I’ve written before about being a huge fan of Mystery of History. This year as we were finished with all three volumes and planned to do Cycle 3 of Classical Conversations, I was really disappointed that Volume IV wasn’t yet available. This volume of Mystery of History will cover American History and events around the world that coincided. I can’t even imagine writing a history curriculum, so I completely understand that it takes time. However, I needed a good American History curriculum this year.
I Took a Chance on America from the Beginning
I do American History with my first through seventh graders, so I needed something that appeals to wide age ranges. I purchased a text at my local homeschool expo, but I wasn’t thrilled. When I received an email from Answers in Genesis that they had a new American History curriculum coming out in the fall of this school year, I was intrigued. Because I couldn’t really look through it before I purchased it, I was a little nervous, but made the purchase because of my great experience with AIG curriculum in the past. I’m so glad I did.
Why America from the Beginning Might Work for You
Like everything Answers in Genesis publishes, America from the Beginning is written from a Christian, non-evolutionary perspective. I really appreciate that it’s truly a history curriculum, however, not delving into Bible or science in depth.
I wasn’t looking for history-related activities because we do a wide range of activities every Friday in our co-op. But this curriculum has them if you want them and they’re not crazy like, “Build a model life-sized log cabin.” Map activities and easy-to-do extensions of the lesson are included. What’s wonderful is that you can easily skip them as we do without missing out on what’s great about this curriculum.
I read the lessons aloud to my kids and each one takes me less than fifteen minutes. There are many colorful photos that keep the interest of my youngest. The material is organized in a story-telling fashion, much like Mystery of History. However, there are features to America from the Beginning that we love that are new to us:
- A preview of what we’ll be learning in each unit. This is great for identifying subjects we’ve covered before and helps students attend to the lessons.
- Comprehension questions at the end of each lesson. I absolutely love this. My kids are motivated to listen because they know I will be asking them these questions. Honestly, I have to go back to the material to get the correct answers sometimes, which further adds to our learning.
- Big picture reviews of each unit. There are not only comprehension questions, but narratives that give kids perspective on what they’ve just learned.
Special Considerations
If you have a child working independently, I do think he would enjoy the reading. But he might not be as excited about writing the answers to the comprehension questions. I have the teacher’s manual, but have never used it. I tend to use teacher’s manuals very rarely, so I can’t speak to whether you would like it if you’re a manual person. It’s only $4 when you buy the curriculum kit, however.
Would you like to own the student book?
As I mentioned above, the student book is all we use and we love it. For some reason, I ended up with two of them. I most likely paid for both. (Don’t tell my husband.) The book sells for $55. I’d like to give this away to one blessed reader. I’m asking the Lord to ensure it goes to the right person. Please participate in the Rafflecopter below by letting me know why you’d like to try this curriculum and letting others know about Psychowith6. I love to encourage other homeschoolers.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I’ve been looking for a good American history curriculum for my first grader. This sounds really interesting.
The material is a little advanced for most 1st graders, but could work if you have a multi-age group like I do. Otherwise, you could save it for later. It’s excellent!
I am very slow to decide on history in general (I am a History major, so I tend to be picky). I am especially skeptical about most American History curriculum as they can be so VERY biased. This really was a through review and you are tempting me to look further into this curriculum. Thank you for the excellent insight.
I’m sure it would be challenging, Heather, to find a history curriculum if that’s your area. I’m like that with language arts! It’s definitely worth exploring. Thanks for commenting.
I need something that will really keep my 4th graders attention
I think it would, Trish. Thanks so much for your comment.
This looks interesting. I’ve really enjoyed the History Revealed! series published by AiG, so I’d be interested to check this out as well. Thanks for hosting the giveaway! 🙂
You’re welcome, Elizabeth. I haven’t used History Revealed, but I’ve been so happy with AIG’s materials. Thanks for commenting.
My confession…I don’t really “like” history so this sounds like it would be good for my boys AND me! 🙂
Tara, the lessons are short and interesting, so I hope it would be just the thing for you!
I like Answers in Genesis and think this would be interesting to try out. I like that the activities are optional in nature….sometimes my boys get it without a reinforcement activity. I like the story telling format.
Absolutely, Cassandra. That’s the great thing about homeschooling in general. We can pick and choose what works for us.
I have a degree to teach history, so finding a curriculum that I feel truly covers American history well is hard. This curriculum seems to be exactly what I would choose to use in a public school, so I know it will work perfectly in a homeschool environment as well!
It’s really a balanced approach, Lesley. It’s like a textbook, but so much more readable and engaging. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
We also use Mystery of History and enjoy it! After going to AIG’s website to check it out, I really like what I see. We also use Apologia for science and it reminds me of that in the way it is written–conversational, interesting. I like the variety of activities–time line, map work, questions to ponder and answer, recipes, lots more in just the sample pages! AND, all with a Biblical worldview. Excellent. Also, the pictures are really fantastic. Looks like it would be an awesome read-aloud for my three girls–oldest is in 4th, then a K, and finally a preK. The younger two always enjoy the MOH activities even if they didn’t follow everything in the lesson 🙂 If we don’t win, I think I will seriously consider ordering this from AIG–thank you for the review!
You’re welcome, Michelle. I love sharing what works for us with others. You never know who else might enjoy it! Thanks so much for taking the time to write some a thorough comment. You added a review! 🙂
I love how our history started with a basis in God. The problem we have now is so many people are trying to change history and make it politically correct.
I love that, too, Lynne. This is definitely not a PC curriculum. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Very excited to do American History next year with my 3rd graders. It’s the first time we’ve lived on the East Coast where there is so much history!!!
Candace, what a great opportunity that will be! Blessings on your year and thanks so much for leaving a comment.
I think this will keep my kids’ attention
I think it would. The closer they are to 3rd-7th grade, the better.
Have been looking for an American history curriculum for next school year and also like mystery of history
Katrina, I think you’ll really love this. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m using History Revealed right now. This looks interesting for my kiddos for American history coming up.
Great, Amy! My guess is you’d love it. Thanks so much for your comment.
I am looking for new cirriculum for my soon-to-be 1st, 3rd and 6th graders for next year. I was wanting to switch to something we can study together in History and Science. We are big fans of AIG ministry so this sounds like a great fit for us.
I love that it’s something we can do together, too, Teresa. Sounds perfect for you. Thanks so much for your comment!
Hello from Staten Island, NY.
This is our first year homeschooling and this looks like a wonderful curriculum for my 3rd & 5th graders. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
Welcome to the wonderful world of homeschooling, Tamara! That’s a perfect age for this curriculum. Best wishes with the drawing and teaching your children!
I appreciate Answers in Genesis’ ministry, but I have never used any of their curriculum. We are at the beginning of American history now, and I could use this book since I don’t have anything yet. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
You’re welcome, Julie. It sounds perfect for you! I’m looking forward to seeing who wins. Blessings on your studies!
I’ll be checking this one out. Do you think it is too young for a freshman american history study?
Linda, I think it would be a very nice basic text for freshman American history. I would recommend assigning literature to coincide and some writing assignments to make it more challenging. Great question!
Sounds like a helpful book. I like how the extensions of the lesson are included but are not mandatory. Sometimes you need them, sometimes you don’t want to see them!
Isn’t that the truth, Colleen? I don’t even look at the lessons most of the time because I know I can’t do them. I think moms who want their activities to be history-related would enjoy them though. Thanks so much for commenting!
I am starting over again with a little one, this time using a ‘principle approach’ method. It looks like I can easily fid a Biblical principle with this, so I’d lve to try it out! I didn’t even know they did History, so I’m excited about that, as well. Thanks!
Wonderful, Patricia! I think you can definitely find biblical principles here. I’m happy to get the word out about this great curriculum. Thanks for commenting!
I LOVE AIG and this year we are learning about American History. Its the only subject that my children look forward to. This looks so good and would be a great way to continue our learning next year.
That’s great, Colleen. I’m so glad your kids look forward to history. Mine do, too. Best wishes in the drawing!
I need a curricula that can be used for my dyslexic son…we do alot of oral work and he retains information in story format very well.
That’s great, Stacy. The comprehension questions would be helpful for you, too. Thanks for stopping by Psychowith6!
I LOVE history! And I love trying out new history curriculum!
Me, too. I never used to, but I absolutely love it now. Thanks for commenting, Carrie.
I’m interested in the history book because like you I have multiple aged children (kdg-7) that I’m going to start homeschooling in the fall of the year. It sounds like it would work well for my “one room classroom” and the biggest thing is it’s Christian which is a definite plus for my family:)
Katie, it’s fantastic for multi-age homeschooling. Congrats on starting your teaching adventure! I pray you love it as much as I do.
I’ve been looking for an American History program for my 5th and 8th graders. This looks great.
I think your kids would enjoy it, Heather. Thanks so much for your comment!
If this curriculum comes close to Mystery of History, then I’d love it!
It definitely does, Alana. Thanks for your comment and best wishes with the drawing.
Our children love to learn together. This seems like a great way to learn history~from a Christian perspective~and can handle several age ranges! 🙂
Marilyn, that’s great that your kids love to learn together. I think they would enjoy this curriculum. Thanks for your comment!
I’ve been thinking about american history so much and this sounds great!
Great, Lauren! Best wishes on your homeschooling and the giveaway.
This looks like a great curriculum for lots of age groups! I am currently looking for a new, easy History curriculum and I think America from the Beginning fits the bill!
Debbie, that’s great! I love being able to share curriculum ideas with other homeschoolers.
My girls love history, and this sounds like an interesting approach!
Renée at NextGen Homeschool
I think they’d like it, Renee! Thanks so much for commenting and best wishes on the giveaway.
I am always looking for new ideas for good history texts. I’ve used several different ones in the past with my older kids but don’t think they will work as well with the temperaments of my younger ones who will need to study American history in the near future. Thank you for recommending this text–I will check into it even if I don’t win the raffle.
Joan, that’s great. AIG isn’t sponsoring this giveaway at all, but I would like to give them some business because it’s a fantastic curriculum. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
I’ve been looking for a really good American history curriculum. I really like the fact that this is from AiG.
I like that, too, Lisa. I think you’d be happy with it. Not too much nor too little.
I LOVE AIG! This would be a great addition to our library! Thanks, Dr. M for the opportunity!
You’re so welcome, Lisa. It’s like Christmas for me. I love to give gifts. Blessings on your entry.
I am looking for an American History curriculum that isn’t so reading heavy. Would have liked to do Notgrass, but can’t find the time in the day.
Thanks, Susie. Notgrass is a great choice for students ready to study independently. We have used it and enjoyed it.
The Christian non-evolutionary perspective makes it appealing to me. Also, that there isn’t crazy projects my kids may badger me in to doing is a plus!
Lol on kids asking to do projects. I know how that goes. Thanks for commenting.
I love that it’s from a Christian perspective! We are also using MOH and the program built to go with it (Illuminations) but are only in year 2 right now. My oldest will be in high school this fall and will need extra American history though as he hasn’t had it yet at all ever! (OOPS!) Thanks for the review!
DaLynn, how do you like Illumination? I seriously considered it because I use so many of those materials.
This looks like something that will work well for my girls. I love the non-evolutionary standpoint!
Great, Kristy! I hope it does.
Hi Melanie! I stumbled upon your review of this curriculum and really enjoyed your thoughts. I am considering having my 8th grader do this. She is a reluctant reader, doesn’t like school much and well, almost 13 (hormones). Would you suggest I supplement with anything, or is it enough? Thank you for your thoughts!
Barbie, I think she would enjoy it. Some of the projects are quite enjoyable that go along with it. I would add some videos or some audio books from this historical period to go along with it, since she’s a reluctant reader. She might enjoy having someone read the lessons to her as well. That’s what I do. It’s a great curriculum!