TOS Review: Golden Prairie Press

Today I am reviewing Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History from Golden Prairie Press.

This is a 30-week curriculum for grades 1-6, but could easily be adapted for older grades.

As those of you who follow my blog know, I am a history teacher by trade.  I love history.  I taught it in the schools (and in college) for many years.  One thing I always tried to do in my classrooms is to make history hands-on, relevant and interesting.  I remember the college students, many of whom, were "non-traditionally" aged, telling me that this was the first time that they enjoyed history and that it wasn't boring and dull.  I even had my college students cook a colonial meal and design their own colonial home. Amy Puetz and I really think alike.  :-)  So, when we decided to homeschool our children, finding a history curriculum that is hands-on and makes the material relevant and interesting was key and very important to me.

When I was given the opportunity to review this curriculum, I jumped at the chance, for that very reason.  I have always had to put together my own history work for my children.  I guess that is because I am extraordinarily picky being a historian. (I am one of those who you would hate going with you to a historical movie. I'll always tell you what isn't right or accurate, lol!).  So, if I could find a well-rounded curriculum that fit my "bill," I would be sold!  And, I am!

Heroes and Heroines includes reading assignments, things to do, art to study, audio files to listen to, projects to make and even skits to act out.  Wow.  No boring history here.  I love hands-on learning and I love learning that uses all of my kids' senses.

My daughter and I would snuggle up together each day and read a section from the book.  Since I received the book in the form of a download, I sent it to my Kindle, which made for much easier reading.  (you can't snuggle on the couch with a computer, lol!)  :-)  After reading each section, I would ask her the questions at the end.  We had some good discussions and it was encouraging to know that she was listening and understanding the material.

We built a teepee, memorized some verses, cooked a meal and even acted out important scenes from early American history.  We are looking forward to continuing with this curriculum.  It is a lot of fun, even for the mom, and that is saying something.  :-)

I am also looking forward to getting the suggested literature books to supplement what we are doing in the course.  I know Kiddo will enjoy the selections.

If you are looking for a curriculum that is hands-on, that has your children not only reading and listening, but doing, this would be a great fit for your family, as it was for ours.  I have found in my own history classrooms, that this is the best way that history is learned-- when you actually live it. Anything can be memorized for a short time for a test, but has it really been learned and appreciated and valued?  The history of our great nation is a an amazing one, not without fault, but one of which we can be enormously proud.  I am glad I found a curriculum that understands that and wants children to be engaged in and love learning all about it.

For $98.99, you would receive the digital download of the following products ($98.99 also for the printed version)

Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History Book Part I

Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History Book Part II

Additional Material Download (timelines, artwork, etc.)

Historical Skits

Sing Some History CD (great songs from history)

Listen to some U.S. History (famous speeches, sermons, etc.)

Optional Coloring Book (for the younger set)

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