Studying history alongside quality literature resources has
always made sense to me. Evidently it makes sense to the Notgrass family as
well because they’ve developed a well-organized and user-friendly curriculum
that integrates these two subjects and adds a solid Bible component. The
courses may be completed in any order during the high school years; however,
the publisher suggests the following sequence: Exploring
World Geography, Exploring World
History, Exploring
America, and Exploring Government
and Economics.
Exploring World Geography, Exploring World History, and
Exploring America are each one year in length, providing three high school
credits if using all the components and recommended literature titles.
Exploring World History and Exploring America offers a credit in history,
English (literature and composition), and Bible. The Exploring World Geography
course also includes three credits: History, English, and Worldview. Exploring
Government and Exploring Economics are semester-length courses, and
would offer 1/2 credit in Government and English, and Economics and English,
respectively. See each course for more information.
Either as independent study courses or discussion-based
studies, the written-to-the-student texts allow for as much or as little
involvement as parents choose (or are able) to give. There is a permeating
emphasis on Bible and Christian history but no denominational bias. Curriculum
Packages include required texts and primary source book. The Student
Review Pack includes Student Review Book, Quiz & Exam Book, and Answer
Key. The Student Review Book (part of the Student Review Pack) offers
review/discussion questions, Bible commentary for Part 1 of Exploring World
History, and literary analysis and review questions for all literature. Quiz
& Exam Book holds quizzes and exams; the answer key is a separate book.
Reading assignments for the recommended literature accompany the lessons.
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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.
