American History Stories

Description

Though originally published by Mara L. Pratt in the early 1900's, these books share the early history of America in a storytelling manner that younger students today will still find compelling. Each book focuses on a specific time in American history and the stories included (about two dozen per book) are given in a conversational tone that appeals to children. Imagined dialogue is interspersed with real quotes and facts to give a realistic portrayal of what actually happened, and while the books by no means give a complete and thorough history, main events of the featured time period are highlighted in a way that readers will find entertaining as much as educational. Moving through each time period, the books tell stories (with several pages per story) about things that defined that era, important historical figures, and main events. Unabridged republications of the original books, these also include the original black and white illustrations, which are sprinkled throughout the stories. Being a century old, a few of the stories include elements that we would probably call politically incorrect today, but they are written from a Christian perspective and are otherwise detailed and accurate. With fairly short narratives that young students can read themselves, these books are great for sharing historical stories about America and entertaining youngsters with our exciting history. Each book flows into the next as far as chronological events go and all are geared toward a younger grade level, though older students would enjoy them as well. Each is about 170 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.