Gaining a deep appreciation and knowledge of history is very beneficial for us all. As children learn about the past they become a more rounded person, can become inspired, and can learn from the mistakes of those they study about. As we teach and study history, our children can gain many transferable skills. Things like being an informed citizen, critical thinking, an ability to research important topics, and having awareness of the past, present, and future possibilities.

Typically, in the elementary years, children are taught about U.S. and world history, geography, civics and economics, and get introduced to U.S. government. Though, as homeschooling families, we can always add in extra topics, like family history and deep dives into important historical figures.

There are many ways to teach and learn history. Take the time to find a teaching style and curriculum that works best for you and your child. Below is a list of curriculums, broken up into topics, to help you navigate some of the options out there.  We encourage you to explore these curriculums to get an idea of what is available. If you don’t find something that speaks to you and your child, don’t fret. This is not a comprehensive list, rather some of the top and favorite ones of homeschooling families. There are many other options available to suit your needs.

History:

Beautiful Feet Books

• Literature-based approach
• Online resources
• Open-and-go

Heart of Dakota

• Biblical Based
• Volumes are one-year curriculum divided into units
• Living books, textbooks, and unit studies combined into one

Masterbooks

• Open-and-go
• Faith based curriculum

My American Story Book (Libraries of Hope)

• Free online stories about American History and heroes
• Organized into monthly categories
• Listen, and write what you learn in a journal

My Father’s World

• Each level has a mixture of a guide, real books, and hands-on activities
• Strong biblical based
• Mix of Charlotte Mason, unit studies, and classical approach

My World Story Book (Libraries of Hope)

• Free online stories on history from across the globe
• Organized into monthly categories
• Listen, and write what you learn in a journal

Notgrass History

• Textbook and unit study brought together
• Little to no planning or prep

Sonlight

• Open-and-go guides
• Combines interesting books with hands-on learning
• Build your own curriculum with individual to packages

Simply Charlotte Mason

• Teachers guide books
• Daily plans with specific assignments
• Will need to obtain additional resources

Story of the World (by The Well Trained Mind)

• Read-aloud series with our without workbooks
• Covers ancient history to present
• 4 volume set

The Good and the Beautiful (Currently being updated)

• Family style teaching
• Christian approach
• Open-and-go

Tuttle Twins America’s History

• More than just names and dates
• Ideas and the why behind the U.S. Constitution
• Books about economics, finances, and free market as well