Tag: homeschool history

Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, High School, Homeschool, Middle School, Online Learning, US History

From the Constitution to Reconstruction: Our Take on The Nomadic Professor, Us History Part 2

Little Learner and Mom

We received Nomadic Professor, US History Part 2 for our honest review!

A year ago, I shared my thoughts on U.S. History, Part 1 from The Nomadic Professor. That course quickly became one of our favorite homeschool supplemental history experiences because it wasn’t just reading from a textbook it was living history. This year, we continued on with U.S. History, Part 2: The Noise of Democracy, and I can honestly say it has been just as rewarding, if not more so.

If you’re starting with early American history, I’d definitely recommend going back to my Part 1 review, but today I want to focus on what makes Part 2 so special for middle and high school homeschoolers.

What Makes This Course Different

On-Location Videos

Dr. William Jackson, the Nomadic Professor himself, actually films his lectures at historic locations. My son and I love this because we’re not just hearing about events, we’re seeing the landscapes and cities where they unfolded. It feels like history is unfolding right in front of you.

Comprehensive Dashboard

Everything you need is right inside the course dashboard—videos, notes, readings, quizzes, worksheets, writing prompts, timelines, and even audio versions if your child prefers to listen. I can’t tell you how much easier this makes my homeschool planning. No piecing things together from five different places.

Encourages Thinking Like a Historian

This isn’t a “just the facts” kind of course. Students are encouraged to weigh evidence, look at different perspectives, and think critically about the story of our nation. My son has been challenged to form his own opinions and back them up with evidence—skills he’ll carry well beyond history class.

What’s Covered in Part 2

Part 2, “The Noise of Democracy,” takes us from the ratification of the Constitution through Reconstruction. It covers the early republic, westward expansion, the Civil War, and the rebuilding of America after. It’s rich in both content and context, giving students the “why” behind the events, not just the “what.”

Right now in our homeschool, we are working through Units 3 and 4, which dive into the Indigenous wars and the Civil War. My son has been especially interested in learning more about how these events affected both Indigenous communities and enslaved people. I appreciate that the course doesn’t shy away from difficult but important parts of history it brings depth and balance to the bigger story of America.

Flexible for Every Homeschool Style

One of the best parts of The Nomadic Professor is its flexibility. You can use it as a stand-alone history course, with everything needed for a full year of U.S. history credit. Or, if you already have a history program you enjoy, it also works wonderfully as a supplemental resource adding depth, visuals, and critical thinking opportunities that many traditional programs lack.

Who This Course Is Best For

  • Upper Middle School and High School Students – The material is geared toward 8th–12th graders who are ready for more depth.
  • Visual and Auditory Learners – Kids who benefit from seeing and hearing as they learn will thrive with the on-location videos and audio options.
  • Homeschool Families Wanting Convenience – With everything laid out in the dashboard, it’s easy for both parents and students to follow.
  • Families Who Like Structure – For added convenience, you can use the Homeschool Planet lesson plans that line up perfectly with the course.

A Timberdoodle Favorite

One thing I especially love mentioning is that Nomadic Professor U.S. History Part 2 is included in the Timberdoodle 10th Grade Curriculum Kit. Timberdoodle is known for curating high-quality, engaging resources, so seeing this course as part of their package really confirmed for me that it’s a strong choice for homeschool families.

Why We Love It

What keeps us coming back to The Nomadic Professor is how engaging and thought-provoking it is. My son isn’t just memorizing dates; he’s learning to understand history, ask questions, and make connections. The on-site videos give us the feeling of field trips without ever leaving home, and I appreciate that the curriculum gives me everything I need without extra prep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a high-quality history program for upper middle school or high school, I highly recommend The Nomadic Professor’s U.S. History, Part 2. It’s academically strong, visually engaging, homeschool-friendly, flexible enough to be a stand-alone course or a supplement, and even recognized by Timberdoodle as part of their 10th grade curriculum kit. For us, it has been a great continuation from Part 1, and we’re excited to keep going with the rest of the series.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Digital Learning Platform, Geography, History, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, self-paced

The Nomadic Professor – Bringing History to Life for Middle Schoolers

Little Learner and Mom

The Nomadic Professor was provided to us for our honest review and may contain affiliate links.

As homeschool parents to a history-loving middle schooler, finding a curriculum that not only educates but also captivates our son’s imagination is crucial. We embarked on using the Nomadic Professor for history for this school term alongside our spine curriculum. For this upcoming school the Nomadic Professor will serve as our history along side our spine curriculum civics lesson.

Enter “The Nomadic Professor” – an innovative approach to history education that has truly transformed our homeschooling experience.

The Nomadic Professor

The Nomadic Professor covers a broad spectrum of history, providing a comprehensive overview of various historical periods and events. Here’s a breakdown of the history covered:

  1. Ancient Civilizations: The curriculum delves into the fascinating world of ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Students explore the rise and fall of empires, the development of early civilizations, and the contributions of ancient cultures to human history.
  2. Medieval and Renaissance Era: Students journey through the medieval and Renaissance periods, exploring the feudal system, the Crusades, the Black Death, and the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Renaissance.
  3. Age of Exploration: The curriculum examines the Age of Exploration, a pivotal period in world history marked by European exploration and colonization. Students learn about famous explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan, and their impact on global trade and exchange.
  4. Colonial America: Students delve into the history of colonial America, exploring the early settlements, the establishment of the thirteen colonies, and the factors leading to the American Revolution. They gain insights into colonial life, the struggle for independence, and the founding principles of the United States.
  5. American History: The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of American history, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement. Students examine key events, figures, and themes in American history, gaining a deeper understanding of the nation’s development and identity.
  6. World Wars and 20th Century: Students explore the causes and consequences of World War I and World War II, as well as the social, political, and economic changes that shaped the 20th century. They learn about major world events, such as the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the rise of globalization.
  7. Contemporary Issues: The curriculum addresses contemporary issues and challenges facing the world today, such as climate change, globalization, and human rights. Students engage in discussions and activities that encourage critical thinking and reflection on current events.

Lesson Plans

The lesson plans provided by The Nomadic Professor are comprehensive and engaging, covering a wide range of historical topics from ancient civilizations to modern times. Each lesson is meticulously crafted to incorporate storytelling, interactive activities, and multimedia resources, ensuring that our son remains fully immersed in the subject matter. You can also purchase lesson plans on Homeschool Planet to help you plan out your lessons.

Breakdown of Lesson Plans

  • Introduction: Each lesson begins with a captivating introduction that sets the stage for the historical period or event being studied.
  • Core Content: The core content of the lesson is presented in an accessible and easy-to-understand format, with plenty of visuals and real-life examples to reinforce learning.
  • Interactive Activities: The Nomadic Professor incorporates a variety of interactive activities such as virtual field trips, role-playing exercises, and hands-on projects, allowing our son to actively engage with the material.
  • Assessment: At the end of each lesson, there are assessment tools provided to gauge our son’s understanding of the material, including quizzes, essays, and creative projects.

Grade Book

The grade book feature of The Nomadic Professor has been a game-changer for us as homeschool parents. It allows us to easily track our son’s progress and performance in each lesson, ensuring that he is meeting his learning objectives and milestones.

Printable Resources

We also appreciate the printable resources provided by “The Nomadic Professor,” including worksheets, study guides, and supplementary reading materials. These resources have been invaluable in reinforcing learning outside of the digital classroom environment

History Comes to Life

One of the greatest strengths of The Nomadic Professor is its ability to bring history to life in a way that traditional textbooks simply cannot. Through immersive storytelling, vivid imagery, and interactive experiences, our son feels as though he is stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand. His enthusiasm for history has never been higher, and he eagerly looks forward to each lesson with anticipation.

Benefits of Teaching History This Way

  • Engages Multiple Learning Styles: “The Nomadic Professor” caters to a variety of learning styles, making history accessible and engaging for all students.
  • Fosters Critical Thinking: By encouraging active participation and inquiry-based learning, “The Nomadic Professor” fosters critical thinking skills that are essential for success in the 21st century.
  • Cultivates Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Through the exploration of different historical periods and cultures, “The Nomadic Professor” cultivates empathy and cultural awareness in our son, helping him to develop a broader perspective of the world.
  • Convenient and Flexible: As homeschool parents, we appreciate the convenience and flexibility of “The Nomadic Professor.” With its user-friendly interface and customizable lesson plans, we can easily tailor the curriculum to suit our son’s individual needs and schedule.

The Nomadic Professor has been a revelation for our homeschooling journey. It has not only deepened our son’s love for history but has also provided him with a rich and immersive learning experience that will undoubtedly shape his understanding of the world for years to come. We couldn’t be more grateful for this invaluable resource!

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Education, Family, History, Homeschool

Beautiful Feet Books: Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State Review!

Little Learner and Mom

(Gifted)

Little Learner and Mom were once again given the honor of showcasing more of Beautiful Feet Books History and Science History curriculums. Our family was sent the Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State. I was very impressed by the selection of picture books and equally impressed by the books included in the rabbit trails and library recommendations.

When you think of history does California come to mind? Probably not, because when teaching US History we traditionally think about the eastern coast of the United States first and don’t usually venture further west until after the Civil War. Well while the east coast history plays a significant part in US History Beautiful Feet Book Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State brings the excitement about the West Coast.

Beautiful Feet Books curriculums are a Charlotte Mason-inspired. The company creators are homeschoolers themselves and have been inspiring families for 30 years with their beautiful illustrated literature.

To help homeschool parents ignite wonder and connect with their kids through the best stories and guided lessons.

Beautiful Feet Books History and Science History curriculums

Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State starts its journey through California’s rich history with the Ice Age. Students will embark on learning about animals during this time period and natural disasters. My learner and I spent time researching the La Brea Tarpits and the weather conditions of the world during the Ice Age. I thought of some fun movies (Ice Age animated series) and suggested documentaries suggested in the lesson guide. Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State covers history, geography, nature study, culinary history, and art study. Each lesson is estimated to take an hour for grades 4-6. You can find a complete scope and sequence on the product page.

Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State includes:

  • Teacher Guide
  • 80 Multi-Sensory Lessons
  • Blank Notebook
  • 17 Books
  • Downloadable timeline sheet

What is intriguing about Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State is the inclusive diversity of lessons presented. I was very pleased to see the inclusivity of African Americas and Asian Americans in the later lessons. Indigenous studies were included throughout the lessons as well which were done respectfully and with attention to detail. The selection of books was broad and packed with beautiful illustrations that held my 5th grader’s interest.

My son enjoyed the relaxed feel of learning about California he really spent time writing his journal and adding to his notes. We spent time painting, reading, and engaging in discussions about animals, culture, and global perspectives of California. We visited the story Kalifia as a rabbit trail we went down. He really enjoys geography, art, and culture.

Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State is meant to be covered in a complete school year. I can see how one can make this their entire year’s history because it is so much you can do that will combine other historical information about the US in this one curriculum. I hope that in the near future that Beautiful Feet Books will add more states because there is so much to unpack in US History.

What I did notice is when it was time to do the lessons we set up the environment. My son cleared our table and prepared a light snack, set out the materials, and turned on the diffuser with little lavender essential oils. I always made sure there was something art relative for us to do while I was reading the literature for that lesson. He did art, snacked and we talked. I don’t know what it was about setting up the environment this way but it made our lessons enjoyable and special.

We will be stretching this curriculum over the next 2 years and it will become our special interest history. I want to take our time with this one because along with what the curriculum provides I want to be able to include more historical information during certain time periods.

Library finds we added to our studies

At the time of this review Around California with Children’s Books Pack: A History of the Golden State cost is $252.95.

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Critical Thinking and Logic, Curriculum, Education, Family, Geography, History, Homeschool

Curiosity Chronicles: Volume 2 Early Modern History Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received!

We love history in our home and focus on the gentle truth of history. We have several history curriculums we pull from and I always check actual true history that is secular. The gracious creators of the Curiosity Chronicles sent us their latest release Early Modern History Volume 2 to review.

We are no strangers to Curiosity Chronicles history curriculum; we actually own the Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Vol 1 curriculums. My son has really enjoyed the lessons we have done and I haven’t found any questionable text. Ted and Mona have been long-time friends of ours as we have journeyed our way through history over the years. Curiosity Chronicles is a multi-sensory history curriculum that works for students with different learning styles.

We believe everyone has a place at the table when it comes to telling history.

Curiosity Chronicles

Curiosity Chronicles is not your typical history of the curriculum. Students learn history through snapshots of historical time periods and global events. The curriculum follows Mona Ted through history through dialogues. The students are introduced to the characters then they begin to engage in historical conversations and take your students on adventures learning about artistic, cultural, scientific, and political perspectives in history.

Students learn history from a global perspective. History is never dull when using Curiosity Chronicles kids will engage in meaningful conversation with you and want to learn more. What I like about Curiosity Chronicles is that the lesson is actual snapshots of history topics. I have found that a vast majority of the snapshots in the text are never mentioned in other elementary history curriculums. I am also pleased the company includes so much diversity in the characters, illustrations, and subject matter.

Early Modern History Volume 2 picks up right where Early Modern Vol 1 leaves off and starts the conversations between Ted and Mona discussing Catherine the Great of Russia. Early Modern History Volume 2 has 36 chapters that are divided into 18 sections. Students will study history snapshots from 1550- 1850, with topics such as the Haitian Revolutionary War, Empires in Africa, Bolivarian Revolution, American Revolution, and much more. We received hard and digital copies of Early Modern History Volume 2 curriculum package.

The complete Early Modern History Volume 2 includes:

  • Snapshots of Early Modern History Vol. 2 text
  • Softcover Insrutctor and Student Guide
  • Audiobook Snapshots of Early Modern Vol. 2
  • Digital Ted’s Timeline Kit: Early Modern Vol. 2

In both Vol 1 and Vol 2 we see Ted and Mona’s friends Arthur and Lily in the cultural corners at the end of select chapters as they highlight important artists, writers, scientists, and musicians.

Curiosity Chronicles Early Modern History Volume 2 is truly a fun-filled comprehensive curriculum. Students will complete written lessons, mapwork, coloring pages, puzzles, STEM activities, and my son’s favorite Minecraft challenges. Lessons can be done family-style and the company is adding extension activities soon for older students. There are sections in the snapshot that invite students to research more on the historical topic they are studying. Early Modern History Volume 2 breaks important historical events down the curriculum is designed to with the children and not at them. My son enjoys curriculums that he feels are a part of the discussion.

Students will learn to discuss complex ideas, develop critical thinking skills, engage in hands-on learning, and find tangential learning!

Curiosity Chronicles Early Modern History Volume 2 comes with a Teds Timeline kit. The Timeline kit comes with templates and pictures for your student to construct a wall timeline (color or black and white) or notebook timeline. We have a history timeline notebook so we will be using this instead of the templates provided. For this review I let my son decide on what area of time he wanted to learn about and he choose Section 31 Empires of Africa Chapter 61 Shaka forges the Zulu. He listened to the audiobook snapshot during breakfast and later during the day we went through the Snapshots of Early Modern History Volume 2 text. We talked about the Zulu, Swazis, Basotho, Xhosa, Boers, and Southern Africa. Through our study, we discussed the different biomes of Africa and the migration of the great people of Africa across the continent. We were introduced to the great Zulu warrior Shaka and his military. My son was intrigued by this chapter he started researching EVERYTHING about the Zulu people. He went to work on his assignments and his Minecraft challenges. He really enjoyed this sneak peek into our history lesson for the Fall, not sure I am going to be able to keep this one on the shelf until September.

I highly recommend Curiosity Chronicles Early Modern History Volume 2 as well as all of the other history curriculums published by Curiosity Chronicles. The history is easy to follow and interactive.

3rd Grade Curriculum, Curriculum, Education

Home School in the Woods: Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

I am always looking for a way to make out homeschool more interesting and hands on. The crew was giving the opportunity to review several of the wonderful resources from Home School in the Woods for this review I choose to review Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World a digital pdf.

Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World is a wonderful resource that allows students to explore the worlds wonders right in their home. Students will focus on the worlds wonders from 4 time period Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Natural. What I like about the Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World is that students can use these wonders to cover history and science. Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World is meant to be put together as lapbook, but because I know my track record with lap books I decided to use the Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World as interactive notebook.

I separated the wonders according to their academic topic. So we have one notebook for science and one for history. We currently studying the ocean and geology so I pulled out the Great Barrier Reef and Grand Canyon for my son. I decided to put the Great Barrier Reef in the science notebook and Grand Canyon in the history. Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World added historical information in to the Grand Canyon such as about the Indigenous People. Can I just say I was very happy that Home School in the Woods used the correct term Indigenous People and showed them proper respect in history.

Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World includes activities timeline of the Wonders of the World as well as all the Ancient Wonders. I love the mix of combining all the time periods in the Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World . I decided against putting them all together rather than building our interactive notebook as we studied them so my son can use the extra pages in the notebook to add to the wonders we study. Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World provides all you need to put together a great lapbook, there is plenty of coloring, information, creative writing and templates for the kids explore the 23 projects. Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World is east to put together with the easy instructions provided. Students can put the Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World together on their own or with assistance from their parents.

Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World is a great resource for homeschoolers or non-homeschoolers, it provides a great supplement to history and science education. At the time of this review the cost for Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World is $18.95. Home School in the Woods offers several other fun filled Lap-Paks and resources be sure to check out the Crew reviews of these resources by clicking the banner below.

Until The Next Time

Mom!

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