American History is the study of the United States, starting from Native American cultures to modern events. It's taught at various educational levels, focusing on political, social, cultural, and economic aspects.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is American history?
American History looks at the story of the U.S. from Native American times to today. In homeschool, you usually cover this topic multiple times—once in elementary, middle, and high school. Each time, you dive deeper. It includes:
- Political history: founding documents and government growth.
- Social history: how people lived in different times.
- Cultural history: arts, religion, and movements.
- Economic history: industry and trade.
Most states require some education in American History.
Teaching approaches
There are many ways to teach American History. Here are a few:
- Literature-based programs: Use historical fiction and biographies to make history fun.
- Charlotte Mason methods: Focus on living books and timelines.
- Traditional approaches: Rely on textbooks with questions and tests.
- Documentary-based curricula: Use videos to bring history alive.
Many families mix these methods—like using a textbook alongside historical novels. Choose what fits your child's learning style and your teaching philosophy.
Popular curriculum options
Here are some popular choices for teaching American History:
- Beautiful Feet Books: Literature-focused with timelines and maps.
- Sonlight: A Christian curriculum full of literature.
- Notgrass History: Traditional instruction with a faith-based approach.
- The Nomadic Professor: Engaging high schoolers with videos and document analysis.
- Hillsdale College's 1776 Curriculum: A free K-12 American history program.
For secular families, options like BookShark or History Odyssey are great.
Beyond the textbook
To make American History more engaging, use various resources:
- The Library of Congress has millions of digital primary sources like photos and documents.
- Ken Burns' documentaries provide visual storytelling.
- Field trips to historical sites create lasting memories.
- Biographies give a personal touch to history.
- Well-chosen historical fiction helps students grasp life in different eras.
Combining these resources enriches American History education.
The bottom line
Studying American History helps students understand their country's roots and civic duties. It can be taught through stories, primary sources, and connections to current events. Whether you pick literature, traditional texts, or videos, aim to help students grasp how America evolved. For high school, make sure your approach meets the necessary rigor for transcripts—typically one full credit covering everything from colonial times to now.
