History At Our House

Lewis and Clark for Young Readers (and Parents)

July 10th, 2008 by mrpowell2

Parents naturally look for juvenile history books and historical fiction to accompany whatever general subject their students are learning in history, and I often get requests for recommendations for books that can be used along side HistoryAtOurHouse. Certainly, additional reading can be a great way to supplement a general narrative with lively details, allowing young readers to pursue a topic of interest, and thus further motivating them to develop the “history habit.”

In order to provide more guidance in this area, I recently stopped by my public library and perused the bookshelves in the juvenile section. While walking through the aisles I came upon a series of books about Lewis & Clark. Since I was already reading Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage, I thought this would be a great subject to look into. I grabbed all the books on the shelf, and over the past week I read them. What a fascinating adventure in itself!

Here are the results of my readings. I’ve graded seven children’s books that you’re likely to find in a public library or on the shelf at Barnes & Noble. There were both predictable disappointments and pleasant surprises.

For those readers who like to cut to the chase, I’ve provided letter grades, target ages, and simple ratings to summarize each book. For those who’d like to know more, I’ve also included a brief review. Click on the links in the reviews to see about picking up a new or used copy.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

by Christin Ditchfield

Mr. Powell’s Grade: A-

Best Introduction

Age Range: 7+

Let me start with The Lewis and Clark Expedition by Christin Ditchfield, because it’s one of the best books I found on this topic, but more importantly because it’s the best introduction to the topic. One of the worst mistakes historians and history teachers make is they don’t take into account their audience’s context. When you’re first learning about something, you want a book that will orient you to the story without overwhelming you with details you’re not prepared for. That’s what Ditchfield provides. This is the kind of book you (as in Mom and/or child) can read in a single sitting. For some readers this will be enough, because the story is fully satisfying. For others it will provide a perfect springboard into further reading (see below for the next book you should read).

The Great Expedition of Lewis and Clark

by Judith Edwards

Mr. Powell’s Grade: A

Most Original / Best Illustrations /

Great Storytelling!

Age Range: 7+

The most flowing, entertaining narrative of all the books that I read was Judith Edwards’s The Great Expedition of Lewis and Clark. This version of the story is narrated in the first person from the point of view of Reubin Field, one of the men who actually participated in the Corps of Discovery. This is a wonderfully engrossing account, that really allows you the reader to be immersed in the sense of adventure of those who undertook the journey. The story is also accompanied by fabulous illustrations drawn by Sally Wern Comport.

How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark

by Rosalyn Schanzer

Mr. Powell’s Grade: D

Disintegrated Narrative

Age Range: 9+

When I first started reading Rosalyn Schanzer’s How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark, I was intrigued. The book attempts to tell the story of the Lewis and Clark voyage by means of journal entries from the writings of the co-captains of the expedition. Having gotten only a few pages into the presentation, however, the novelty of this approach quickly wore off. In fact, I didn’t even finish it! It just gets boring, because you can’t help but lose track of the big picture every time the context changes abruptly from one “scene” to another. What is missing is the narrative integration that a writer is supposed to provide. At best, this book can be used as a reference–it does have nice illustrations–but I find that it’s a good example of why you shouldn’t use “primary sources” for kids.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

by Christine Webster

Mr. Powell’s Grade: D+

Dubious Interpretations / Inappropriate Historiographical Content

Good Timeline

Age Range: 9+

I was pleasantly surprised not to have to “fail” any of the books I read. Honestly, I expected worse. Still, I definitely recommend having your child avoid Christine Webster’s The Lewis and Clark Expedition, given how much better the other books available are. This was the only book that I honestly doubted as I read, based on discrepancies between it and others. Not surprisingly, it was also one of two books out of the seven that I noted for having inappropriate content based on the target age level of readers. To be sure, it wasn’t awful, so I couldn’t give it an “F,” but when Webster goes out of her way deprecate Lewis’s role in the birth of Sacagewea’s son, I was quite surprised. One thing I would recommend about this book, is the timeline at the back. Go to your library branch and copy it. It’s quite handy as a supplement to the better books I’ve mentioned here.

As Far As the Eye Can Reach: Lewis and Clark’s Westward Quest

by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Mr. Powell’s Grade: B+

Complete and Accessible Narrative

Some Inappropriate Historiography / Failure to End at the Right Point

Age Range: 10+

Students who have learned about the Louisiana Purchase in a general history class and read Ditchfield and then still want more can turn to Elizabeth Cody Kimmel’s As Far As the Eye Can Reach. Kimmel is appropriately laudatory in her presentation of Lewis & Clark, and she generally manages to maintain a sense of adventure through her narrative. That said, I don’t think this book will create interest, if it didn’t exist already. It’s the book that students should read second or third, after they’ve been introduced to the topic by Ditchfield, and/or inspired by Edwards. There are some minor flaws involving the injection of historiography. For instance, Kimmel talks about how Sacagewea’s role in the voyage has been “romanticized.” This is true, but it’s not something a 10-yr old needs to worry about. Also, the book ends by discussing Lewis’s suicide. No children’s book–or any book by that matter!–about Lewis & Clark should end on that note.

The Lewis and Clark Trail: Then and Now

by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Mr. Powell’s Grade: D-

Disintegrated Narrative / Completely Inappropriate Content

Best Photographs and Maps

Age Range: 10+

It’s funny how all the books I read on this topic either got a high grade or a low one. It seems that writers either know what they’re doing, or don’t. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent doesn’t. And you find this out immediately, when the foreword to The Lewis and Clark Trail: Then and Now discusses her “difficult decision” concerning whether or not to spell Sacagewea according to the traditional scholarly spelling, or whether to adopt what she considers to be a more correct spelling of “Sacajawea.” Talk about misplaced priorities! And it only gets worse. After about 20 pages of this one, I got bored, despite the wonderful photographs, some of the best maps of any book on the topic, and some interesting “chapters.” The narrative is broken up by too many tangential discussions, so you feel as though you’re losing track of the story. I skimmed over the rest, and I’m glad I did, because if Kimmel’s book ends inappropriately, Patent’s book is just shy of disastrous. The last chapters of the book are entitled “Aftermath” and “The Fate of the Indians.” In these chapters, disproportionate treatment is given to issues that have nothing to do with Lewis & Clark. Sadly, this is because the writer is mournful of the spread of American civilization. (To be clear, I don’t think that the displacement of Indian tribes via the settlement of the West by Americans was conducted without errors and even, on occasion, immorality. However, the problem of the interface of American and Indian cultures in American history deserves better than the crass anti-Westernism that is so prevalent today.)

The Incredible Journey of Lewis & Clark

by Rhoda Blumberg

Mr. Powell’s Grade: A-

Comprehensive Narrative for Middle Schoolers

Age Range: 12+

The Incredible Journey of Lewis & Clark is a winner of the “Golden Kite Award,” and I can see why. It is comprehensive without being dull. Of all the narratives I read, this is the most advanced, making it quite suitable for a middle school child but not appropriate for readers younger than 10 years old (unless they are advanced and motivated readers). Even for older children, I recommend getting oriented to the story using Ditchfield before committing to this lengthier book, but for readers who are willing and able to read Blumberg, there’s a lot to offer. It’s unfortunate that this book also ends with a discussion of Lewis’s suicide. Modern writers don’t seem to get how this places undue emphasis on a non-essential fact. If this flaw were excised I’d actually give the book an “A.”

Undaunted Courage

by Stephen Ambrose

Mr. Powell’s Grade: A-

Great Storytelling for Adults

Age Range: Moms and Dads

I don’t expect to find great truly great historical writing anymore, and I never do, but there are still tremendous researchers and great story tellers out there who make modern historiography more palatable. Stephen Ambrose seems to be such a writer. Like all modern works of history, Undaunted Courage is chalk full of details that the layman doesn’t need, but they’re woven together with sufficient artistry as to make exposure to them quite pleasant!

Posted in Book Recommendations for Homeschoolers, Pedagogy, American History, History, Homeschooling | 4 Comments »

American History Curriculum Summary

June 28th, 2008 by mrpowell2

Thinking of signing up your elementary or junior high student for the HistoryAtOurHouse American history program? General registration is now open! A general description of the materials provided is available on the product tiers page. What I’d like to do now is give you an overview of the content of the course.

Lecture 1: Why History?

Every academic year at HistoryAtOurHouse begins with a discussion of the nature of history and of the reasons for studying it.

Students are introduced to the idea that history is a story, but that unlike fiction, it must be true. In other words, they are introduced to the idea that history is a science.

Students are also oriented to the idea of selectivity in history. Out of all the facts that could possibly be included in their curriculum, I pledge to present to them only those that matter most. This approach, as my veterans know, is captured by the phrase: “Important is the most important word in history.” Nothing can be more important in motivating students than knowing that what they are learning matters, and how.

So what exactly is important for students to learn of American history?

Part 1: The European Background

To make American history intelligible, it is indispensable that students be appraised of certain dimensions of the background story, so we start by looking at the European roots of American history.

In this basic presentation, the idea is to make sure students understand what the major nation-states of Europe were, and what ideas drove them to play the role they did in American history. Thus we start with the Reconquista–the 800-year religious war between Christians and Muslims in Iberia, which ended in 1492. This is presented as a crucial background to Columbus’s discovery and the actions of the Conquistadors. The Hundred Years’ War is presented as an important cause of the animosity between France and England that runs through most of the story of America. Finally, the importance of Christianity in Europe is relayed, along with the story of the disintegration of Christendom through the Reformation. This prepares students to understand the nature of the Puritan settlement of New England and the religious wars that conditioned America’s development.

Part 2: The Age of Discovery

The next major topic is the Age of Discovery. First, the story of the Viking voyages is discussed. This serves as a foil to the explosive developments of the 15th and 16th centuries. Portuguese exploration under Prince Henry “the Navigator” is explained as a precursor to the efforts of Columbus, Magellan, Drake, and others. During this part of the course, students at different levels are taught poems about Columbus. LowerEl students learn “Columbus,” by Joaquin Miller. UpperEl and Junior High students learn “Columbus,” by Edward Everett Hale.

The story of the conquest of Mexico follows. This part always fascinates students, who are amazed and shocked by Aztec culture, and fascinated by the character and exploits of Hernan Cortes.

[History Matters Logo]
Part 3: Colonization and Colonial Wars

The story of English colonization begins with a presentation of the search for “northern passages.” At first America was seen as an obstacle. Then, thanks especially to Richard Hakluyt, the idea of colonization took root in the English mind. Several efforts were made to colonize America before the realization of Hakluyt’s vision was made possible by the London Company of Virginia, which settled Jamestown in 1607. The special challenges of this endeavor are highlighted. In History Through Art, for instance, we look at “The Baptism of Pocahontas” by William Chapman (above). The basic story of the early Indian Wars is also touched upon.

The Pilgrim settlement of New England is next, where the idea of Puritan “religious separation” is the main theme. The parallel growth of English and French colonies provides the context for the Colonial Wars (1689-1763), which established English supremacy over North America and set the scene for the best part of the story:

Part 4: The American Revolution

The story of how the United States was born is by far the most compelling part of the course. It involves heroes such as James Otis, Patrick Henry, and George Washington. The crisis of British imperialism is detailed from the Writs of Assistance case to the Stamp Act so that students can understand how consistently the British government acted to suppress the rights of colonists, and why Patrick Henry stood forth in the House of Burgesses to warn George III not to imitate the tyrannies of Caesar and Charles I.

We look at the key ideas of the Declaration of Independence, and the key events of the Revolutionary War. Naturally in History Through Art we analyze Emmanuel Leutze’s “Washington Crossing the Delaware.”

We finish this part of the course by looking at what American historian John Fiske aptly named “The Critical Period.” Students learn about Federalists and Anti-federalists, the divisions and compromises over slavery, and of the ratification of the Constitution, yielding the election of the first president in the history of the world!

Part 5: The Founding Era

Following the American Revolution is the Founding Era of 1789 to 1825.

In this segment of the class, we look closely at the key elements of the Bill of Rights. Then the focus shifts to the infant nation’s need to secure and sustain that which was declared in 1776 and won in 1783: independence. The presidencies of Washington through Monroe are seen in this light, with the culminating episode of the threat posed by Europe’s “Holy Alliance” and the proclamation of the Monroe Doctrine.

Part 6: Growth of the Union, and Decline into Civil War

Picking up with the presidency of James Monroe once again, a new theme emerges: the struggle over slavery. Students are introduced to the idea of the “separation of powers” as a means of protecting rights. They are able to see how, given the flaws in the Constitution, this same doctrine is perverted to maintain slavery. Starting with the Missouri Compromise of 1820, we look at how the Union expanded, but how compromises through expansion ultimately failed and how the nation was finally forced to reject slavery as inconsistent with its founding principles. As America’s territory grew with the addition of Texas and then California, the method of compromise was gradually exhausted, until, with the emergence of the Republican Party, the conflict between North and South reached a boiling point. The Civil War itself is examined only in its outlines, so that students are aware of the roles of famous generals such as “Stonewall” Jackson, U.S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and William Tecumseh Sherman.

Part 7: Reconstruction

Reconstruction is the next chapter of the story. Students are encouraged to think about the challenges of putting back together a country that has been ruined by Civil War. Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnestry of 1863 sets the stage for the early efforts towards reconciliation which are undone by a cycle of revenge and resentment. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution are presented as part of the logical progression of events resulting in military rule over the South until 1877.

Part 8: The Industrial Revolution

The penultimate topic of the American history curriculum is the Industrial Revolution. In this segment students are encouraged to think about the cardinal values required to sustain human life (food, water, shelter, clothing, and medicine). Then they are presented three narrative progressions that illustrate the different revolutions, which considered together form up the larger Industrial Revolution that transformed peoples’ ability to produce these values. First comes the Textile Revolution involving such inventions as the Spinning Jenny and the Cotton Gin. Then comes the Transportation and Communication Revolutions of the latter Nineteenth century.

Part 9: America as International Police Power

The final topic of the American history curriculum is America’s transformation into an “international police power.” The story begins the Spanish-American War. Students learn how America became involved in the Philippines, and later in Panama, as a result of this conflict. Then, the final turning point is seen, after three years of neutrality in WWI, ,when Woodrow Wilson declares that America will attempt to “make the world safe for democracy.” After the shock of this war Americans preferred a return to “normalcy” and even attempted to stay out of WWII, but then found themselves inevitably dragged into the conflict with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Cold War with the Soviet Union is the next topic discussed in the context of America’s chosen role as police power and in light of the development of atomic weapons. The temporary alliances forged during this period–including with various countries in the Middle East–set the stage for the final development in American history: the emergence of America’s temporary Middle Eastern allies as its new enemies in the “War on Terrorism.”

To learn about enrollment options for this program, please visit the registration page.

Posted in Homeschooling Curriculum, American History, History, History Homeschooling, Homeschooling, Secular homeschooling | No Comments »

American History Registration Now Open

June 27th, 2008 by mrpowell2

Registration for American history is now open. Please visit the registration page for details.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

American History Registration Opens Today

June 27th, 2008 by mrpowell2

Registration for the American history program at HistoryAtOurHouse opens today at Noon Eastern for mailing list members. General registration opens at 4:00 PM Eastern.

For more information on the registration special, see the most recent posts on this blog. Later this morning I will also be posting a full summary of the American history curriculum on this blog.

Have a great day–and register early because it’s only 50% OFF until July 4th!

Posted in Homeschooling Curriculum, American History, History, History Homeschooling, Homeschooling, Secular homeschooling | No Comments »

Countdown to Savings on American History!

June 23rd, 2008 by mrpowell2

Incredible savings await homeschoolers who enroll their children in American history with HistoryAtOurHouse when registration opens this Friday, June 27th!

For a limited time only, American history will be offered at 50% OFF!

Normally, American history recordings are offered at the already low price of only $20/month per level. For just $20 you would get unlimited access to three 1/2 hour recorded history lectures per week, along with typed lecture notes. (These exciting lectures aren’t just readings from a book. They are interactive lectures conducted via teleconference with students across America, with lively Q&A that can motivate and challenge your child to learn.)

But, if you enroll the week of June 27th you’ll not only get these great lectures, you’ll get an additional “history through art” lecture each week, as well as geography maps–all included for HALF PRICE! “History Through Art” is a curriculum offered exclusively by HistoryAtOurHouse that combines art appreciation and lessons from history. (Learn more here.) Normally, that’s an extra $5/month, but you’ll get this student favorite at no extra cost. And you’ll get the HistoryAtOurHouse geography program for the Americas–usually an extra $10/month–also included!

But, that’s not just included in the regular, low $20/month tuition. That’s included in the 50% discounted tuition! In other words, you’ll pay $10/month for what would normally cost $35/month! Actually that comes out to over 70% OFF!!!!

You’ll get unlimited access to the digital recordings of the in MP3 format, which you can easily play on your home computer or download onto an iPod for even greater convenience! And you’ll get the informative lecture notes as well.

Whether you’re using HistoryAtOurHouse as the core of your history program, or as a supplement to another program, you can’t lose!

How The Special Works

Between June 27th and July4th, you create a Paypal subscription (a Paypal account is not required).
- The non-refundable registration fee is $10.
Lecture access will be granted on the first day of school (September 10th).
You will get the first month (September) free, then you will be billed $20 every second month.
- If the program isn’t right for you, you can leave before the end of September, and you won’t be billed at all!

There’s no risk. If HistoryAtOurHouse isn’t right for you, then simply cancel your Paypal subscription, and you won’t even pay for your first month! But if HistoryAtOurHouse is right for you, then you’ll be on your way, and over the course of the school year, you’ll get FIVE MONTHS FREE!

Program Levels

The HistoryAtOurHouse American history curriculum is available for the following levels: Lower Elementary (ages 6-8), Upper Elementary (ages 9-11), and Junior High (ages 12-14)*.

Don’t miss out!

Subscribe to the HistoryAtOurHouse e-mail list to make sure you get first crack at this amazing special. It’s only available for a limited time.

Joining the list will assure you of being first in line to join the program for the 2008-2009 academic year, and first in line other special offers. Joining will also insure that you receive the HistoryAtOurHouse monthly newsletter with important pedagogical tips and exclusive book recommendations. Find out more about the full scope of the American history program in a curriculum summary sent to list members this week.

Not looking for American history?

HistoryAtOurHouse e-mail list members also get first crack at registration for the 2008-09 Ancient history program–available as live lectures and digital recordings. Registration for this program opens in late July, so stay tuned!

*The Junior High class is available as a recording of a combined Upper Elementary-Junior High class.

Posted in American History, History, History Homeschooling, Homeschooling, Secular homeschooling | No Comments »

Updated HistoryAtOurHouse Tier Structure

June 17th, 2008 by mrpowell2

For the 2008-09 school year HistoryAtOurHouse will offer a simplified tier structure. There are three choices for those interested in Ancient history starting this September. (American history is available exclusively as digital recordings, i.e. Tier 1.)

Here’s a simple breakdown of the tiers. Click on each one for a detailed statement of what you can expect at each level:

Tier 1 ($20/mth/level): Basic - digital recordings

Tier 2 ($35/mth/level): One live lecture per week

Tier 3 ($75/mth/level): Unlimited live lecture and recordings access

Please note that tuition for HistoryAtOurHouse is charged per level, not per student. Thus if you have twins or students otherwise near in age who can take the same level (Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, or Junior High), then you don’t have to pay extra for two students.

Registration for American history opens June 27th.

Registration for Ancient history opens July 28th.

Posted in American History, History Homeschooling, Homeschooling, Ancient History, Secular homeschooling | 1 Comment »

Preview of the 2008-09 School Year at HistoryAtOurHouse

June 13th, 2008 by mrpowell2

This year, HistoryAtOurHouse will offer both Ancient history and American history. American history will be available solely in the form of digital recordings. Ancient history will be available both as recordings and as live teleconference (audio) lectures. Here’s a preview of Part 1 of the Ancient history curriculum: Ancient Egypt. For a more complete preview, including Mesopotamia and Persia, Greece, and Rome, be sure to join the HistoryAtOurHouse mailing list (via the link on the sidebar of this blog.) Also, I’ll be announcing discounted tuition specials for American history to my list members this weekend! Don’t miss it.

Part 1: Ancient Egypt

Ever since Chapollion deciphered the Rosetta stone, Western civilization has been fascinated with Ancient Egypt. And for good reason. The Pyramids and the Sphinx as well as the stunning temples that line the Nile have stood the test of time and seduced recent generations with their mysteries. The study of Ancient Egypt provides us with a taste of a life that is foreign and exotic to us. And yet even in this exotic setting, we find certain threads that link our own experiences to those of the people of the most distant past. No matter how far from us they may be, we are linked by a bond of humanity, and we may learn valuable lessons from their successes and failures.

The story of Egypt begins with its unification under Menes/Narmer, who brought Upper and Lower Egypt together. With its gradual rise from obscurity the Egyptian Old Kingdom established a lasting historical footprint, which includes the world’s most famous pyramids. Life on the Nile in this early civilization is examined for the conditions that precipitated the formation of a stable, organized society there. The engineering and artistic achievements of the Egyptians are examined within the religious context that dominated cultural life.

The Narmer Palette illustrates the idea of the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by the larger-than-life Menes/Narmer.

The cyclical pattern of Egyptian history is explored, by narrating the fall of the Old Kingdom, the transition through the First Intermediate Period, and the rise of the Middle Kingdom, which can be credited with its own amazing engineering achievement: the first canal linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. The pattern is repeated with the fall of the Middle Kingdom, associated with the invasion of the “Hyksos,” the Second Intermediate Period, and the rise of the New Kingdom.

The most compelling figure of Egyptian history, the boy king Tutankhamun, is the figure students most enjoy learning about in the New Kingdom period. The connection of his story to the failed “Egyptian Reformation” of his father Akhenaten makes him that much more interesting. Was he murdered? If so, by whom and why? We’ll look at the suspects!

One of the famous masks of Tutankhamun

Egypt began to clash with other major empires during the period of the New Kingdom. Its extended conflict with other powers eventually brought about its downfall. One of the more interesting episodes in this story serves to demonstrate the nature of the process of scientific historical research to young minds. As discussed in this recent blog post, the issue is whether or not Ramses II defeated his enemy the Hittites at the major Battle of Kadesh. Ramses certainly wanted posterity to think so, but modern historians have not been fooled.

The onslaught of the “sea peoples” (possibly from Greece) and the constant stress of imperial wars brought about the decline and fall of the New Kingdom, and sets the scene for the rise of Assyrian power in Egypt.

This provides a logical segue into the parallel story of the Fertile Crescent, but before students and I part with Ancient Egypt we’ll pause to discuss its unique characteristics and the nature of its culture’s footprint in history.

Would you like book recommendations for studying Ancient history? Be sure to join either the HistoryAtOurHouse Yahoogroup or mailing list to learn about everything HistoryAtOurHouse has to offer.

Posted in Homeschooling Curriculum, American History, History, Homeschooling, Ancient History | No Comments »

Kid Komics Reviews History At Our House

June 5th, 2008 by mrpowell2

Click the image for a larger version.

Posted in Education, History, Homeschooling, Comics | No Comments »

New Secular History Yahoo Group

June 3rd, 2008 by mrpowell2

I’m proud to announce the creation of a new forum for anyone interested in history: the HistoryAtOurHouse Yahoo group.

The group’s description is as follows:

HistoryAtOurHouse is a forum for anyone interested in the value of a secular history education. Parents of homeschoolers and afterschoolers are especially welcome. The group serves as a complement to the HistoryAtOurHouse program and blog, but it is open to discussion of any secular history curricula and issues related to history and homeschooling.

Join the group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/historyatourhouse

Best,

Scott Powell

Posted in Homeschooling Curriculum, History, Homeschooling, Secular homeschooling | No Comments »

Plan Your Child’s Path Through History

June 1st, 2008 by mrpowell2

The MyChild Curriculum Planner for 2008-09 is now available for you to project your children’s progress through the HistoryAtOurHouse program.

Use the simple interface below to see what your curriculum options are for your child, based on age: