent Curriculum (by The School House Anywhere)
The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), offered by The School House Anywhere, is a unique and dynamic approach to history education that puts your child at the center of their learning journey. It's designed to be flexible, responsive, and engaging, fostering a love of history that lasts a lifetime.
The AEC views children as capable and curious learners who thrive in an environment that encourages exploration, discovery, and critical thinking. Instead of following a rigid, predetermined timeline, the AEC allows learning to unfold naturally, guided by the children's interests and the teacher's skillful observation.
This creates a dynamic and engaging learning experience where children feel empowered to explore the past in a way that is meaningful to them.
Key Features
Child-Led Exploration: In the AEC, your child's interests and questions take center stage. Teachers carefully observe how children play, interact, and express their curiosity about the world. These observations become the building blocks for exciting history lessons and projects.
If your child is fascinated by knights and castles, the curriculum might delve into medieval life, exploring topics like chivalry, weaponry, and the feudal system.
Hands-On Activities: We believe that children learn best by doing. The AEC is filled with opportunities for hands-on exploration, from creating timelines and building models to participating in dramatic play and researching primary sources.
These experiences help children develop a deeper understanding of historical events and figures, making learning more engaging and memorable.
Interconnected Learning: The AEC seamlessly integrates history with other subjects, such as language arts, science, and art. This helps children see the connections between different areas of knowledge and develop a more holistic understanding of the world.
For example, a study of ancient Rome might involve reading Roman myths, building a model of the Colosseum, or creating artwork inspired by Roman mosaics.
Real-World Connections: The AEC brings history to life by connecting it to children's everyday experiences. This might involve visiting local museums, exploring historical sites in your community, or discussing current events in light of historical patterns.
By making history relevant and meaningful, the AEC helps children understand the impact of the past on the present and their own lives.
Emphasis on Storytelling: The AEC recognizes the power of storytelling in bringing history to life. Through engaging narratives, historical fiction, and primary source accounts, children develop a deeper understanding of the people, events, and cultures that have shaped our world.
Flexible and Adaptable: The AEC is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different learning styles, family needs, and homeschooling approaches. You can set the pace of learning and choose activities that match your child's interests. Plus, you can add your own ideas and resources to create a personalized learning experience.
Teaching Method
The AEC utilizes a variety of teaching methods to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment:
Teacher as Facilitator: The teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding children's exploration and providing support as they discover new ideas and make connections.
Project-Based Learning: Children engage in in-depth projects that allow them to explore historical topics in a hands-on and meaningful way.
Collaborative Learning: Group discussions, debates, and collaborative projects encourage children to share their ideas, learn from each other, and develop communication and critical thinking skills.
Integration of Arts and Creativity: Art, music, drama, and creative writing are integrated into history lessons, allowing children to express their understanding of the past in a variety of ways.
This popular history curriculum tells the story of the world in a fun and engaging way, like a captivating storybook! It covers ancient civilizations, medieval times, and early modern history.
Key Features
Colorful and engaging narratives
Hands-on activities and projects
Variety of supplemental resources like maps and timelines
Teaching Method
Read-aloud stories
Discussions and narration
Hands-on activities and projects
This curriculum uses exciting projects to help children learn about history. It covers different time periods and cultures, from ancient Egypt to the American Revolution.
Key Features
Project-based learning approach
Interactive activities and research projects
Creative writing assignments
Teaching Method
Independent and group projects
Research and exploration
Creative expression and presentation
This curriculum teaches history from a Christian perspective, connecting events in the Bible with world history.
Key Features
Engaging narratives with a biblical worldview
Hands-on activities and projects
Character-building lessons
Teaching Method
Read-aloud stories and discussions
Hands-on activities and projects
Character-building exercises
This curriculum uses great books to make history come alive! It includes a variety of books, hands-on activities, and projects that help children explore different time periods and cultures.
Key Features
High-quality literature selections
Hands-on activities and lapbooking projects
Focus on exploration and discovery
Teaching Method
Literature-based learning
Hands-on activities and projects
Independent and group exploration
With a clearer idea of the best history curriculums, here are some essential tips to help you choose the right one for your child's needs.
4 Tips for Choosing the Right History Curriculum
Finding the perfect history curriculum for your elementary homeschooler can feel like searching for a hidden treasure! But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the map. Here are some tips to guide your quest:
1. Consider Your Child's Interests
Tap Into Their Passions: Children are naturally curious little explorers, and they have a wide range of interests. As you're thinking about what kind of history curriculum to choose, pay attention to what excites your child and what they love to learn about.
Find out if they get lost in books about dinosaurs, fascinated by ancient civilizations and how people lived long ago, or drawn to stories of brave knights and daring adventures.
Connect History to Their Interests: You can use your child's existing interests to make learning history even more engaging. For example, if your child loves animals, you might look for a curriculum that includes units on ancient Egypt and their reverence for cats.
You can also explore the roles of animals in different historical periods, like how horses were used in warfare or how dogs helped shepherds.
Boost Engagement: When you choose a curriculum that aligns with your child's interests, you're setting them up for success. They'll be more motivated to learn, more likely to remember what they've learned, and more likely to develop a lifelong love of history.
2. Set a Budget
Variety in Pricing: Homeschooling curriculums come in all shapes and sizes, from simple workbooks to comprehensive programs with textbooks, activity guides, and online resources. And just like anything else you buy, their prices can vary quite a bit.
Determine Your Spending Limit: Before you start shopping for a history curriculum, it's important to sit down and decide how much you're comfortable spending. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Remember that the most expensive curriculum isn't always the best one!
Explore Cost-Saving Options: There are many ways to save money on homeschooling curriculums. You might consider buying used materials from other homeschooling families, or you can look for free resources online, such as printable worksheets, online games, and virtual museum tours.
Looking for a High-Quality History Curriculum That's Affordable?
At The School House Anywhere (TSHA), we believe that every child deserves access to a great education, regardless of their family's budget. That's why we offer our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) at a competitive price and provide a variety of ways to make it even more affordable.
Here's how TSHA makes homeschooling more accessible:
Affordable Tuition: We work hard to keep our tuition rates low so that more families can experience the benefits of our unique and engaging curriculum.
Flexible Payment Plans: We offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of tuition over time.
Scholarship Opportunities: As a non-profit organization, we strive to keep our programs accessible and offer scholarships to families who need assistance.
Contact TSHA to know more about our tuition and scholarship.
3. Read Reviews
Learn From Other Homeschoolers: One of the best ways to get a feel for a curriculum is to hear from other homeschooling families who have already used it. Read reviews and testimonials from parents to get their honest opinions about different programs.
Gain Valuable Insights: Parent reviews can give you valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of a curriculum. You can learn about things like how engaging the activities are, how clear the explanations are, and how well the curriculum works for different types of learners.
Find Reviews Online: You can find reviews of homeschooling curriculums on homeschooling websites, blogs, and online forums. Look for reviews that mention things like the curriculum's clarity, engagement level, and how well it aligns with different learning styles.
4. Try Before You Buy
Test It Out: Many curriculum providers offer sample lessons or free trials of their programs. This is a fantastic way to get a feel for the curriculum before you commit to buying the whole thing. You can see the layout, read through some of the lessons, and get a sense of the teaching style.
Assess The Fit: Use the sample lessons or free trial to determine if the teaching style, activities, and materials are a good match for your child's learning style and your family's homeschooling approach.
Get Your Child's Input: It's always a good idea to involve your child in the decision-making process! Have your child try out some of the activities from the sample lessons or free trial to see if they find them interesting and engaging.
By following these tips, you can embark on a successful and enjoyable history adventure with your child!
Once you’ve found the perfect history curriculum, the next step is bringing the subject to life with creative ideas and activities to keep your child engaged.
3 Ways to Make History Come Alive
Learning about history shouldn't be a dry and dusty experience! It should be an exciting adventure that sparks your child's curiosity and imagination. Here are some ways to make history come alive for your elementary learner:
1. Hands-on Activities
One of the best ways to make history engaging is to get your child actively involved. There are all sorts of fun and creative activities you can do together. You might create timelines of important events, build models of famous landmarks or historical inventions, or even try on costumes from different time periods.
2. Field Trips
Take learning outside the classroom! Museums, historical sites, and cultural events are fantastic places to experience history firsthand. You might visit a local museum to see artifacts from ancient civilizations or explore a nearby historical landmark.
You could also attend a cultural festival to learn about different traditions and customs. These experiences can make history much more real and memorable for your child.
3. Living Books
Living books are a special kind of history book. They're written in a way that's engaging and captivating, bringing historical events and figures to life. They often tell stories about real people and events, making history feel more personal and relatable.
Reading living books together can be a wonderful way to spark your child's interest in history and help them develop a love of reading.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right history curriculum for your homeschool is an important step in your child's education. By finding a curriculum that is engaging, accurate, and adaptable, you can help your child develop a lifelong love of history.
Remember to consider your child's interests, learning style, and your family's homeschooling approach when making your decision. Don't be afraid to try out different curriculums and find what works best for your family.
Most importantly, make history come alive for your child! Use hands-on activities, field trips, and engaging resources to create a learning experience that is both fun and memorable.
Want a History Curriculum That Inspires a Love of Learning?
The School House Anywhere's American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) offers a unique and engaging approach to history education that puts your child at the center of their learning journey.
Here's what makes the AEC special:
Child-Centered Learning: We believe that children learn best when they're excited and engaged! That's why the AEC puts your child at the center of everything.
We follow their lead, paying attention to their interests and questions. This helps us create learning experiences that are just right for them, making history fun and exciting.
Hands-On Exploration: Forget boring textbooks and lectures! The AEC is all about learning by doing. Our curriculum is packed with hands-on activities, engaging projects, and opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Your child might build a model of an ancient Egyptian pyramid, create a timeline of important historical events, or even write a play about their favorite historical figure.
Interconnected Learning: History isn't just a bunch of isolated facts and dates. It's connected to everything! The AEC helps children see those connections by weaving together history with other subjects like language arts, science, and art. This helps them understand the big picture and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Real-World Connections: We want children to see how history is relevant to their own lives. The AEC brings history to life by connecting it to their everyday experiences. This might involve visiting local museums, exploring historical sites in your community, cooking recipes from different cultures, or discussing current events in light of historical patterns.
By making history real and relatable, the AEC helps children understand how the past has shaped the present and how they can learn from it.
Ready to experience the magic of the AEC?
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