Recently a question popped up on our local homeschool group's yahoo group that asked about teaching history. I get asked this question all the time. So I thought I'd post it here in case it might help anyone.
We teach history with minimal textbooks, preferring to read "real" books and good historical fiction instead. Warning, mommy brag coming up: Seems to have worked well as I am constantly amazed at how much my older girls have retained that comes out in obscure conversations.
This is a list of those resources and books we've found helpful. Keep in mind we'ved gathered these resources over 16 years homeschooling and didn't acquire them all at once.
The text books that I do like are by Edward Eggleston such as _A History of the United States and Its People_ and _A First Book in American History_ (no teacher text required, and great questions at the end of each chapter).
I also like the very affordable texts put out by Christian Liberty Press (http://ebiz.netopia.com/clpress/).
For your benefit you may want to obtain the two book series _Streams of Civilization_ (sold by CLP and others) but definitely a high school text as they are good basic and thorough books to have around for reference.
We use lots of Landmark Books (http://www.readingwell.com/landmark.html) and there are some teacher's aides available for them, but you don't really need that. Just read them.
Cornerstones of Freedom are also good books we've used. Here's a list of them http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/COF.htm.
Veritas Press has some neat resources such as these 5 homeschool kits (activity book, flashcards and tapes/cds now), where we've been able to suit the needs of all our different learning styles (visual, auditory and kinesthetic). http://www.design-your-homeschool.com/Home-School-Curriculum-Veritas-Press.html The Old Schoolhouse magazine has a review of them here http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/reviews.php?rid=936. They are expensive, so if you know your child's learning style you may want to focus on that portion of the kit as they are sold separately.
Genevieve Foster has some great read alouds. Her books are listed here http://www.bfbooks.com/s.nl/it.A/id.431/.f?sc=2&category=4. Beautiful Feet has some interesting kits for historical study.
Then there's Charles Coffin, his books are great read-alouds, too. Little Bear Wheeler carries some of them here http://mantleministries.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MM&Category_Code=CC
Diana Waring is an exciting speaker and she'll be at the conference this year! Yea! http://www.dianawaring.com/ She has a unit study approach, but just listening to her tapes/cds will encourage you and equip you to make history learning fun and exciting even if you don't do unit studies.
Our most used resource is Christine Miller's _All Through the Ages_. When she first put this resource out it was found by rubber band and hole punched for you to put into a notebook. Updated and now bound, this dog-earred thing has accompanied us to the library countless times and also to many a used book sale. You can find it here http://www.nothingnewpress.com/index.shtml
FYI: Christine Miller was the original publisher/owner/writer of Homeschooling Today before she sold it to the McDonalds. It is a very different magazine today. When Christine was publishing it, it was my favorite homeschooling magazine.
All Through the Ages is a resource that has compiled booklists from 26 sources such as Answers in Genesis, Beautiful Feet, and Sonlight. The lists are separated chronologically (as well as by subject) according to historical date and then further separated into appropriate levels of age/grade level and even further separated into overview of the era, specific events of the era, biographies, historical fiction, literature and culture. This updated version has timelines, and some historical backgrounds and information. If you could only buy one resource to do history, this would be my suggestion since it contains so much useful information.
Lastly, these games have been fun for learning history: Bethump'd With History (http://eclectichomeschool.org/store/store_review.asp?revid=621), The All American Trivia Board Game (http://www.outsetmedia.com/uswebpages/usgamespages/usamericantrivia.htm) and there is a junior level at the same site, Oval Office, the Race to be President (http://www.educationallearninggames.com/oval-office-board-game.asp -- looks like they discontinued making it but I think it's available in a computer version now).
Enjoy learning right along with your children.
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
March 23, 2008
March 23, 1775
Beginning in 1764 and up until 1775, Britain imposed upon the colonies 13 new taxes and resolutions exercising their control over the colonies leading to the Revolutionary War.
The Sugar Act 1765, modified the Sugar and Molasses Act of 1733. Encompassing more goods to be taxed and stricter enforcement, the act significantly reduced trade with several lucrative island markets and had a profound negative effect on the economy.
Currency Act 1764, Britain assumed control of the colonial currency system, abolishing all colonial bills, exacerbating the trade deficit of the colonies with Britain.
Stamp Act 1765, asserted Britain's authority over the colonies by requiring every printed paper used in the colonies to have a stamp.
Quartering Act 1765, under the auspices of protection for the colonies following the French and Indian War, Britain required colonies to billet British soldiers and pay for most of their maintenance.
Declaratory Act 1766, upon repeal of the Stamp Act, this act allowed Parliment to make and change colonial laws and colonial government.
Townshend Act 1767, placed a common tax on items imported from the colonies. Again negatively affecting trade and the economy.
Tea Act 1773, undercuting local merchants in favor of the East India Company, this wasn't an increase in tax but in power and control of Parliment over the colonies.
Boston Port Act 1774, in response to the Boston Tea Party Parliment punitively closed Boston Harbor.
Justice Act 1774, allowed British soldier who were accused of crimes in the colonies to be tried in Britain rather than the colonies.
Massachusetts Government Act 1774, ended self-rule of the colonists in Massachusetts.
Quartering Act 1774, extends the act of 1765.
Quebec Act 1774, institutes a permanent administration in Quebec run by Parliment.
Proclamation of Rebellion 1775, declared the colonies in open rebellion following the Battle of Bunker Hill.
In response to this, Patrick Henry gave one of the most thrilling speeches opposing the British on March 23rd, 1775 at teh 2nd Virginia Convention.
You are probably most familiar with the last line, but I encourage you to read it all the way through and see if it doesn't inspire in you patriotic fervor for our blessed union of the United States of America. (Emphasis mine throughout the speech.)
"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?
Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation.
There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength but irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Several thoughts come to mind when re-reading this stirring speech such as what's going on in the LCMS and what's going on with our taxes and ever-growing government. Interesting that I think of both our eternal and our temporal situations.
Chains and tyranny are not in short supply and they are closer than we imagine.
I pray that we would have the courage of those brave men who fought so valiently against the most impressive military might of its time.
The Sugar Act 1765, modified the Sugar and Molasses Act of 1733. Encompassing more goods to be taxed and stricter enforcement, the act significantly reduced trade with several lucrative island markets and had a profound negative effect on the economy.
Currency Act 1764, Britain assumed control of the colonial currency system, abolishing all colonial bills, exacerbating the trade deficit of the colonies with Britain.
Stamp Act 1765, asserted Britain's authority over the colonies by requiring every printed paper used in the colonies to have a stamp.
Quartering Act 1765, under the auspices of protection for the colonies following the French and Indian War, Britain required colonies to billet British soldiers and pay for most of their maintenance.
Declaratory Act 1766, upon repeal of the Stamp Act, this act allowed Parliment to make and change colonial laws and colonial government.
Townshend Act 1767, placed a common tax on items imported from the colonies. Again negatively affecting trade and the economy.
Tea Act 1773, undercuting local merchants in favor of the East India Company, this wasn't an increase in tax but in power and control of Parliment over the colonies.
Boston Port Act 1774, in response to the Boston Tea Party Parliment punitively closed Boston Harbor.
Justice Act 1774, allowed British soldier who were accused of crimes in the colonies to be tried in Britain rather than the colonies.
Massachusetts Government Act 1774, ended self-rule of the colonists in Massachusetts.
Quartering Act 1774, extends the act of 1765.
Quebec Act 1774, institutes a permanent administration in Quebec run by Parliment.
Proclamation of Rebellion 1775, declared the colonies in open rebellion following the Battle of Bunker Hill.
In response to this, Patrick Henry gave one of the most thrilling speeches opposing the British on March 23rd, 1775 at teh 2nd Virginia Convention.
You are probably most familiar with the last line, but I encourage you to read it all the way through and see if it doesn't inspire in you patriotic fervor for our blessed union of the United States of America. (Emphasis mine throughout the speech.)
"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?
Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation.
There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength but irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Several thoughts come to mind when re-reading this stirring speech such as what's going on in the LCMS and what's going on with our taxes and ever-growing government. Interesting that I think of both our eternal and our temporal situations.
Chains and tyranny are not in short supply and they are closer than we imagine.
I pray that we would have the courage of those brave men who fought so valiently against the most impressive military might of its time.
August 9, 2007
Food for Thought -- Today in History
Today marks the 62nd anniversary of the dropping of the 2nd atomic bomb on Hiroshima. I've always been extradordinarily interested in the atomic bomb detonations in Japan because I was born in Japan.
It is also intriguing to me how Japan moved away from its aggressive nation-building stance that was so destructive and replaced it with a pacifist liberal democracy. I wonder what it took to change the people's outlook on life, behavior, and goals? (Obviously it can be done, and I wonder if this is the goal in the Middle East?) Yea, yea, I know the war... but I think it had to eminate from the top down. The leaders must have really wanted their nation to change.
Since WWII, Japan has created the second largest economy in the world. So while not a military might any longer (and in fact was/is a protectorate * of the US) Japan's economic status makes it a force to be reckoned with.
This day also marks the 33rd anniversary of the resignation of Richard Nixon as the President of the United States. American Minute had an interesting quote from our 36th President,
"Good evening. This is the 37th time I have spoken to you from this office...To continue to fight...for my personal vindication would almost totally absorb the time and attention of both the President and the Congress...Therefore, I shall resign...If some of my judgments were wrong...they were made in what I believed...to be the best interest of the Nation." Nixon continued: "In the Middle East, 100 million people in the Arab countries, many of whom have considered us their enemy...now look on us as their friends. We must continue to build on that friendship so that...the cradle of civilization will not become its grave."
* Protectorates were established as a result of the adoption of the Monroe Doctrine .)
Things that occupied my mind today, although not from my children, these ideas and thoughts and how they will play out in the world will affect my children, and yours.
It is also intriguing to me how Japan moved away from its aggressive nation-building stance that was so destructive and replaced it with a pacifist liberal democracy. I wonder what it took to change the people's outlook on life, behavior, and goals? (Obviously it can be done, and I wonder if this is the goal in the Middle East?) Yea, yea, I know the war... but I think it had to eminate from the top down. The leaders must have really wanted their nation to change.
Since WWII, Japan has created the second largest economy in the world. So while not a military might any longer (and in fact was/is a protectorate * of the US) Japan's economic status makes it a force to be reckoned with.
This day also marks the 33rd anniversary of the resignation of Richard Nixon as the President of the United States. American Minute had an interesting quote from our 36th President,
"Good evening. This is the 37th time I have spoken to you from this office...To continue to fight...for my personal vindication would almost totally absorb the time and attention of both the President and the Congress...Therefore, I shall resign...If some of my judgments were wrong...they were made in what I believed...to be the best interest of the Nation." Nixon continued: "In the Middle East, 100 million people in the Arab countries, many of whom have considered us their enemy...now look on us as their friends. We must continue to build on that friendship so that...the cradle of civilization will not become its grave."
* Protectorates were established as a result of the adoption of the Monroe Doctrine .)
Things that occupied my mind today, although not from my children, these ideas and thoughts and how they will play out in the world will affect my children, and yours.
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