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Homeschooler’s Guide to Teaching High School History
The study of high school history is one of those subjects in which many view the facts as treasures waiting to be picked up and memorized. While passionate history loving teachers assert that history is best learned by being “caught” instead of “taught”, a passion for history and the knowledge that one can gain from historical events, historical reasoning, and even historical mistakes can be applied to analytical thinking, reasoning, debate, and even evaluation of current events.(See- this article for help on critical thinking)
The study of history should ignite a spark within its students to learn from the past. It is sad then to realize as a nation, history is the American student’s worst subject. On average, the American high schooler knows very little history, just 12% of seniors are proficient in US History.(NAEP) Some blame exit testing and the overt focus on teaching math and language. However, for homeschoolers it’s another story. Homeschoolers can take advantage of the freedom and extra time to incorporate history into writing and reading. Which gives the student a much better opportunity to apply critical thinking to the subject.
What High School History Courses Do I Need to Study?
So, what’s the bottom line? Most states require 3 credits of history to graduate. However, students interested in a political or history based college degree will want to choose an additional history course such as sociology, civics, political science, or international relations as an elective.
| Freshman Year | |
| US History | A Biography of America-timelines, maps, and videos |
| PASS U.S. History text (request CD free by email [email protected]) | |
| Digital History | |
| Hippocampus U.S. History | |
| America in Depression (Free MIT course) | |
| AP U.S. History course | |
| US History – tons of free resources |
| World History | Sophomore Year |
| The Western Tradition – 52 videos | |
| PASS World History text (request CD free by email [email protected]) | |
| Saylors History Course | |
| Interactive maps to help put it together | |
| CLEP – Western Civilization study guide |
| Junior Year | |
Government and Economics |
Democracy in America |
| PASS text (request CD free by email [email protected]) | |
| US Government and Politics | |
| The Constitution video series | |
| Sparks Notes Government study guide | |
| Hippo Campus American Government | |
| MIT Opencourseware Economics | |
| Economics videos | |
| Fundamentals of Economics Course | |
| Senior Year – Options | |
| Sociology |
Intro to Sociology (itunes download) |
| Intro to Sociology e text | |
| The Essential Sociologist | |
| Intro to Sociology coursera | |
| Civics | Fundamentals of American Civics |
| Political Science | Political Science Lectures |
| Foundations of Political Science | |
| International Relations | Do it Yourself Course |
| Chinese International Relations (MIT) | |
| Notre Dame International Relations |
View other Homeschooler’s Guides…..
- Homeschooler’s Guide to Getting a GED
- Homeschooler’s Guide to Teaching High School English
- Homeschooler’s Guide to Teaching High School Math
- Homeschooler’s Guide to Teaching High School Foreign Language
- Homeschooler’s Guide to Teaching High School Science
- Guide to High School Credits for High School
About Jamie
Jamie Gaddy, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D. has been a college education professor for over 17 years. Education has been an integral part of her life in both the classroom and as a principal. Six children later found her dissatisfied with traditional schooling and homeschooling became the better fit. She is also a pastor’s wife, remote project manager, and entrepreneur who now homeschools four of her six children (ages 11-17) in southern Georgia. Jamie loves to share about her homeschool experience and help other homeschoolers find success. Connect with her at [email protected]
April 11, 2014
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