Integrating world history

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  • February 17, 2016 at 6:05 am
    Diane E. Neill
    Participant

    We are currently in our fourth year of using SCM’s handbooks for history/geography/Bible and, while there is much that I like about them, each year I am struggling more with the narrow focus on western civilization. My assumption was that, if we worked through the 6-year cycle, we would be getting a more comprehensive view of the world but, looking ahead at the next 2 years, that does not seem to be the case.

    We live in Asia so I want my kids to have a good understanding of what was happening here throughout the various time periods.  But, beyond that, I think it is important that, as world citizens and believers in the God who created all people groups, they recognize and value contributions of all cultures and civilizations.

    So, climbing down off of my soapbox… what suggestions do you have of integrating history (events, people, inventions, etc.) from around the world? I’m struggling to find a curriculum that does what I’m hoping it will (comprehensive view of world history with a CM approach, i.e. lots of living books) but I also don’t want to reinvent the wheel!

    Thanks!

    February 17, 2016 at 7:24 am
    HollyS
    Participant

    We’re also in the 4th book.  Looking ahead to next year (and the following year), I see a variety of cultures represented.  While they aren’t as in depth as some other programs, I’m drawn to their focus on positive events in history.   I want to inspire my DC with great men and women from history, which I think the 5th & 6th modules will do.  I see a great value in this.  I also imagine they will be coming out with a Visits to Asia at some point, which will cover Asian cultures (and possibly a bit of history too).

    Here are a couple options for you that come to mind for you to consider.  SOTW 4 probably has more eastern history, but the focus seems to be on war, which I personally don’t care for.  That’s a reason why Susan Wise Bauer doesn’t recommend this guide for younger elementary grades.  Another possibility is Sonlight Core F (intended for ages 10-13), which spends a year just on eastern history.  Maybe you could just sub in a few of the books or maybe you’d want to use the entire year at some point.  I don’t know much about this program, but a friend of mine loved it (since eastern history isn’t the focus of most programs).

    Even with either of these programs, there will still be huge gaps in history.  Especially after adding in several additional cultures.    While I’d love to cover every event and culture, I’m limited in my time as well as my DC’s unwillingness to devote every spare minute to studying history.  😉

    I hope you find something that works for you.  The focus on western history is a frequent complaint of homeschoolers using a variety of programs, so I know you aren’t the only one on such a soapbox.  😉

     

    February 17, 2016 at 10:36 pm
    Rachel White
    Participant

    Sonlight F is Eastern Hemisphere based:  http://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html

    If you click the ‘what’s included’ tab, the booklist comes up and there’s even  print it tab; hat way you can srt throgh adn get the history books

    They have many good books as recommendations that should meet your needs

    Plus, I think Bauer’s Story of the World audios also include more Asian/African info? I know her high school/adult series does.

    Also, Heritage History has some diverse choices, too:  http://www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=library

     

    February 18, 2016 at 10:21 pm
    Wings2fly
    Participant

    We are adding in 2-3 books each year from Sonlight F, starting at grade 4.

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