One-Year American History Overview for 3rd-5th Graders
I spent a long time looking for a one-year overview of American History that would fit my family’s needs. there are several that are two year programs, but we generally do a four-year history rotation from the Ancients to Modern (a la Story of the World). We’re skipping SOTW 4 as I’ve read other’s opinions that it is dark, has a different feel than 1-3, and is geared toward the older students. My up-and-coming 3rd grader is a sensitive child and I combine my two oldest for History studies. Those two things made me think that perhaps I’d like to take a year off of our rotation and look just at the history of the U.S. (We’d also touch briefly on the modern times through the eyes of America.)
So, I ended up putting together my own plan incorporating lots of literature and activities. I have an overview plan which lists read alouds, readers for my 5th grade (strong reader), readers for my 3rd grade (struggling reader), music, art, and writing activities.
Spine (core book used as a chronological basis of study to keep us on track): Complete Book of U.S. History
Activity ideas & framework from: Portraits of American Girlhood (including Molly & Felicity’s Cook Books)
Music & Art supplements: Draw and Write Through History Book 4, Draw Write Now Book 5, I Hear America Singing!
