Trying to figure out exactly how to homeschool history? It can be daunting because this is one subject where there are so many different angles a homeschooler can take, and so many events and prominent figures that one could study, so having all the options is both a blessing and a curse.
All those angles and potential topics mean that homeschool history is a subject that homeschoolers often TOTALLY overthink! If you’ve been reviewing, and searching, and re-reviewing, and debating, and reviewing history curricula some more, then let’s stop that, shall we?
Here, I’ll break down exactly what you need to teach history – and it’s not a lot folks.
There are plenty of “all-inclusive” history curricula out there, but let’s get history done in the most focused, simple, and valuable way, ok? Aka: How I have applied Minimalist Homeschooling to history.
Plus, you don’t even need all of the components that I list! Start basic, and then add in some extras as your interests, energy, patience, time, attention spans, and mood dictate.
Okee dokee?
I want to start out with a few reminders, just so that we’re all on the same page:
- The goal is learning. If your child is learning about history, then you are doing it “right.” If they are engaged and interested, you are doing an amazing job. If they can discuss and apply it, then you have succeeded.
- Minimalist Homeschooling is NOT about using a specific curriculum, or resource, or learning philosophy. Minimalist Homeschooling IS about determining what is most valuable in your homeschool right now, and doing it simply and effectively – whatever that means to you.
- I will not hash out the Minimalist Homeschooling mindset here. (You’ll have to cruise around this blog, grab the book, or join our membership to tackle this *really important* Minimalist Homeschooling mindset shift). It’s worth doing the extra work on this point, because that will make every. single. decision. easier.
Now, let’s talk about what you actually need in order to teach history in your homeschool. I am going to list the resources that we use in case they help someone who wants an example or visual of how a subject can be taught with just a few quality resources (and resources that span multiple years).
My goal is NOT to prescribe a curriculum for every family, but rather, to empower you to choose your own best resources, by simplifying the options, and taking into consideration some of the points I make below about how to homeschool history simply.
Whew! Now that all of the disclaimers are over, let’s talk resources.
About Me
First, so you know where my priorities lie: I am a Catholic homeschooler who leans toward the Classical and Charlotte Mason styles of homeschooling. I like those. They work for us. (The goal is learning.) I’m traditional, yet eclectic.
I prefer to study history on a 3 year cycle. This means that each year, for 3 years, we study a time period, and then repeat.
Not only does this approach “spiral” our family through the subject together, getting progressively more detailed as my kids age, but it also means that I don’t have to totally recreate the wheel each year! Once the first round of 3 years is completed, I can simply adjust and add in subsequent years.
The 3-year cycle also gives my children predictability that they crave. No, they do not want to do all the same things every 3 years, but they do like the familiarity with a subject that comes with repeating a time period. Often, they have forgotten a lot of things that they did when they were 3 years younger, too. The repetition is really helpful for learning, and the familiarity makes them happy.
Most cycles follow this basic timeline:
- Ancient History
- Middle Ages & Renaissance
- Modern History, and United States History (ie: Modern History from the perspective of the U.S.)
Note that many teachers believe kids should start with a solid concept of their own culture. For this reason, many U.S. homeschoolers focus purely on U.S. history for the first several years. That’s cool, too. We did that when all I had was little ones.
Let me Cut to the Chase:
- Will you use a “spine” or a book list as your core to learn history?
- If you chose a spine, will it be a comprehensive text, or memory work?
- What treats will you add to your history studies? Hint: You cannot do all the things.
Ready for more details? Here we go!
First, Consider a Basic Homeschool History “Spine” or Core
The “spine” of a subject refers to a resource that provides the foundation, or structure of your subject. The spine is usually pretty inclusive and complete all alone. It is designed to give you your framework, and trajectory throughout the school year – to keep you moving forward in a logical progression through a subject.
The spine is NOT required. If you prefer to explore the subject, and are not worried about an organized march through history, then a spine may not be necessary (see disclaimers above) and you can skip to the next section. The spine offers a framework for study.
With a spine, you don’t have to pull events or people out of your own head or through hours of research – the most common topics are laid out for you in a logical sequence. A spine also helps reassure homeschoolers that they are giving the subject a thorough treatment.
Here are 2 common spine options:
Comprehensive Text: For about 2nd or 3rd, through 5th or 6th grade, I start reading out loud a text that spans all of the chronological history of the world. (No, I do not focus on history before 2nd grade. We naturally work on “social studies,” “civics,” and national holidays prior to 2nd or 3rd grade. We read and do interesting things).
I personally use The World’s Story by Elizabeth O’Neill. This is a review of history from cavemen, to present day from what I consider a Catholic perspective (hence the cavemen, and reference to evolution). So, yup. One book. 2nd-6th grade. We read it over 3 years, and then repeat.
The other most popular option is The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer. This set of books is from a Protestant perspective, although I would say that neither source is overtly religious in nature – just in their historical view. In this case, you’ll have to buy 4 texts for 4 different time periods – not one. But, The Story of the World has the added benefit of being available in audio, so you can delegate the read aloud, so to speak.
If you want to keep it straight-forward, the comprehensive text is really ALL you need. The rest is icing, folks.
Keep is Simple Tip: The World’s Story, for example, covers the ENTIRE world’s history in ONE book. As in, this is the ONLY text you need until you feel compelled to take history to the next level. Middle school? High school? So, it makes sense to spend some time upfront finding a spine that you really love. Choose one. Just one.
Memory Work: In memory work, the children learn a chronological timeline of events and people in history, as well as a more in-depth history sentence each week. Each history sentence highlights a certain event, thereby taking your family through history one soundbite at a time. The goal is to memorize the timeline and sentences as small snippets, and then build on those facts with time and age.
Memory work is the preferred option for anyone looking for the classical model of learning. We have used both Classical Conversations, and Catholic Schoolhouse as history “Memory Work” for elementary years. The first is Protestant, and the second is (obviously) Catholic. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but both accomplish the goal (learning).
Yes, you can use memory work as your “spine” and skip the comprehensive text! I repeat: you do not need to do all the things.
Keep It Simple Tip: Use memory work as your copywork selections to knock-out 2 birds with one stone.
Next, Add Some Icing to that Delicious History Cake!
Now that you have your framework for the subject, everything else is just delicious learning. Add a selections of the following options to your spine to create an individualized and enjoyable experience.
You do NOT need to do all of these options ad nauseum. In fact, I would argue that beating a subject to death is not in anyone’s best interest. If you are drawn to one flavor of icing, then do a whole lot of that type, and a little (or none) of the others. If you want to do a little bit of all the things, then sprinkle the goodies throughout the year.
Supplementary Texts: You can add history read alouds, and independent reading to your spine. These come in the form of period- or country-specific fairy tales, biographies of prominent people, historical fiction (our favorite!), and “day in the life” type of non-fiction.
Yes, you can just skip the comprehensive text, and instead, read an assortment of great books available! This method has a lot of benefits, including keeping kids (and adults) engaged, and offering a lot of variety.
The downside is that using self-created book lists can feel labor-intensive when planning, and can create insecurity about potential gaps. You know whether you prefer to use a comprehensive spine, or a book list.
By the way, you can read about my opinion of “gaps” here.
Keep It Simple Tip: Keep a running book list of possible homeschool history read alouds by time period. As you see a recommendation, jot it down on your list. Grab one or 2 selections on each library visit. Read, and repeat.
Supplementary Activities: Next, if we want, I add a few activities, movies, and/or field trips to our studies. I keep a Pinterest board going for different subjects so that if I feel the urge to do a related activity, I can go pick one on the spot. Or, even better, I can let my kids go pick one.
Note that there are activity books that go with The Story of the World, but I find them overkill and overwhelming. However, if you like having activities laid out for you (with additional book recommendations), then that may be a great resource for your family.
Remember: Your children will not be deprived if you do not do all the activities and field trips. If adding more makes you stressed, grumpy, exhausted, or overwhelmed, the cost may outweigh the benefit.
Keep It Simple Tip: I do NOT plan activities and field trips in advance – I just trust that we will do a few things as time and interest dictates. For example, if I want to learn more about Constantine, when that time comes, I’ll check YouTube, or ask for a recommendation on facebook. Make sense?
Projects, Presentations, and Papers: As my children get older, I aim for one paper, and one larger project with a presentation per year. Last year, the paper was centered around Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad (we did a mock interview and newspaper article), and a research project and presentation about our state. Those are just a couple examples. The possibilities are endless.
Keep It Simple Tip: Consider combining a Language Arts assignment with your history topic to double-up the effectiveness of large assignments.
Homeschool History in Middle School and High School
Our plan for homeschool history in middle school and high school is much the same as above. You choose either a book list as your core, or a text as your core. There are a few nuances, like:
- We use different resources that are recommended for something like 7th-12th, or 9th-12th.
- I chose a spine that includes tests, quizzes, and worksheets. Part of my job for college-bound kids is to teach them how to effectively take tests. This may or may not be a goal that you share with me.
- There are fewer supplemental texts and activities above the core material during these years because the core is hefty, and the books are longer. Remember that if you add enough additional learning to your spine, then your class may qualify as an Honors or AP course.
Yes, you can still read the texts out loud, even to older kids!
I still choose a spine that is reusable and repeatable at increasingly higher expectations.
In fact, pretty much everything I say above applies to homeschool history in middle school and high school.
Keep it Simple Tip: For homeschool history in middle school and high school, choose either a text book or a book list as your core resources. Add additional books, and tests, quizzes, papers and projects as needed.
That’s it! That’s all it takes to homeschool history. Simple enough?
How do you do homeschool history? What are your thoughts about keeping it simple, valuable, and focused? Let’s continue this discussion below!
PS- If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, doubtful, or exhausted by homeschooling, I have resources for that!
First, you, can get a FREE Minimalist homeschooling Audit, to see where your stress may be coming from (Minimalist Homeschooling is a mindset shift).
Next, you can find me on facebook, and instagram for some insight, encouragement, and inspiration.
Finally, you’ll want to look at our membership called Simple is the New Smart where you can get a hefty load of resources every month, including coaching calls, planner pages, and more. Check that out so you can create the homeschool you imagine (ya know, without the stress and overwhelm) right away. 😉
I do use affiliate links for some of the items in this post. That means that I earn a small commission if you purchase after using a link, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my time and energy in this small way!
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