Our America (5th Edition)

Our America takes students back into history to learn what life would have been like in our country’s early days. Students will study the lives of groups of people who have made valuable contributions to our American heritage: the Pilgrims, Native Americans, early colonists, pioneers, cowboys, and immigrants. In addition to maps and geographical facts, Our America also features information about our flag and the history behind our patriotic holidays and songs. 65 lessons

History is important. As children learn about past events and how such things relate to current issues, it helps them to understand societies and become better citizens. Abeka’s history courses present history from a biblical perspective with a conservative, patriotic view. As students study our country, the world, as well as forms of government and citizenship, they develop a deeper understanding of history and learn about heroes showing bravery, courage, and diligence. Geography is also interwoven into the lessons, so students can make connections to the history they are studying (some grade levels have a separate workbook and answer key for map activities).

Taking a traditional approach, softcover Student Textbooks are in full color and written in an understandable format for each age group. Tests and quizzes are available to provide assessments. Grades 1-4 pivot toward the study of America and geography, giving students a solid foundation of American history and the great people who have helped shape our country in a positive manner. Grades 5-8 go into more detail about both world and American history along with geography, as students learn about the Eastern Hemisphere in grade 5 and the Western Hemisphere in grade 6. Grade 7 is an overview of world history and grade 8 is a United States history course. High school courses cover geography, world history, US history, American government, and economics.

There are several components to aid in the teaching of these courses. Teacher Editions have reduced-sized student pages, along with comprehension or discussion questions and detailed information on teaching the lesson. Curriculum Lesson Plans are (lesson plan) guides for the teacher and include enrichment activities. Answer Keys to the student textbook provide answers to Section and Chapter Review questions. Several resources are also available for grades 4-8 as support materials: My State Notebook (grade 4), Nation Notebook (grades 4-6), Nifty-Fifty Flashcards (grades 4-8), and Eastern (grades 5-8) and Western (grades 6-8) Hemisphere Map Skill Cards. Novels and biographies are suggested as additional reading material in certain grade levels.

Abeka provides a solid, grade leveled study of history that incorporates a biblical view with a focus on American patriotism. Students will see God’s hand in history and benefit from learning about past events so they can impact the future in a useful way.