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Description
"Most history books are boring, but your book kept me on the edge of my chair. I couldn't wait to find out what happens next." So said 11-year-old Tommy Cunningham after reading a portion of this 10-volume set. Author Joy Hakim, former journalist and teacher, has a knack for making history more personal and dramatic. A Teaching K-8 review calls her a "master storyteller." The result is that these books are read, and re-read, by youngsters who love stories but don't care for history books. Each story, or chapter, is short (from 3 to 8 pages), includes lots of interesting tidbits in sidebars, and has plenty of pictures (mostly black and white, but some full color). We used this series with Janine and Stephen this past year, who seemed to enjoy, if not relish, the books.
Some concerns exist. The books are not written from a Christian perspective, but the author does recognize a religious influence in the making of our nation. The publisher notes that varying opinions of some controversial subjects are presented; as such, these books are not written from a conservative viewpoint. The first volume makes references to millions of years of prehistory. Book 6 covers the War Between the States primarily from the North's point of view, and Book 10 won't make Rush Limbaugh's list of recommended reading. But in general, this appears to be an appealing presentation of American history for youngsters and adults alike.
This series has been newly revised. The books are now in full-color, with new illustrations and newly commissioned and improved maps in the atlas sections of each book. Most of the changes can be found in Vol. 10, as more current events (up to 2005) have been added. Each book is 160-264 pages, with about 200 illustrations. The revision includes an eleventh book, which serves as a sourcebook for the other ten volumes, and revised teacher guides, which can be used with the previous edition or the new revised texts, as the pagination and illustrations are identical between the editions. We are offering the paperback version in sets or individually. Teacher guides are also available below. ~ Bob
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.