The Story of the World is a flexible, 4-volume series with engaging narratives that guide students chronologically through world history—story by story. These stories are relatable AND memorable, and suitable for multi-level learning. Students will engage with important historical content using a wide variety of activities. This curriculum is flexible. Although designed for elementary students in grades 1-4, the text is often used by older elementary students, along with the map work, additional readings, and other exercises in the Activity Book, which can extend the learning to a much higher level. You decide how much to do!
Overall, history’s overarching story is divided as follows:
- Volume 1: Ancient Times covers history from the earliest Nomads to the time of Romulus Augustus
- Volume 2: Middle Ages spans the Dark Ages through the Renaissance
- Volume 3: Early Modern Times extends from the Holy Roman Empire to the Gold Rush
- Volume 4: Modern Age covers history from the Victorian Empire to the fall of the USSR
Currently, this curriculum has two editions available: the Second Edition (early 2000s) and the Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition (2026). Each edition is built around one main book (the student reader). While the additional components of each edition serve similar functions, the editions are not compatible with each other. These components are designed to help the students engage with content, and the parent guides the lessons, narrations, and other instruction. Mapwork and timeline activities are regularly included. A wide variety of additional activity options are also provided—you can select.
The short chapters in each hard or softcover Text are a wonderful family read aloud or independent read for older students. Throughout each volume, black-and-white illustrations and maps enhance learning. Appendix sections provide a timeline, list of included maps, and a pronunciation guide to people, places, and events in the book.
Use the Activity Book alongside the Text to complete a full and well-rounded, one-year history and geography study. You’ll find map and geography activities, coloring sheets, maps, games, and other paper activities, which are reproducible within families. In the 2nd edition, this Activity Book also includes teacher direction. The 25th Anniversary edition keeps the Activity Book as a consumable and adds a separate Instructor Guide with scripted daily lesson plans and a plethora of resources (including comprehension and narration activities), schedules, activities, and more.
The optional Tests and Answer Key book offers 42 tests, with answers, for each chapter, and is recommended for older students. Again, the two different editions will not correlate with each other.
If you are looking for packages containing the program’s essentials, we’ve got you covered. We offer packages tailored to every Story of the World volume. Research the specific edition and volume you desire to discover what current packages are available. Currently, Audio CDs are only available for the Second Edition of The Story of the World. ~ Ruth