History Odyssey is a classically-based history
curriculum that combines the reading of great history books and period-related
literature with timeline work, outlining, summaries, map activities, and
writing assignments. Designed as independent study guides, it makes history
engaging while building strong research, writing, and organizational skills
with minimal parent preparation.
Each guide covers one major era of history in one year and
works well for logic-stage students (typically Grades 5–8), with extensions
available for high school.
Key Curriculum Features:
Checklist-style
lessons with reading, timeline, map work, and writing assignments
Emphasis
on great books, primary sources, and the "Great Conversation" of
ideas
Builds
critical thinking, research, outlining, and independent learning skills
Flexible
for multi-age use with strong student accountability
Minimal
teacher prep — parent primarily checks completion and quality of work
Level
2 for logic stage (Grades 5+); Level 1 adapted into History Quest
series
Program Components:
Study
Guides: Loose-leaf, 3-hole-punched guides designed for placement in a
binder (thick binder recommended)
Required
Resources: History books, literature selections, timeline (optional
History Odyssey Timeline & Sticker Pack), and maps
Worksheets
and Maps: Included for outlining, summaries, and activities
(permission to copy maps and worksheets for family use)
History Odyssey stands out for its classical
approach, independent student-driven format, and integration of great books
that make history come alive. It is an excellent choice for homeschool families
seeking a rigorous yet flexible world history curriculum that nurtures strong
analytical and organizational skills.
Shop all History Odyssey levels, resources, and
guides below!
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
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.
