#homeschooling

How I Feel About History Study

I must admit, history has never been a huge interest of mine. I have a full understanding of how history has impacted my life, even how it will impact my future. Timelines and events just don’t seem to stick in my mind well. I tend to think of history as blocks of time, with only one or two events happening in that block.

Really, history is fluid. It intertwines people, places, events, and memories. We are all part of history, whether we have a significant impact on the world, or not. Our past becomes our history, which influences our future. Always moving and evolving. (I feel like I should say “You have now entered the Twilight Zone”)

Ok, let me rephrase that first sentence to say that certain parts of history, haven’t been a massive interest of mine.

Events in history do not always interest me. I want to know about the people that experienced those events. I enjoy learning about what their interests were, what their family was like, and what the world was like when they lived.

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When Should History Be Taught?

I am currently homeschooling a kindergartner and a third grader. I assure you that history is not expected to be studied in these early grades. Here in Indiana, state history isn’t even taught until fourth grade in public school, with American and world history following in later grades. To find out what your state requires for homeschool families, visit my previous post. You can also go to HSLDA.org to find out if your state requires certain subjects.

If you are new to homeschooling or have young children, you likely don’t need to worry about teaching history. Focus on what other subjects you need to nail down and worry about the extras later. Keep things simple. That being said, many families enjoy their history study and make sure it’s a part of their homeschool curriculum. Because history is so fluid and can be studied almost endlessly, you can study certain topics one year, then start over the next year from a different perspective. I like to think of it as layering it each year.

You may prefer to study from more of a social studies perspective in younger grades, if at all. Social studies tend to cover many general subjects, such as history and geography, with more emphasis on how communities work.

Where We Started for Our History Study

I was very overwhelmed at first. There is so much that could be covered. We started in second grade with ancient civilizations and went from there. I gathered books from the library that covered the same subjects as Evan-Moor’s Ancient Civilizations History Pockets. We used this as a basis for our studies.

At the beginning of this year, in third grade, I wanted to start American History. I didn’t have the same understanding that I have now, which is, that it is not necessary to start this young. However, we have enjoyed our studies this year.

I had lots of plans in mind. I’d planned to go to different state parks and explore history through experiences. I wanted to go through museums to enjoy the exhibits and learn through them. Of course, we have done these things. However, I have found a more practical way to include history, on a more regular basis. For the first few months, I felt like history studies were lacking in our homeschooling. This is my first year with a year-round schedule. I have had more than enough time to fit in a great history study.

How We Study History in Our Homeschool

There are a variety of history curriculums out there. I cannot vouch for many of them. As I stated, we used Evan-Moor’s History Pockets last year. We started out with them this year. I appreciate that they have a variety of subjects, and they are good for little research projects, which are all included in their books.

If you buy them I suggest you buy the downloadable version, as you will need to print it all out anyway. I found that I didn’t like making the pockets, it was time-consuming. I did end up just printing out the papers and doing the projects that way. We have not stuck with this way of studying history. This is because I felt my son just didn’t get as much from it as he did from reading books.

Paying for a Curriculum

Drooling over various history curriculums was how I was spending a lot of my time. I did not, however, drool over their prices. I looked into putting together their books on my own, using Amazon, eBay, or any other means. After all, from what I can see, that is what most curricula were made up of, just reading books. While this was a viable option, as it cut the price in half, it just didn’t seem like the way for me to go.

I have always been a book collector of sorts. I can’t pass up children’s books when I see them. Goodwill, the library’s free bin, or book sales, if I see them, I must have them. A lot of the history curriculums that cost so much are based on mainly reading books.

Knowing that I wanted to study US history, I had been collecting books about individuals that made up history. My original plan was to cover from Colonial times until the Revolutionary War, but I will likely get a bigger timeframe than this. Let me tell you how.

Putting Together My Own Curriculum

As I stated before, I had been collecting books. I was debating on whether or not I should throw out all my second-hand books and just buy into a curriculum. I looked at what my ideal curriculum was covering. What historical subjects or people were they covering, and what type of books they were using to do this?

I made a timeline of their curriculum. Then, I looked at what I already had in my collection and got to work. Now, before we go on, let me take a moment to reassure you. Printing worksheets, making timelines, etc, was not what I was doing. I was looking at what I had in my home, and how I could use it.

We Learn Best By Listening

I have had time to get a feel for what my older son responds to the best. He may tell you that he wasn’t listening when I read a story. However, he can recite back to me in detail what happened in the story. He can relate it back to his own experiences, or gain knowledge in other ways, all from listening. I swear there are times I do not think he has heard a word I have said or read, and later he will tell someone something he learned, and it was all from me reading or discussing something with him. It amazes me.

So this is why I prefer just reading books to my boys to help them with history. I read stories to them while they listen, or draw. They do not usually sit patiently while I read, so I allow them to draw or do another simple activity that doesn’t require much thought. We do not use any particular curriculum, just books I have chosen. I do occasionally make a trip to the library to get supplemental information.

Get to Work

Once I saw that I could put together my own history study, using just books, I got to work. I got all the books for history, that I had purchased. Most all my books were about a person and their life. They were not textbooks by any means. They were about the real people that lived through history, where they came from, and what their family life was like. Not dry facts, or second-hand accounts.

First, I wrote down all dates in order from earliest to latest. Our first books started in 1707 and our last book starts around 1882. Then, I got all my books in order. I had a list that I used for a bit until I was confident I had it all together.

How We Have Benefited

Finally, we started reading. I am so happy I took the time to find books about historical people, not just events. I wanted to focus on the time periods. How did people live differently from us now? Have things changed? How did this person feel about what was happening around them? How would you feel if you were this person? We have had many interesting conversations about these subjects.

We’ve been able to connect to others who lived long ago. We are making connections that we wouldn’t get from a textbook. For example, if I can see how a person would be similar to my boys in some way, I will point that out to them and discuss this.

I love seeing them make connections with others who lived long ago. They imagine conversations they would like to have with these people. We love talking about how their lives are different from ours. How things may have been harder, or easier in some ways. This is where real learning happens.

We have learned so much. But the most important things we have learned have been about ourselves.

We Take Our Time

Our studies this year have been slow. We started in 1707 and are only in the 1730s. I have been enjoying making connections with my boys. We have enjoyed many discussions about how people had to work harder to put dinner on the table. The roles that were taken on by different tradesmen, how things have changed through the years…the list goes on.

I always wanted my older son to enjoy reading. This was a real struggle at times. However, he has surprised me by developing an interest in historical figures, and geography. He even asked to read a chapter book about Abraham Lincoln.

How to Make History Interesting in Your Homeschool

• There is no pressure to start history early.
• If you do want to start at an early age, consider starting with Social Studies.
• Find out your state’s requirements on what subjects need to be taught. Nail down the most important core studies, then work out from there.

Keep it Simple

• Start out simple, do not overwhelm yourself. It is easy to look and see all the ideas, plans, schedules, unit studies, worksheets, etc, that others are using. Don’t focus on that until you find your groove.
• Think about your overall plan. What you want to teach, how you want to go about it, and for how long.

Make a Plan

• Do not worry about teaching history for the whole school year. Take it slow, and just enjoy.
• Decide if you are willing to pay for a curriculum. The benefits would be great, but the price tag can set you back.
• Consider putting it together yourself. Whatever you do, keep it simple, and age-appropriate.
• If you decide to put it together yourself, look to see what resources you already have. Check Goodwill, library sales, book sales, and flea markets. Finally, always be on the lookout for items that will help you.

Make it Work for You

In conclusion, just remember, it’s not about what you teach as much as it’s about how they relate to it. How it connects to their minds and hearts. History can change us, shape us and help us make better decisions. Help your child develop empathy for others through your history study. Ask thoughtful questions about what you have read. Allow open discussions and above all, just enjoy it! You just may find you and your children develop a love for history that you didn’t have before.

Flexibility is the Key to Success

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Perhaps you are looking into homeschooling because of the flexibility. Reading about different homeschool schedules and plans can be overwhelming, however. I like to plan things, and I work best on a schedule. When making a schedule, I like to think that it will work just as I have written it out. However, we know that, with children, things often do not go as planned. This is why flexibility is the key to success.

*This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, I could earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.*

Types of Homeschool Schedules

There are a variety of homeschool schedules. They can all work in different ways, for different families. Here are a couple of different schedules you likely have read about.

• Block Schedule
• Loop Schedule
• Relaxed Schedule
• Checklist Schedule

There are, of course, many different types of schedules. However, I only mentioned a few.

Block Homeschool Schedules

When using a block homeschool schedule, you are doing certain things at certain times. Say that you schedule it something like this:

• 8:00-8:30-breakfast
• 8:30-8:45-clean up
• 9:00-9:30-morning work
• 9:30-10:00-handwriting practice

You would keep adding things to the time blocks until all subjects, and activities, for that day, were scheduled. You may have some flexibility and change the times of day things are done, or what subjects are covered.

However, I personally cannot connect with a block schedule. We need more flexibility than I feel is given here. Over the last three and a half years of homeschooling, I have found a bit of a hybrid between a loop, relaxed, and checklist schedule.

What is a Loop Homeschool Schedule?

When using a loop homeschool schedule you have the core subjects, such as math, reading, language arts, and writing daily. But you have the extras, like social studies, geography, history, science, or any other subject you choose. Check out your state’s requirements. Specific subjects are required in some states. Or visit HSLDA.org for more info. Once you decide what you will teach, simply add the subjects in the loop. For example:

MONDAY:

• Math
• Language Arts
• Reading
• Writing
• Geography

TUESDAY

• Math
• Language Arts
• Reading
• Writing
• Social Studies

And the loop would continue daily until the extra subjects are all covered. However, you may choose to focus on an extra subject for just one day a week. This would give you a greater chance to really focus on that subject and enjoy it more.

I find greater flexibility in this schedule, and it can be done in a variety of ways. Besides, no way is the right way, just what works best for you.

The Relaxed Approach

I hated to put the word schedule in this subheading. The relaxed approach is just that, relaxed. No schedule or time frame controls your day. Basically, you get to it when you are able.

I am able to mix this in at times…but I like structure. However, I am trying to be more flexible.

The Checklist Homeschool Schedule

We likely feel good when we can check something off our to-do list. The checklist schedule can foster independence in our children. You can make a checklist for your child to complete each day or each week. There is room for more structure or flexibility here. Make it a weekly checklist, or a daily one. Currently, this is the method I use on a daily basis. I have found myself crossing things out more and more. This is okay too. I plan to write more later about how I use these methods.

Picking the Right Homeschool Schedules for You

First, you will want to think about your family, and what routine you are already in. Are you already on a tight, or even strict, schedule? Does your family, and most importantly your children, do good with time restraints for tasks?

Next, think about the months you plan to homeschool. Of course, you need to know what your state’s requirements are for homeschooling. Some require a certain amount of hours per year, in addition to around 180 days of school being completed. As previously mentioned, some states require certain subjects to be covered.

Do you plan to homeschool year-round? Maybe you want to do a more traditional schedule and stick with the public school system in your area. There are pros and cons to both. You have the ability to change your mind, though, if you decide that what you picked was not the right fit for you.

Now, what do you want your homeschool style to be? Do you want your children to learn more through play, getting outdoors more, and exploring? Or maybe your children will do better with a more structured approach. How many books will you choose to homeschool with, and what extra subjects will you teach? All in all, these factors can be considered when thinking of your homeschool schedule.

How Do You Choose?

It takes time for us to fall into a routine that works for us. Our styles, schedules, and preferences change. Not to mention what our children will be willing to do. Take them into consideration as individuals, because each child may work better with a different type of schedule or routine.

Eventually, you will get things figured out. Above all remember that flexibility is the key to success, and if you’re having fun, your children will be more likely to enjoy the experience.

If you’re thinking about homeschooling, you likely have a few questions on your mind. One of them should be, “What are my state’s homeschool laws?” Obviously, you found yourself here after reading these previous posts of mine:

• What It Takes to Homeschool
• What You Need to Know When Starting Preschool
• Top 6 Homeschool Room Must-Haves
• And so much more! Check out the homepage, I am growing every week!

You know what, I will just wait right here for you while you check those out…(Jeopardy music plays in the background.) Ahh, now that you’re all caught up, we’ll move right into this next post.

WHAT ARE MY STATE’S HOMESCHOOL REQUIREMENTS?

When I started homeschooling I did ask myself “What are my state’s homeschool laws?” I found the website HSLDA.org to be a great resource. However, each state is different, so looking into your state’s homeschooling laws is definitely worth a look.

Homeschooling Laws Regulation Levels

Altogether there are four levels of regulations for homeschooling within the United States.

• High Regulation
• Moderate Regulation
• Low Regulation
• No Notice, Low Regulation

Some states have more strict regulations for homeschooling families. Some of these requirements are generally as follows

• Firstly, documents to be filed
• Secondly, subjects that must be studied
• Lastly, testing to be done

I live in a “no notice, low regulation” state, Indiana. This is comparatively an easier state to homeschool in. Here, I am required to keep a record of the days we do schooling, in case the superintendent were to ask for them. I am required to teach for 180 days because this is the same as the public schools here. However, I can count whatever I, as a parent, deem appropriate as curriculum.

For instance, if my children participate in volunteer work, and maybe they are doing a small bit of public speaking, I can count that as one of my 180 days. I count this along with the bookwork that we do. I am not required to register for my homeschooling, Additionally,I do not have to have my child assessed annually.

States with Highly Regulated Homeschool Laws

Altogether, there are five states that have High Regulations. What does this mean? This means that there are stricter requirements to homeschool than in other states. Also, check out the website HSLDA.org it has valuable resources that can help you.

• Massachusetts
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

States with Moderately Regulated Homeschool Laws

Altogether, there are twelve states that have Moderate Regulations. Generally, these states are in between strict, and low regulations.

• Hawaii
• Maine
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

States with Low Regulation Homeschool Laws

Additionally, there are twenty-two states that have Low Regulations for homeschooling. The states are the following listed below with a helpful video from HSLDA.org for each state listed.

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

No Notice, Low Regulation Homeschooling Requirements

Lastly, there are currently eleven states that have No Notice or Low Regulation of Homeschooling Laws

• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• Oklahoma
• Texas

How Should I View My State’s Regulations?

Finally, while you should follow the laws that govern your state, don’t be intimidated. If you live in a state that has stricter regulations, indeed, you may see this as a great guide to help you keep your child where they need to be. You don’t have to scour the internet to learn what should be taught, because you have it all there.

If you live in a state that is more lenient on its homeschooling laws you will have more freedom to make up your own curriculum. Most still have a requirement for days to be completed. No matter what state you live in you can have the freedom to teach in a style that is unique to your family.