Story Of China

Description

These books by Suzanne Strauss Art are designed to take middle school students on a journey through Chinese culture and civilization. The books are the same format but cover different time periods. The first book, Story of Ancient China, covers China's evolution from earliest times (7000 BC) through the Golden Age of the Tang dynasty (907 AD). Each chapter focuses on a specific time period. At the end of each chapter are a dozen or so review questions that require short answers and test understanding of the chapter. Simple instructions for a few projects are also included after each chapter which require outside materials like an atlas, the Internet, art supplies, books easily found at the library, and more. The first book is especially good at presenting the information in an almost story-like format, so students learn about the founding of China, major historic events, common cultural aspects, important leaders, and more in a friendly and readable way. In both books, text is presented in double columns, with short paragraphs, easy-to-read sentences, and black and white illustrations interspersed sporadically. Both books also have small text-boxes at the bottom of some pages that go into further detail about especially important or interesting historical figures, locations, or events. The second book continues the tale of China's history, covering up until 1911. The books do flow together well, but they can be used independently as the second book includes a beginning section that gives an overview of the major achievements of earlier times. The second book seems geared towards a slightly higher grade level. The reading level is about the same, but there are twenty or more review questions after each chapter, which is much more than the first book, and the projects seem a bit more advanced. The books suggest using many outside books, Internet sights, and films along with this resource so students get a good understanding of China and how it has developed. The books themselves are full of many details about China's history and include timelines, maps, pronunciation guides, and glossaries. Story of Ancient China has 176 pgs and China's Later Dynasties has 200 pgs. pb ~ Rachel

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.