History—A Grand Narrative
Dear Friends,
Greetings from one of the history making capitals of the world!
October means that most of you are back in the saddle of homeschooling yet another year. Last year is history! Each year we receive phone calls from parents who are making decisions concerning what history to teach, what order to teach the courses, how to teach history in an interesting way, and more.
Necessity of History Studies
History influences our lives from beginning to end. No one can escape it. Just looking at the calendar each month reminds us of some historical fact. We probably all remember the axioms that “history repeats itself” and “we should learn from history.” If these are true, then it’s important to take the study of history seriously whether we love it or not. In both of our families, there are some who are history buffs and others who tolerate the subject. Nevertheless, all were taught to respect the events and attempt to learn from them.
We recommend that all teens take courses in world history, U.S. history and American government. No matter what a teen’s future plans may hold, these courses form a foundation for good citizenry. In addition, most colleges will expect to see such courses on the transcript.
There is no set schedule or pattern to follow as to what year to teach which course. We will leave that up to you. Because similar history courses are taught in middle school, you may decide to teach a high school level course which hasn't recently been studied.
Approaches Used Thankfully, there are many avenues through which to approach history, even in the high school years. The only requirement necessary when deciding on your approach is that the material you use must be high school level. If you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to check with the curriculum provider or a respected curriculum reviewer such as Cathy Duffy and others.
The textbook approach is traditionally the method used by many families. It allows a systematic study through the periods of history. Parents are assured they will cover the typically required course material in that particular school year.
Another popular way to study history is by integrating history with literature and Bible. The student will earn a year’s credit for each of these disciplines upon completion of the curriculum for that year. In this manner, students are shown how historical events played a role in shaping the culture through religion and literary means. The facts then take on a life of their own, and teens may remember the material longer.
Some families will choose a literature-based history course. The study of history is tied to reading literature from specific time periods rather than using a textbook. The emotional tie to the events taking place will bond the material to memory. Students may find themselves climbing into that era and beginning to relate to the prevailing views and attitudes being adopted. Good discussions can develop regarding how such beliefs have affected the thoughts and mores of our day.
For students who are not gung ho about history, studying the subject as a grand narrative may entice them into enjoying it. Everyone loves a good story, and that is exactly what history is. Interweaving biblical history from the beginning of time to the present day will show the significance of our existence and where we are headed. It will demonstrate God’s fingerprints through the ages. Course SupplementsHistory—A Grand Narrative
Dear Friends,
Greetings from one of the history making capitals of the world!
October means that most of you are back in the saddle of homeschooling yet another year. Last year is history! Each year we receive phone calls from parents who are making decisions concerning what history to teach, what order to teach the courses, how to teach history in an interesting way, and more.
Necessity of History Studies
History influences our lives from beginning to end. No one can escape it. Just looking at the calendar each month reminds us of some historical fact. We probably all remember the axioms that “history repeats itself” and “we should learn from history.” If these are true, then it’s important to take the study of history seriously whether we love it or not. In both of our families, there are some who are history buffs and others who tolerate the subject. Nevertheless, all were taught to respect the events and attempt to learn from them.
We recommend that all teens take courses in world history, U.S. history and American government. No matter what a teen’s future plans may hold, these courses form a foundation for good citizenry. In addition, most colleges will expect to see such courses on the transcript.
There is no set schedule or pattern to follow as to what year to teach which course. We will leave that up to you. Because similar history courses are taught in middle school, you may decide to teach a high school level course which hasn't recently been studied.
Approaches Used Thankfully, there are many avenues through which to approach history, even in the high school years. The only requirement necessary when deciding on your approach is that the material you use must be high school level. If you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to check with the curriculum provider or a respected curriculum reviewer such as Cathy Duffy and others.
The textbook approach is traditionally the method used by many families. It allows a systematic study through the periods of history. Parents are assured they will cover the typically required course material in that particular school year.
Another popular way to study history is by integrating history with literature and Bible. The student will earn a year’s credit for each of these disciplines upon completion of the curriculum for that year. In this manner, students are shown how historical events played a role in shaping the culture through religion and literary means. The facts then take on a life of their own, and teens may remember the material longer.
Some families will choose a literature-based history course. The study of history is tied to reading literature from specific time periods rather than using a textbook. The emotional tie to the events taking place will bond the material to memory. Students may find themselves climbing into that era and beginning to relate to the prevailing views and attitudes being adopted. Good discussions can develop regarding how such beliefs have affected the thoughts and mores of our day.
For students who are not gung ho about history, studying the subject as a grand narrative may entice them into enjoying it. Everyone loves a good story, and that is exactly what history is. Interweaving biblical history from the beginning of time to the present day will show the significance of our existence and where we are headed. It will demonstrate God’s fingerprints through the ages. Course Supplements
No matter what direction you take to teach history, you can supplement your course with field trips to historical places. Seeing what is studied will bring it alive in your teens’ imaginations. Many historical sites offer tours and re-enactments. Contacting your local historical society by phone or internet may provide you with educational opportunities in your local vicinity. Another idea is listening to stories by relatives, veterans, and others to make the material “real” and personal.
Your teens may not realize it, but they are intimately involved in making their own history! One assignment could be to have your teens interview people for their stories—most people have at least one to share. Or, you may ask your teens to write their autobiographies. Some teens are very interested in their ancestry, so researching and constructing a family tree may be used to study the places and times that those members lived. Journaling may be an interesting way to pass on recollections of daily life and current events for future generations to read and enjoy.
Any or all of these suggestions will take a dry, musty subject and add life and vigor to the course. After all, history really is His-story!
Come back next month and join us as we offer ideas for field trips for high schoolers.
Watching time fly,
Becky Cooke and Diane Kummer
