V.M. Hillyer, the first headmaster of Calvert School, spent many of his school years studying only American history. Believing that studying world history would broaden children's horizons and give them a better understanding of the world and history in general, he set about to write an understandable and comprehensive world history children could enjoy. A Child's History of the World functions to familiarize young children with some of the countless historical events and people of significance while reading like a good story. While many of the topics touched upon may not be the most important in overall world history, they are nevertheless significant because they can be understood by a child. The subjects are covered in chronological order, from the beginning of the world through the end of the Cold War. This gives the child a linear view of world history that allows details to be filled in later. The softcover text is 432 pages in length, and is written to pique interest by asking questions throughout the text. Black and white illustrations are interspersed with the textual information to enhance the content. This book is a resource for the History Odyssey level 1 courses, and is written from a different perspective. Although references are made to God and Jesus, the first four chapters talk about how things started and cave men. His suggestion that the earth began as a spark that was thrown from the sun, cooled to a cinder and became the earth as we know it is new for me. Chapter 5 is titled "Real History Begins," so if you're not interested in his version of how the earth began you can begin at chapter 5 and really not miss anything of historical value.~ Donna
Child's History of the World (paperback)
Description
History Odyssey is a classically-based history curriculum that combines the reading of great history books and period-related literature with timeline work, outlining, summaries, map activities, and writing assignments. Designed as independent study guides, it makes history engaging while building strong research, writing, and organizational skills with minimal parent preparation.
Each guide covers one major era of history in one year and works well for logic-stage students (typically Grades 5–8), with extensions available for high school.
Key Curriculum Features:
- Checklist-style lessons with reading, timeline, map work, and writing assignments
- Emphasis on great books, primary sources, and the "Great Conversation" of ideas
- Builds critical thinking, research, outlining, and independent learning skills
- Flexible for multi-age use with strong student accountability
- Minimal teacher prep — parent primarily checks completion and quality of work
- Level 2 for logic stage (Grades 5+); Level 1 adapted into History Quest series
Program Components:
- Study Guides: Loose-leaf, 3-hole-punched guides designed for placement in a binder (thick binder recommended)
- Required Resources: History books, literature selections, timeline (optional History Odyssey Timeline & Sticker Pack), and maps
- Worksheets and Maps: Included for outlining, summaries, and activities (permission to copy maps and worksheets for family use)
History Odyssey stands out for its classical approach, independent student-driven format, and integration of great books that make history come alive. It is an excellent choice for homeschool families seeking a rigorous yet flexible world history curriculum that nurtures strong analytical and organizational skills.
Shop all History Odyssey levels, resources, and guides below!
| Product Format: | Paperback Book |
|---|---|
| Grades: | 4-AD |
| Brand: | Martino Fine Books |
| Author: | Hillyer |
| ISBN: | 9781684224296 |
| Length in Inches: | 9.25 |
| Width in Inches: | 6.125 |
| Height in Inches: | 1.125 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 1.9 |