I see no reason why a whole year should be exclusive to one state’s history as well. As a matter of fact, I think it could easily be inserted anywhere within it’s role of American History, depending on when your state became a state, then pause there for awhile. Then you get the “connective tissue” of history so-to-speak.
However, Another idea is to go indepth on all the states; but it can be done differnt ways. Within their roles of the emerging American nation, or finish your American History your in and take a hiatus to do the states, or do it side-by-side. It’d still be American history, just more of a micro-study on the contributions of each state.
For example, did you know Illinios is the reason why they pushed through the unconstitutional Income Tax Amendment? Chicago politics/corruption created the environment for progressives to push it through. Figures- It’s Chicago.
Each state has alot to offer us as to the mosaic whole of America’s History; plus I think my children, seeing all the states, not just ours, as the individual gov’t.s that they are and learning of the individual contributions historically and culturally, that reinforces our Republic form of gov’t made up of states rights (at least originally).
I hope that made sense and I think this was more than you asked for, but it’s an idea rumbling through my mind. Out society, through the school system seems to have succeeded in the view that we are just a central federal gov’t. and not a United States, origianlly designed as such. Of course, that makes it easier to then teach that we are part of the “world community”, too.
Anyway, so I at least want to get it across to my children of part of that original intent for our states to be sovereign in their own right, not just our national sovereignty.
Sorry for rambling and happy schooling!
Rachel