The Story of the World is an engaging and
chronological world history curriculum that teaches history “story by story” in
a way that is both memorable and enjoyable for elementary students.
Written in a lively narrative style, Susan Wise Bauer’s 4-volume
series takes students on a journey through history from the earliest times to
the modern age. The program is flexible, literature-rich, and works beautifully
for multi-age homeschool families.
Key Curriculum Features:
Engaging,
story-based approach that makes history come alive
Chronological
world history taught in four volumes
Flexible
for multiple ages and ability levels
Strong
emphasis on narration, map work, timeline activities, and hands-on
projects
Two
editions are available for Volume 1: the classic Second Edition and
the new 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition (not compatible with each
other)
Excellent
for building a broad understanding of history from a neutral perspective
Program Components:
Student
Texts (Volumes): Engaging hardcover or softcover narrative history
books with black-and-white illustrations and maps
Student Activity
Books/Workbooks: Consumable workbooks with map work, coloring
pages, games, and activities that are reproducible within families. Second
Edition activity books contain teacher directions
Instructor
Guides: Available for the 25th AnniversaryExpanded
Edition only, providing scripted lesson plans, discussion questions,
narration prompts, scheduling help, and more
Optional
Tests & Answer Keys: Available for assessment with both editions and especially recommended for older students
The Story of the World stands out for its captivating
storytelling, chronological flow, and flexibility, making it a popular homeschool world history program. Whether you choose
the classic Second Edition or the updated 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition,
this series helps students develop a strong sense of history while fostering a
love for it, too.
Browse all volumes of The Story of the World,
including Volumes, Activity Books, Instructor Guides, and complete sets 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.
