Order of HOD

[glperky]

Is there a thread or can someone explain to me why HOD does History in the order it does it in. I am just wondering because I keep going back and forth on teaching History order. It seems to make sense to me to teach Amercian History first, because a child can somewhat relate to Amercia. But then I start teaching it that way and think maybe we should have learned about the world before we start talking about moving to Holand and such. Am I making any sense? And can someone help me think through this?

[Nealewill]

I found some info in the FAQs on the web. I remember reading that whole page before deciding on this curriculum for my family LOL.

This was copied and pasted from the Beyond FAQ portion:
Q: Why did you choose to focus on American history first?
A: After having my oldest son move through the time periods chronologically from the Ancients to the present, I found that I would have preferred to wait to discuss myths, legends, other gods, and pagan cultures until he was older and more ready for these concepts. I also found the study of the early time periods was often filled with weighty topics, barbaric behavior, and many stories of cruelty. Even in watered down fashion these didn’t seem to be appropriate topics for young children.
Instead, I wanted my young children to be inspired by stories of American heroes. I wanted to lead them to see God’s providence in the history of our nation. It seems more natural to surround them with stories that are closer in time to where they are today. So, we begin our history study with the patriotic heritage that surrounds us daily.

There may be more in listed in the threads but I thought maybe this would help.

[glperky]

Thank you Daneale. That was very helpful.

[lmercon]

Now that I have been through a good number of the guides, I can really see the benefits of HOD's approach to history. Little children relate better to things that are close to them. They've all heard about Columbus and the Pilgrims, etc. so learning about them in a fuller way helps them make connections. Preparing is a one-year sweep of world history. The next few guides look at each time period with more depth. Many times my son has recalled things from those early years. Also, now that we are learning about the time of the Reformation and Renaissance and the Age of Exploration, my son is now "filling in the blanks" and better understanding those things that led up to the migration of people to the new world. It works very well.
hth,
Laura

[glperky]

Thanks Laura, that does help.