Sneak Peek #11: New American History Guide

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Carrie
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Sneak Peek #11: New American History Guide

Post by Carrie » Fri Aug 21, 2015 2:02 pm

Ladies,

At long last, here is the sneak peek that you have been waiting to read! :D It is finally time for the history sneak peek for the new American history guide! :D It has truly been a journey to gather the right combination of resources together for this year of American History. I mapped out plans more times than I can count using varying resources only to find that I needed to discard, sift, and sort my way through different resources than expected to find just the right mix. In the end, I am always surprised by the final combination of resources that form the history part of the plans. Each piece has a purpose and plays an important role in the final mix. :D

Many decisions had to be made along the way as to how to design this study of early American History. :D We knew we wanted to stick to a narrative style history and that we wanted Christ at the center of that study. We also wanted students to get a feel for what it would be like to live in the times and places described in their readings and to think about some of the issues of the day. Experiencing history through primary and secondary source documents was another goal for the study, because it would prompt students to think more deeply about varying viewpoints, important historical moments, and the day-to-day lives of those who lived during this time period in American history. Including biographical stories was a priority too, as the stories highlight both the struggles and the joys of living in a different time. Recreating historical maps to coordinate with the various time periods was another priority, as becoming familiar with the changing American landscape is key to understanding the progression of American history. Watching documentary style sessions linking key events and personalities of the time was another goal, as this would bring a deeper facet to the study of history by broadening the scope of people, places, and events. :D

With these goals in mind, I'll share a list of the combination of resources that we have settled upon for this trip through American History: 8) Since our study of American history in this guide will go through approximately 1877, we will not use the final chapters in several of the resources below during this year of study. :D

*U.S. History I Teacher's Guide (shipped in installments)
*America: The Last Best Hope Volume I
*Never Before in History
*The Founding of a Nation
*Faith of Our Fathers
*The Book of Heroes
*Great Letters in American History
*The American Testimony DVD Set 1 (5 DVDs)
*Great Documents in U.S. History (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
*U.S. History Map Activities (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
*United States History Atlas
*U.S. History I Journal (one per student)
*U.S. History I Timeline Figures (printable CD)
*Book of Centuries (one time purchase per student for all high school years) (Note: Not needed if previously purchased for World Geography or World History guide)

Individual descriptions of the resources are found below. Please note that since the study of American history in this guide will end at approximately 1877, we will not get to the final chapters or sections of several of the resources below during this year of study. :D

America: The Last Best Hope Volume I:
With command and wit, William J. Bennett reacquaints Americans with their heritage in an engaging narrative that cuts through the cobwebs of time, memory, and prevailing cynicism. Washington, Franklin, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and other reemerge not as marble icons or dust-dry names in a textbook, but as full-blooded, heroic pioneers whose far-reaching vision forged a nation that attracted - and still attracts - millions yearning to breathe free. In this, the first volume of a "reasoned, balanced presentation of the American story," Bennett tells our nation's story, with all is triumphs and tragedies. He summons us to embrace America's cause once again as "the last best hope on earth."

From School Library Journal:
Adult/High School–This exhaustive political and military history is well organized, with an excellent table of contents, 13 chapter titles that include dates, and each chapter divided into sections with headings for easy scanning. The chronological narrative covers familiar content, and Bennett writes in a conversational tone. In each chapter he sets the stage, relates events in detail, sprinkles in quotes from personages or literature of the time, and then shifts into editorial mode on such issues as slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, and child-labor practices. He humanizes the main characters with physical descriptions and anecdotes. This lively book acknowledges mistakes and shortcomings, yet patriotically asserts that the American experiment in democracy is still a success story.–Sondra VanderPloeg, Tracy Memorial Library, New London, NH

Never Before in History:
A supplemental history textbook that helps students dispel the common misconception that our founding principles came primarily from Greek, Roman, and Enlightenment thinkers. The authors trace the roots of such key precepts as the dignity of the individual, inalienable rights, government by consent, the separation of church and state and secular reform. Beginning with the Reformation's role in advancing political and religious freedom, this colorfully formatted text chronicles the strong influence of Judeo-Christian thought on our nation's history. Features eye-catching illustrations, sidebars, glossary, and index. 213 pages, hardcover from the Foundation for Thought and Ethics.
Link to Table of Contents: http://neverbeforeinhistory.com/toc.htm

The Founding of a Nation: The Story of the 13 Colonies:
Elizabeth Richards provides a highly readable history of the founding of each of the thirteen original colonies. Her book helps to lay a sound basis for understanding how this country was founded and the challenges and difficulties faced by those who labored to create our democratic republic.

Faith of Our Fathers: Scenes from American Church History
Faith of Our Fathers: Scenes from American Church History is an overview of events and people from American church history. Study the lives of Anne Bradstreet, Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Morse, and Billy Sunday. Discover the contributions of the men and women who answered the Lord’s call to evangelize the vast and virgin expanse of untamed America. Travel with the circuit riders to twentieth-century evangelists as they blazed a trail for Christ across America. Let church history awaken you to the richness of America’s Christian foundation.

The Book of Heroes:
The stories of six real–life heroes are told in this book—unforgettable men and women whose contributions to American life continue to inspire others. Profiled are: George Washington, Daniel Boone, Louisa May Alcott, Robert E. Lee, Andrew Carnegie, and George Washington Carver.

George Washington, whose personal integrity and strength of character shone not only during the American Revolution, but during the great struggle to establish the U.S. Constitution and lead a new nation, conceived in liberty.

Daniel Boone, who was one of the first and greatest Western explorers, opening vast new territories to settlement. Filled with the pioneer spirit that made America great, his heroic exploits revealed independence, fortitude, and resourcefulness.

Louisa May Alcott, who served as a union army nurse and wrote the immortal novel Little Women, has helped shape the character and enrich the lives of millions of readers.

Robert E. Lee, was America's best loved general and tragic hero. He exemplified the ideals of "Duty, Honor, Country" in the worst crisis America has ever faced - one that forced him to choose between his beloved Virginia, his family and friends, and the Union. Such was his reputation for nobility and virtue that he was revered by both North and South after the war, and he played a crucial part in healing the nation's wounds.

George Washington Carver, the son of slaves who became one of America's premier scientists and educators who taught "scientific farming." He revolutionized the agricultural economy of the South, providing jobs, new skills, prosperity, and hope to thousands of poor farmers.

Note: We will omit Andrew Carnegie because we will not be studying the time period in which he lived until the next American history guide.

Great Letters in American History (published by Heart of Dakota)
From the Colonial Period to the 1990s, Great Letters in American History communicates on an intimate level how God's hand has been evident throughout all periods of our country's history. Based on the premise that people are essentially the same in all times, these letters become relevant to the lives of Christians today, showing that in times past the God who is in control of all things worked through both believers and nonbelievers and continues to do so today. A brief historical overview of each century provides the background for these powerful revelations from the hearts and minds of American pioneers both great and small including Franklin Roosevelt, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Moody, Catherine Marshall, Martin Luther King, Jr., Abigail Adams, George Washington Carver, Ronald Reagan, Anne Bradstreet, Andrew Carnegie, Abraham Lincoln, Asbury College Students and more. This book gives a new perspective on history as it helps readers understand events from our nations's past on a more personal level.

The American Testimony DVD Set 1 (5 DVDs):
Academically-rich and geared toward students (high school / college level), history enthusiasts, and patriotic citizens, these U.S. History DVDs bring America's complete story into perspective. More that just a classroom or homeschool audiovisual tool, this series is an excellent American History refresher course for those who have long been out of school. DVD Set 1 covers 1492 to 1877 and contains visually-rich documentaries that use newsreel video and motion picture footage, archival photographs, illustrations of antiquity, and filmed reenactments to bring history to life
Link to list of topics on Disc 1: http://www.history2u.com/guide1.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 2: http://www.history2u.com/guide2.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 3: http://www.history2u.com/guide3.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 4: http://www.history2u.com/guide4.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 5:http://www.history2u.com/guide5.htm
Sample video clip link: http://www.history2u.com/video_clips_index.htm
Note: If you previously purchased the Extension Package for Revival to Revolution, you already own The American Testimony DVD Set 1. To take advantage of the U.S. History I Economy Package savings without duplicating that item, refer to the Heart of Dakota “Substitution Policy".

Great Documents in U.S. History (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
There are many ways to study U.S. history. One of the most exciting is by looking at and thinking about the written and spoken materials have shaped our past. Great Documents in U.S. History examines the words we have used to frame our nation. This volume provides historical context, a glossary, and a range of questions to help students understand both the documents and their importance. Volume I covers Early Settlement to Reconstruction (1620-1870). Among the critical documents and topics from this era:
The Mayflower Compact
Common Sense
George Washington's Farewell Address
The Trail of Tears
The California Gold Rush
"The Nature of Slavery" ...and 14 more.
Great Documents in U.S. History helps students to understand and appreciate the people who stood behind great decisions in our past, as well as the ways in which significant documents affeced the times. This is a magnificent supplement to any U.S. history course.
Link to see inside: http://walch.com/samplepages/059059.pdf

U.S. History Map Activities (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
There are numerous ways to interpret or present U.S. history -- and one of the most illuminating is through maps. U.S. History Map Activities brings history into perspective through the visual aid of cartography. 25 maps and matching worksheets capture the sweep and influence of key events over the past 500 years. Sample chapter titles include:
Early American Indians and Their Culture
Thirteen Colonies
Louisiana Purchase and Western Exploration
Texas and the Mexican War
Mining Regions and Cattle Trails of the Old West
American Involvement in Vietnam...and 19 more.
By working with the maps, students will gain new understanding into how the land has influenced the conflicts, politics, culture, and traditions of our country. Link to see inside: http://walch.com/samplepages/043497.pdf

United States History Atlas
An invaluable collection of clear and attractive historical maps, the United Sates History Atlas is a handy, useful reference for any student of U.S. History. Each map has been designed to be colorful, easy-to-read, and informative, without sacrificing necessary detail or accuracy. The carefully selected maps provide comprehensive coverage for the major historical periods in American history. Whether you study each map in detail or glance through the atlas for an overview, you'll enjoy this useful and well-designed portrayal of the ever-changing historical heritage of the United States of America.(Note: If you did Revival to Revolution or Missions to Modern Marvels, you have this item. If not, add it in addition to your Economy package, as it is required for U.S. History I.)

U.S. History I Journal (one per student)
Student Notebook Pages for Hearts for Him Through High School: U.S. History I come 3-hole punched on heavy paper for easy insertion into a 3-ring binder. Pages are in full-color and are beautifully designed to provide a permanent keepsake for your student(s). A full-color cover is included to place in a clear sleeve in the front of your own 3-ring binder. Students are instructed where to place various assignments on the provided pages of the Student Notebook throughout the "Learning Through History" side of the U.S. History I plans. This helps organize student's work to create a visually appealing portfolio of assignments from the student's study of world history. Entries within the full-color notebook include multi-paragraph narrations, graphic organizer-style notes from DVD viewing sessions, analysis of primary source documents, interpretation of maps, and other written responses. Each student needs his/her own set of Student Notebook Pages.

U.S. History I Timeline Figures (printable CD)
We are so glad that Amy Pak has consented to create a printable CD of her beautiful timeline figures to specifically fit our U.S. History I guide! This CD will contain hand-drawn detailed images, along with Amy’s helpful descriptive text under each image, to guide students to remember key points about each person or event. These timeline figures will be scheduled to coordinate with the readings in our U.S. History I plans and will need to be be printed, cut out, colored, and placed on gallery pages within our Book of Centuries. :D

Book of Centuries (one per student)
Pages for the Book of Centuries come 3-hole punched on heavy paper for easy insertion into a 3-ring binder. Pages are in full-color and are appealingly designed to provide a permanent record of time that students will add to throughout their high school years. A full-color cover is included to place in a clear sleeve in the front of your own 3-ring binder. Students are instructed within the "Learning Through History" side of the plans in each high school guide where to place various entries on the provided pages of the Book of Centuries. Each century opens to a two-page spread, with a gallery of portraits and images designed by Amy Pak on the left side and a page of lines representing 5-10 year increments on the right side for written entries. This helps organize student's timeline work to create a visually appealing record of time from the student's study of history throughout high school. Each student needs his/her own Book of Centuries, however this is a one-time purchase as students keep the same book throughout all the high school years. (Note: This is a one-time purchase for all the high school years, so if you already purchased the Book of Centuries for use with the World Geography Guide or with the World History Guide, then you will not need to purchase this item.) :D

Blessings,
Carrie

Tiffini
Posts: 413
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:36 pm
Location: Indiana

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New American History Guide

Post by Tiffini » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:16 pm

Well, it looks like you've done it again. :D These resources look amazing. I can't wait to put my order in and get started!! Thank you so much, Carrie! I really hope you realize how much it means to so many of us to have you putting together this curriculum for us year after year. I could never come close to doing what you do. God has gifted you and you are putting those gifts to such great use that will produce eternal fruit. I hope you are able to have some well-deserved rest after getting all these sneak peeks out and getting everything ready for us to order. Praying for your strength and health!
Tiffini
DD (21 ) Graduated! Used HOD from 5th Grade through 12th Grade!
B/G Twins (18) Graduated! Used HOD from 3rd through 12th Grade!
DS (12) and DS (10)- Preparing Hearts
HOD Users since 2008

LynnH
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Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:41 pm
Location: OH
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Re: Sneak Peek #11: New American History Guide

Post by LynnH » Sun Aug 23, 2015 6:53 am

Carrie I just want to echo what Tiffini said. There is no way for me to adequately express my gratitude for all the hard work you put into getting all this together. I wouldn't have been able to find half of these resources. I love that you continue on with showing how the church changed during this time period of history. I think there is so much our students can learn from studying that. Noah is really enjoying the World History guide so far and I think he will find these resources fascinating as well.
Mom to:
dd 22 college graduate and employed as an Intervention Specialist
ds 18 US2, Loved Preparing, CTC , RTR , Rev to Rev, MTMM ,WG, WH and US1
http://www.graceandfur.blogspot.com/

Nealewill
Posts: 1611
Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2013 5:08 pm
Location: Cincinnati, OH

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New American History Guide

Post by Nealewill » Sun Aug 23, 2015 7:21 pm

Me three.

I opened my email right before it was my turn to put my kids bed and saw that sneak peek. Needless to say my husband realized it was in there and offered to take over bedtime duties for me :-)

I must say - it looks AMAZING!!!! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this guide. I know my kids are still young but ever year I am absolutely amazed at the books you pick out and the coordination of interesting resources. I could never have come up with any of this stuff on my own. Thank you so much for all the sacrifices you have made to publish this curriculum.
Daneale

DD 13 WG
DS 12 R2R
DD 10 R2R

Enjoyed DITHOR, Little Hearts, Beyond, Bigger, Preparing, CTC, R2R, RevtoRev, MtMM

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