A History of US Curriculum by Joy Hakim

Description

A History of US by Joy Hakim is an engaging, narrative-driven American history curriculum that makes the past personal and dramatic. Written in a conversational style with short chapters, interesting tidbits, full-color illustrations, and maps, it brings American history to life from the arrival of Native Americans through the 2008 election.

The series is known for its readability and ability to captivate students who typically dislike traditional history textbooks.

Key Curriculum Features:

  • Chronological coverage of American history across 10 volumes, plus a Sourcebook
  • Short 3-8 page story-like chapters with sidebars, primary sources, and vivid details
  • Full-color photos, illustrations, and an atlas section in each volume
  • Emphasis on people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation
  • Flexible for various grade levels with supporting Teacher Guides

Program Components:

  • Student Volumes: 10 paperback books, 160–264 pages each, with engaging text and visuals
  • Volume 11 Sourcebook: Serves as an index for the entire series
  • Teacher Guides: Lesson ideas, worksheets, graphic organizers, assessments, and grading rubrics
  • Student Study Guides: Chapter lessons with vocabulary, map skills, comprehension, critical thinking, primary sources, and writing projects
  • Assessment Book: 71 tests covering the entire series

A History of US stands out for its narrative style, visual appeal, and ability to make American history relatable and memorable. It is an excellent choice for homeschool families seeking an engaging, literature-rich U.S. history curriculum that builds understanding and appreciation of our nation’s story.

Browse all History of US volumes, resources, and sets below!

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.