The path of teaching history can be exciting, bumpy or laborious, but it is essential to travel back in time in order to see the Lord's hand in His creation's history. We better understand our place in the world by studying times past.
Scripture provides a stunning framework on which to build our view of historical events. From there, we can easily branch out toward innumerable people, events and ideas with their roots in God's word and their influence in today's world.
The history class is built around a timeline of 100 events, 25 of which are ancient history. Students will commit to memory each event and date, the context surrounding it, and key people who influenced the occurrence. Through storytelling and literature, students will develop a broad understanding of the conflicts and resolutions and cause and effects of each event; they will also be able to make connections across the centuries and see how historical happenings are interrelated.
The Timeline
A timeline is a fabulous way to document people, places and events along with their dates in history. A plethora of timelines exist, ranging from very elaborate laminated scrolls to crayons on butcher paper. Finding a timeline that works for your students is the first step in etching valuable information in their minds
My current timeline of choice uses extra heavyweight paper (94 lb.) in a scroll 8 feet by 5 feet. It is sturdy enough to sustain our 100 events, which are printed on card stock, laminated and attached with velcro. We use our timeline to review the events, often through spontaneous "history checks" in which children place any number of events in their correct location and describe corresponding information.
Notebook Pages
The notebook pages differ from the rudimenta notebook in that they contain more information and represent the student's understanding. Many different formats exist, but the goal of each is to document dates, key facts, pictures and reflections. These forms help students categorize, prioritize and synthesize information in an aesthetically-pleasing way. It gives children practice in exercising their decision-making capabilities and defending their reasons for including particular facts.
The Journal (I call ours Rudimenta Historiae, or first history lessons)
- the picture for each event (also on the timeline and flash cards)
- key words for each event
- a summary statement to be learned by heart
- a quote, Scripture passage, poem, hymn stanza, maxim or other noteworthy saying concerning the event
This journal provides an opportunity to rehearse the essential information of each event and can be used for dictation or copywork. The passages are short and concise, lending themselves to neatness and accuracy.
