Learning American History Through Literature by Common Sense Press is a
flexible, literature-based U.S. history curriculum written in a relaxed
Charlotte Mason style. It covers American history from the Colonial Period
through the Postwar Years (1607–1968) through engaging read-alouds, student
reading, vocabulary, discussion, and hands-on activities that help students
experience history rather than just memorize facts.
The program is ideal for multi-age learning and can be
completed in one or two school years depending on depth and student ages.
Key Curriculum Features:
7
units organized chronologically (Colonial, Revolutionary War, Westward
Expansion, Civil War, Industrial Age, World War Years, Postwar Years)
Strong
emphasis on living books, narration, discussion, and real-life activities
Vocabulary
lists, creative projects, mapping, and research opportunities
No
quizzes or tests — focus on understanding, retelling, and application
Charlotte
Mason-inspired methods with copywork, drawing, and reflection
Flexible
pacing suitable for Grades 1–8 or multi-age families
Program Components:
Main
Textbook: Softcover or eBook with unit overviews, book lists, vocabulary, discussion questions, and
activity suggestions
Recommended
Literature: Historical novels and biographies available separately
Important Notes:
Activities
use easy-to-find household items for projects like candle dipping or
simple quilting
Students
build understanding through narration, mapping, creative writing, and
family discussions
Learning American History Through Literature stands
out for its living-books approach, Charlotte Mason methods, and meaningful
activities that make U.S. history come alive. It is an excellent choice for
homeschool families seeking an engaging, literature-rich American history
curriculum that nurtures curiosity and retention without tests or busywork.
Browse all Learning American History Through Literature
resources and literature packages below!
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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.
