Reading through American History

I believe that stories that touch the heart are the key to connecting children with the past. We are learning history through literature and invite you to join our journey through major events in American History this year.

I will be planning one theme each month (The Pony Express, The Underground Railroad, The Boston Tea Party, etc) and will provide book, video, and/or activity recommendations. Many times, readings of these books will be available on YouTube if you are unable to get them from the library. 

Most recommended books will be children’s picture books, but some will be chapter books. Historical fiction will be utilized more than factual history books. You can read and skip whatever you want; the point is to stay on the same topic for a month and learn it in a way that works for your family.  Personally, I plan to visit our monthly history topic twice in the month; once with an introduction and book or two, and once with a book and activity (or event).  I would also encourage you to meet up with friends to learn history together!

We will not necessarily move through the year in chronological order of events; my main goal is to introduce the stories of the past in a memorable way.  My children are elementary age now; the 1700’s ad 1900’s are practically the same thing to them.  The stories we teach which touch their emotions will live in them and resurface as they get older and learn history in a more chronological way.