Childs History of the World
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Product Description
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 the most important that can be understood by a child. The subjects are covered in chronological order, from the beginning of the world (presented from a vague but secular viewpoint) through the end of the Cold War. This gives the child a linear view of world history that allows for the details to be filled in later. A Child's History of the World is a basal (basic, fundamental) reader and is not intended to be used as a supplementary reader. Recently revised, copyright 1997. 440 pgs, hc. 7.25"� x 9.5"�. ~ Enh
Category Description for Child�s History of the World
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 hardcover text is 440 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.
The text by V.M. Hillyer has been a well-known history option in the homeschool arena for many years, leaving people wanting more to round out the text. The Calvert School has now written a lesson manual and student workbook to supplement, reinforce and teach alongside this wonderful text by V.M. Hillyer.
The Student Workbook is well written, easy to use and easy to follow along. It is divided into 3 sections – Chapter outlines which are fill-in-the-blank outlines and are to be filled in from information found in the text; Timeline pages which range from 3400BC to 2000AD and are filled in with major events, and one page with 17 icons to cut out and place on your timeline; 109 Enrichment activities that correspond to the lessons and may include letter scrambles, crossword puzzles, word searches, sequencing, games, cut & paste activities, and recipes. Students will make things like a papier-mache globe, bread, a cubit stick, and solve secret codes.
The Lesson Manual contains 158 lessons that all follow the same format – Materials list; Student checklist of what to do for that lesson; Objectives; Introduction which includes questions and tips to pique interest in the topic; Enrichment activities which are optional and written directly to the student; and sometimes a ‘looking forward’ section that gives advance notice of what is needed for the next lesson. Best of all, these lessons are written specifically for the home teacher, so they make sense in a home setting. Please note that the Lesson Manual is only available in sets.
The Child’s History of the World Complete Course includes the text, Student Workbook, and Lesson Manual. If you already own the text, but would like just the new ancillary materials, they can be purchased as a set. Because Calvert School doesn’t give permission for copying, individual workbooks are available for additional students.
These new books are spiral bound and a welcome addition to the Child’s History of the World. As I read the new books, I was struck by how well written they are and their clear, logical appearance. They are definitely a giant plus for the V.M. Hillyer text. ~ Donna
Customer Reviews
Years ago a friend of mine who was in her early 80's told me about this particular book. Her parents had read it to her as a child and she thought it was the most wonderful story she had ever heard. Now that I am a homeschooling parent I have to agree with my friend. The book was written in the 1930's by the headmaster of Calvert School. V.M. Hillyer. It has been updated over the decades so its contents are current (to mid-twentieth century). Throughout the book are illustrations which in my opinion are works of art that add to the story. We are currently reading this story to our six year old daugther and she loves it! I would recommend this book for reading aloud with your family or for your school world history text.
This is a great book. It doesn't matter which curriculum you use or which style of homeschooling you subscribe to, everyone (elementary/primary aged) should have this book in their homeschooling library. My kids (ages 4 - 9) have all enjoyed this book. It is engaging and well written for young ones. There is a lot of information packed into this book and it is presented in a way that is not overwhelming or boring for kids. It is kind of like Story of the World, but I don't think SOTW is written as well. There are some who say it is offensive because it uses language of the era in which it was published. However, this updated version, sold by Rainbow Resource, has sanitized the book of any language that may be seen as derogatory today.
Out of the mouth of my 10 year old son, "Read another chapter, Mom!" I think that pretty much says it all as far as interest factor for children. The author heads the 5th chapter with the title: Real History Begins. That's where we began reading as the first four chapters were not consistent with the Biblical account of Creation. These skipped, the book is otherwise a great read.
This is a must have history book for K-4 . My son has retained so much from it. You can combine different ages. You have to use a history encyclopedia like Usborne or Kingfisher for more visual content .Paula's archives tells you how to schedule these and also make suggestions for other books & movies to go with the book.
This is a must have book. It is a complete and engaging curriculum that is easy to use and understand. Love how it brings other books into it to make it more real and interesting. My girls are so close in age I was able to use it with all three at once and they loved it. And it's inexpensive! Love the way it is written.
