I once thought history was a dry subject which bored me into a dull stupor. My education took place from elementary to high school in a traditional public school. While I had many fine teachers who were committed to education, and were history lovers themselves, I felt confined in the traditional classroom, seated at a desk with one simple textbook. It was not until I began homeschooling, fourteen years ago, that I completely fell in love with history.
Our family began our homeschooling journey when our oldest daughter, now twenty and in her second year of college, was in first grade. We were brand-new homeschoolers, and uncertain of what homeschooling really looked like on a practical level. Thankfully, a new friend invited us to a “Pioneer Days” celebration at a local homeschooling cooperative. This joyful experience welcomed us into the homeschooling community and sealed our love of freedom in education. The children dressed in costumes, ate pioneer grub, played old-fashioned games, listened to music, and were fully submerged in the pioneer experience. From that point forward, we never looked at the study of history, or any other subject, with limited vision.
In our classical home, we do not simply read textbooks on history, we immerse ourselves in the time period. Some of the interactive ways we journey through chronological periods of history include:
-researching topics and characters at the library
-compiling history notebooks
-creating timeline books
-making lapbooks
-using skills of narration and dictation
-reading aloud from classic literature and historical narratives
-delivering oral reports
-writing research papers
-designing dioramas
-preparing drawings and other art projects
-hosting historical feast celebrations
-dressing up for costumed presentations
-watching documentaries
-enjoying theatre productions
One of the most helpful ways that we ignite our imaginations, to fuel our engaging studies, is by reading classical historical narratives. History springs to life through the story-based approach of classical books, written prior to modern education reforms. For classical educators, and all homeschooling families in general, history is a grand adventure to travel. Intertwined and interrelated with geography, literature, science, religion, and fine arts, the study of history is filled with endless stories to uncover and explore. Who could grow tired of historical characters, the great men and women of times past, and their stories of drama, intrigue, nobility, courage, achievement, tragedy, virtue and vice?
This month in The Classical Home, I will share a listing of a few favorite resources that are available online, for free or low-cost, to support your adventures through history.
-Heritage History is a comprehensive resource for history, geography, and literature studies. Heritage History maintains an online library of hundreds of narrative historical literature titles, which are available fully online for free reading. The vast site features history, geography, and literature for Greek, Roman, British, American, Hispanic, European, Norse, African, Asian, Christian, and Moslem civilizations. Study aids featured on the site include maps, wars and battles, historical characters, and images reproduced from classic works. Additionally, they publish affordable versions of their online library titles and study guides, which are available for purchase.
-Project Gutenberg is another vast online resource of over 42,000 titles which can be accessed for free. The Children’s History category is one section of the site that features classic historical titles of World and American History.
If you enjoy the narrative history works of V.M. Hillyer’s A Child’s History of the World, the Genevieve Foster’s World titles, and Susan Wise-Bauer’s Story of the World volumes, you will enjoy reading through the classic Story of the World series by M.B. Synge. These history narratives, published in 1903, cover world history from ancient times to the late nineteenth century. They are excellent to read aloud to younger grammar level students, and can be enjoyed by students of all ages.
The Story of the World series by Synge is available to read completely online for free at Yesterday’s Classics, or you can order Kindle or EPub paid versions. Here are the book descriptions and links to these wonderful history narratives:
On the Shores of the Great Sea
by M.B. Synge
Volume I of the Story of the World series (B.C. 1000 to 0 A.D.) focuses on the civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean from the time of Abraham to the birth of Christ. Brief histories of the Ancient Israelites, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Scythians, Persians, Greeks and Romans are given, concluding with the conquest of the entire Mediterranean by Rome. Important myths and legends that preceded recorded history are also covered.
The Discovery of New Worlds
by M.B. Synge
Volume II of the Story of the World series (0 to 1535 A.D.) covers the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the middle ages in Europe, the rise of Islam and the Crusades, and finally the age of exploration, and the establishment of trade with the Far East. The book concludes with the Discoveries of Columbus and the Spanish settlements in the New World.
The Awakening of Europe
by M.B. Synge
Volume III of the Story of the World series (1535 to 1750 A.D.) covers the reformation in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and England, as well as the settlement of colonies in America. The rise of England and the Netherlands as sea powers, and the corresponding fall of Spain, as well as the rise of Russia, Austria, and the German states are also covered.
by M.B. Synge
Volume IV of the Story of the World series (1750 to 1815 A.D.) focuses on the age of empire and world colonization. The histories of European colonies in America, Australia, South Africa, and India are related. Also covered are the Revolution in America, the French Revolution, and campaigns of Napoleon.
Growth of the British Empire
by M.B. Synge
Volume V of the Story of the World series (1815 to 1900 A.D.) treats the revolutions in South America and Mexico, the Boer War in South Africa, and the exploration of Central Africa, the Greek and Italian wars for Independence, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the opening of trade with Japan and China, and the rebellion in India.
I hope you enjoy this short listing of resources for classic historical narratives.
Do you enjoy reading classical historical narratives with your family? I would love to hear of your favorites!