Best Homeschool History Curriculum for Elementary Students

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If you are looking for a history curriculum for your homeschooled elementary student, you are fortunate in that you will have many excellent options from which to choose. There are so many great options, in fact, that you may get overwhelmed trying to pick just one. In this article we’ll provide an in-depth discussion of some of our favorite history curriculums for homeschooled elementary students. Here is a list of our picks for the best homeschool history curriculum for elementary students.

Best Secular Program

Calvert History & Geography

If you are looking for a solid secular history curriculum for your homeschooled elementary student, we recommend the History & Geography courses offered by Calvert Homeschool. Calvert has been in the business of creating solid, successful curriculums for many years, and its History & Geography courses maintain this tradition of excellence. We love that these courses teach history and geography together; many homeschool programs offer these as separate curriculums, and it can be difficult to fit both subjects into our kids’ homeschool schedules without leaving critical gaps in their instruction. The series begins by challenging students to understand themselves and the world around them, gradually moving outward into a broader study of history and geography. Each course is designed for a 180-day school year and includes lesson-by-lesson instructions, with minimal to no prep time for parents. Here is a brief description of the content of each course:

1st Grade

Calvert 1st Grade History & Geography covers some basic American history as part of a broader, kid-friendly introduction to social studies. The following units are included: “I am a Special Person”, “Let’s Communicate”, “I Have Feelings”, “I Live in a Family”, “You Belong to Families”, “Places People Live”, “Community Helpers”, “I Love My Country” (encompassing early American history), “I live in the World” (highlighting life in Mexico and Japan), and “The World and You”. 

2nd Grade

Calvert 2nd Grade History & Geography goes into more depth on history, blending it nicely into units on government and geography as well. The following units are included: “Looking Back” (including a highlight of Native American history), “Settling the New World”, “A New Government for a New Country”, “Government Under the Constitution”, “Our Government Close to Home”, “Original Colonies”, “Settling the Frontier”, “Exploring America With Maps”, “Past, Present, and Future Maps”, and a final review unit.

3rd Grade

Calvert 3rd Grade History & Geography is structured by U.S. geography but nevertheless does an excellent job of covering American history within this framework. The Civil War, for example, is covered within the “Southern States” unit. The following units are included: “Geography” (including cartography, basic map skills, and cultural geography), “New England States”, “Mid-Atlantic States”, “Southern-Atlantic States”, “Southern States”, “Great Lake States”, “Midwestern States”, “Mountain States”, “Pacific States”, and a final review unit.

4th Grade

Calvert 4th Grade History & Geography aims to cover history and geography in a broader global context and includes a good deal about the wildlife and habitat of different regions of the world. History is not comprehensive but interspersed throughout, such as the section on “Swiss History” in the “Mountain Countries” unit. The following units are included: “Our Earth”, “Seaport Cities”, “Desert Lands”, “Grasslands”, “Tropical Rainforests”, “The Polar Regions”, “Mountain Countries”, “Living In Island Countries”, “North America”, and a final review unit.

5th Grade

Calvert 5th Grade History & Geography explores American history, beginning with the discovery of America by European explorers and spanning all the way to the present day. The following units are included: “A New World”, “A New Nation”, “A Time for Testing”, “A Growing Nation”, “A Nation Divided”, “A Changing Nation”, “Depression and War”, “Cold War”, “America into the New Millenium”, and “The United States of America”.

In addition to the linked webites above, all of the Calvert curriculum can be purchased directly from their website.

Best Classical Approach

The Story of the World, Susan Wise Bauer 

If you are looking for curriculum that will introduce your elementary-aged kids to history from a classical approach, there are many great options to choose from. The most popular, however, is undoubtedly Susan Wise Bauer’s The Story of the World series, which follows the classical education model outlined in the The Well-Trained Mind (a must-read for anyone interested in classical-style homeschooling). 

The Story of the World comprises four chronological volumes – Ancient Times, The Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, and The Modern Age – each corresponding with one year of study. Ideally, a student would begin the series in first grade and proceed through to the final volume in fourth grade. The series is meant to then be repeated in grades 5 through 8, underscoring the emphasis on mastery and cyclical learning outlined in The Well-Trained Mind. You need not worry, however, if your elementary student is beginning the series between first and fifth grade. Whatever your child’s grade level, it is best to begin chronologically with the Ancient Times volume; all four books are written at the same comprehension level, so your student will not be “behind” in anyway. 

Following the classical model, The Story of the World does concentrate greatly on the history of Western civilization (including its origins in the Mesopotamia and Egypt). It nevertheless does a fantastic job of also providing a history of the world as a whole, moreso than do most standard world history curriculums. Students will read chapters on the history of Africa, Asia, and the pre-contact Americas alongside a more substantial focus on European and American history. Although many elementary history curriculums teach American history in isolation, this series does not. American history is, rather, woven into the broader story of world history, with sections on Native American history appearing in Volumes 1 and 2 and a more intensive focus on colonial America and U.S. history coming in Volumes 3 and 4. 

While The Story of the World would technically be categorized as a secular curriculum, it does a good job of incorporating religious history into the text in ways that are non-offensive to both believers and non-believers. The histories of Christianity as well as other world religions are woven into the text as necessary to explain the development of world history. While Bible stories (as well as other religious stories) are included, they are neither presented as explicitly fact or myth. A chapter on the ancient Israelite people, for example, might include a story from the Bible, prefacing it by saying, “this is a story from the Bible”, but not asserting whether the events in the story truly occurred. Overall, Story of the World considers religion in a historical context, allowing parents to further extrapolate on matters of belief if they wish to do so.

Each chapter in The Story of the World will need to read be to the child by the parent; students old enough to read it on their own may do so. The chapters are fairly short and straightforward. They are written in a clear and interesting style that is enjoyable for both younger and older children, as well as parents. Each volume is also available on audio CD, which many parents use either alongside or in place of the written volume. A supplementary activity guide for each volume is also available. These guides are excellent, providing review questions as well as great extension activities and fun projects for each chapter. Finally, a supplementary Test and Answer Key book is available for each volume, providing a simple way to assess your student’s comprehension of the material on a regular basis.

The four volumes in the series, along with their supplementary components, are listed here:

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child – Volume 1: Ancient Times 

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child – Volume 2: The Middle Ages 

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child – Volume 3: Early Modern Times 

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child – Volume 4: The Modern Age 

Best Classical Approach – American History

Adventures in America: An Introduction to American History for the Grammar Stage, Angela Blau

Whereas the classical homeschool approach to teaching history does not immerse children in American history until third or fourth grade, many classical homeschoolers still wish to introduce the subject to their children at a younger age. If you are one of them, you may want to consider using Angela Blau’s excellent Adventures in America: An Introduction to American History for the Grammar Stage. 

Intended for kindergarten through second grade, the program introduces young elementary students to the seminal events and figures of American history, as well as to some basic U.S. geography. The history is told through a living-books story approach, presenting stories about Native Americans, the Patriots and the Revolution, the pioneers who settled the West, and many more topics, including “tall tales” about Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed. This living-books approach will be attractive to Charlotte Mason-style homeschoolers as well as those following a classical approach.

Encompassing a 36-week school year, the program requires the Teacher’s Guide and Student Notebook as well as Smart About the Fifty States and a set of Flag-It State Flag Stickers (available at Rainbow Resource). 

Best Christian Program

Veritas History

The Veritas History series is an excellent program for those wishing to incorporate Biblical and Christian history into a broader study of world history. The methodology of this curriculum is classical with a solid Christian perspective. With timelines, memory cards, CDs, and many literary supplements, this curriculum will give your child a thorough, Christian-centered, and deeply immersive experience in world history.

History K and History 1 are intended for kindergarten and first grade, respectively. These are followed by five chronological thematic courses to be taken in grades 2-6. It is recommended, though not required, that these courses be taken in order. History K and History 1 are available in print format only, whereas the thematic courses for grades 2-6 are available in both print form and as self-paced online courses. 

History K and History 1 use the character of Bede, a little red ball of yarn, to introduce kids to the idea of history. History K focuses on the concept of a timeline, while History 1 moves onto a basic introductory history of America that lays a good foundation for more in-depth history study in the later grades. The History K course kit includes Bede’s History of Me and the History K Lesson Plans. The History 1 course kit includes Bede’s History of Us and the History 1 Lesson Plans.

The thematic curriculums intended for grades 2-6 can be taken as either self-paced online courses or by using traditional print materials. Either option will give your child excellent, thorough instruction in history from a Christian perspective. If you have less time to teach the course yourself, you would do well to purchase the online version. Your kids will be able to move through the program at their own speed and will have fun with the interactive approach it offers. Additionally, much of the traditional work of the parent – such as grading – will be automatically done for you. All of the self-paced courses require you to also purchase a corresponding flashcard set. Historical-fiction literature kits are also recommended, as well as the Pages of History 2-volume set.  

If you’d like to have more control over the teaching process and prefer to use paper materials, we recommend the excellent print edition. Each print edition of the course will require a Teacher’s Manual, a flashcard set, and a memory song CD. The recommended literature selections are available for purchase individually. For the most convenience when using the print edition, purchase the entire print “You Teach” Kit for that course, which includes all the required and recommended materials. 

The self-paced online courses may be purchased at either the Veritas Press website or at Christian Book. The complete “You Teach” print course kits are available only at the Veritas Press website. If you choose to purchase the materials for the print courses individually, here are the core materials you will need:

Old Testament and Egypt course (generally 2nd grade)

New Testament, Greece and Rome course (generally 3rd grade)

Middle Ages, Renaissance & Reformation course (generally 4th grade)

Explorers to 1815 course (generally 5th grade)

1815 to Present course (generally 6th grade)

The accompanying literature suggestions for the print course can be purchased from Veritas Press.

Best Charlotte Mason Style

Beautiful Feet Books History Literature Packs

If you want to introduce your elementary-aged children to history through a Charlotte Mason-style, literature-based approach, we recommend the literature packs offered by Beautiful Feet Books. Each thematic course requires a teacher guide and a collection of literature selections, along with other supplements such as composition books, timelines, or accompanying audio CDs. The literature selections, which begin with beautifully illustrated picture books in the early elementary packs and move into wonderful chapter books in the later elementary years, form the essential core of this curriculum and provide the springboard for children to explore history. Each pack covers a year of study, but some packs may be spread over two years depending on your chosen pace. Beautiful Feet Books is neither explicitly religious nor secular, but if you are purchasing a course pack through a charter school you will want to order the teacher guide separately from the rest of the pack, as it does contain some religious content that may prevent it from being reimbursed by your school.

The following literature packs are available for elementary students:

Early American History Primary Jumbo Pack (grades K-3): includes one teacher guide, one blank composition notebook, and 23 literature selections covering such figures and topics such as George Washington, the First Thanksgiving, Buffalo Bill, Jamestown, Sacagawea, and much more.

Around the World With Picture Books Part 1 (grades K-3): includes one teacher guide, 1 black Tsubame composition book, and 15 literature selections highlighting world geography as much as history.

Around the World With Picture Books Part 2 (grades K-3): includes one teacher guide, one Tsubame composition book, and 23 literature selections comprising stories from around the world.

Teaching Character Through Literature Primary Reading Pack (grades K-3): includes one teacher guide and 11 books that focus on character development in your child. Titles include classics such as Last Stop on Market Street and Miss Rumphius.

Early American History Intermediate Jumbo Pack (grades 4-6): includes one teacher guide, one timeline, one blank composition notebook, four Your Story Hours CDs, and 15 books covering classic events and figures in American history such as Columbus, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Paul Revere, and much more. This course comprises two semesters, each of which can also be purchased on their own. 

Early American Enrichment Pack (grades 4-6): includes one downloadable teacher guide and 9 books highlighting the legacy of African Americans and American Indians in American history.

History of Science Pack (grades 3-7): includes one teacher guide, one timeline, one Your Story Hour CD, and 13 books covering science history and famous scientists from Leonardo Da Vinci to Marie Curie. This pack is an excellent supplement for your child’s science studies.

History of the Horse Pack (grades 4-6): includes one teacher guide, one blank composition notebook, one card game, and 11 books. Featuring classics such as Black Stallion and Black Beauty, this is perfect for your horse-loving student. 

Geography Through Literature Pack (grades 3-7): includes one teacher guide, a set of four maps, and four geography-themed books. History and other subjects are woven into this geography-centered reading back.

Teaching Character Intermediate Reading Pack (grades 4-7): includes one teacher guide and 12 books, which teach character development through fables, biography, and classic fiction.

Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State (grades 4-6): includes one teacher guide, one notebook, and 22 books highlighting the fascinating history of California.

Conclusion

Homeschoolers have many excellent elementary history curriculums from which to choose. The content and approaches embodied in these curriculums vary widely, and your choice will depend on your homeschool style as well as other factors, such as your child’s interests and your own time constraints. History can be wonderfully interactive for kids, and it is often a good subject for children of different ages to study together. We hope our recommendations have helped you, and if you have questions about different history curriculum options for your homeschooled child, we encourage you to email us!