Wicked History

Description

Some of the greatest political and military leaders of history were, let's face it, very wicked. To expand their power or accomplish their goals, they killed innocent civilians and caused needless pain and destruction. This series focuses on these leaders who are now known and remembered for their violence and cruelty. The text seems written for middle-grade readers in that it's easy to read with fairly simple vocabulary and larger font. The content, however, is suitable for older readers as well because the books discuss military strategy, acts of cruelty, political facets, and details of battles. A story-like format is taken, which starts with the leader's birth and describes the person's childhood atmosphere and influences that led to their violent life. Important battles and other events are included, up through the leader's death. Fast-paced and absorbing, the books don't include all the details of each life, but give a fairly thorough look at each personality, main life events, and the impact on the world.

Each book includes a scattering of black and white illustrations (photos for the more recent leaders) of each figure and the events in their life. Like the text of the book, the pictures are truthful, but as such, somewhat violent (a few dead bodies, battles, etc.) so you may want to look through them before offering them to younger or sensitive readers. Timelines, maps, and a few other features are included in the books, which help you put each leader's story into perspective. The series is being revised to include colorful photographs and graphics. Some also include project ideas.

For a few of the leaders, the book raises questions about whether or not they were truly wicked, or if history has just painted them that way after they were defeated a pretty interesting question. If you're looking for a way to introduce a specific leader or war to your students, or if you're interested in trying to understand these powerful but wicked leaders, these books provide an entertaining and instructive option. Each book is small format (5" x 7"), about 140 pgs, pb. ~ Rachel/Deanne

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.