After 10 years of homeschooling, these are our favorite living history homeschool curriculum that incorporates some favorite Charlotte Mason practices.
I can thank Charlotte Mason for a lot of things, but if I had to pick just one, I would thank her for being instrumental in changing my view of studying history.
My memories of learning about history is summed up in one word. BORING. Anyone else? Miss Mason taught me that I did not have to rely on a thick textbook. Instead, we could walk alongside characters living in that time period. We could see what they see, and experience what they lived.
In my early years of dabbling in the Charlotte Mason style of education, I used plenty of living history curriculum out there. Here, I want to share our favorites over the years!
This post is all about our favorite living history homeschool curriculum.
What Do You Mean By Living History Curriculum?
Like I mentioned, history was a subject that I labeled as boring from my personal experience in school. Nevertheless, it was not until I started homeschooling that I discovered how fascinating the subject could be. It began with incorporating story driven books set in the historical time period we were studying. I had no idea the power story had over wanting and needing to know more! Foundationally, the stories drew me in, and in typical fashion, my children followed suit. The allure of living books, stories that were told from firsthand narratives, brought history to life.
In addition to living books, there are other factors that elevated a homeschool history curriculum. One thing was incorporating ideas that brought the history to life. These included making the food that a people group may have eaten in that time period. Creating art which represented something from a particular culture. Watching videos of the landscape or conflict of a nation.
Simultaneously, a living history curriculum guides the learning, but does not necessarily connect every dot for the child. Rather, it would allow students to form connections on their own. Providing open space for critical thinking and discussions. This is one of the reasons we have loved studying history family style. It can be accomplished well by adapting the book selections and assignments for age appropriateness.
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The Peaceful Press
I have had 2 wonderful years using The Peaceful Press as a history curriculum. Jennifer Pepito, author and creator, has curated a book list for each history cycle containing picture books all the way through middle school chapter books. The layout is a monthly overview, along with a weekly grid. Cumulatively, our family went through The Precious People for Ancient History and The Kind Kingdom for Medieval History. Both years were so rich and we loved the booklist.
The Parent Guide is designed for children 5-12 years old. It includes student copywork sheets for printing or cursive. Additionally, there are recipes, art studies, and readings included. With The Precious People, we did quite a bit of what was suggested, where with The Kind Kingdom, we pared down to just a handful of activities. You can decide what is right for you in your season of life!
Use the code PEACEFULYEAR for 10% off your purchase!
A Gentle Feast
In a nutshell, this curriculum made for some of most voracious reading years. I used this during busy seasons of our life. Undoubtedly, these are also the years my children intensified their reading appetites. As a result, I was going to the library more than I preferred. However, A Gentle Feast made it easier by providing more than enough book suggestions to keep my young readers satisfied.
A Gentle Feast does a nice job of providing a rich education. It is especially fitting for a family brand new and interested in the Charlotte Mason principles of education. The physical copy has a really easy to follow format for all four forms (grades 1-12). It is beautifully done! Also, when you purchase the teacher guide, you really only need a math and writing curriculum to round it out.
Most books can be found at the library, and the digital resources included provide suggestions for sourcing the books at a low cost. Be sure to read my full review of A Gentle Feast in the post linked below.
[RELATED POST: A GENTLE FEAST CURRICULUM REVIEW]
Beautiful Feet Books
If you have been following our homeschool journey for a while, you know we are very familiar with Beautiful Feet Books. Here are the courses we have used:
- Around the World with Picture Books K-4th
- Early American History K-3 Pack
- California History Pack
- U.S. Geography 4-6th
- Early American History 4-6th
- History of Science 4-6th
The layout of the literature guide is by lessons, so you do not feel the pressure of a 5 day a week plan, but hit the lessons when you can. Most studies include a timeline or map, and there is not any student guide or workbook. Rather, students practice oral and/or written narrations.
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Each literature guide contains ample opportunities for rabbit trails including art, crafting, recipes, video suggestions, field trip ideas, and more. It is more than one can possibly do, so I tend to be selective with what we can actually accomplish in a year. Beautiful Feet Books is the company that helped me see a more delightful way to engage with history.
[RELATED POST: Review of Beautiful Feet Books Homeschool Curriculum]
Simply Charlotte Mason
I love that each of the history curriculum I have mentioned are titled with adjectives that accurately describe them. Simple is definitely the word I would choose to describe Simply Charlotte Mason.
Based on a 6 year history cycle, one guide can be used for the entire family from 1st grade through 12th grade. Book suggestions are provided, along with a schedule, for each form. There is no fluff, but rather, allows the stories to drive the learning. It is one I would recommend if you have a large family or with a wide range of ages to cater to. The guide covers history, as well as geography and family Bible study.
This post was all about living history homeschool curriculum we have loved.
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