heartofdakota.com

8smiths,

I don't think your question is crazy at all! I too, am lacking when it comes to knowledge of history, much more than I care to admit!
As I look through all that is selected throughout the HOD programs as far as history, I fully realize that I will be learning a lot right along with my DC. I really am looking forward to it, since when I was in public school (a very long time ago, lol!), I didn't accomplish much more than becoming "glazed over" and taking naps on my desk!
Anyway, just wanted to say that I am right there with you, but I feel like I am in good hands learning what I can along with my kiddos and HOD. How pitiful is it that I am looking forward to learning about the Pilgrims and their way of life! Yahoo!

Candice

You may want to check out books by Stephen Ambrose, my dad gave me one his books as a gift and I devoured it! This is the Amazon link for the book I received
http://www.amazon.com/America-Personal- ... 345&sr=1-5

I just picked this book http://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Courage ... 539&sr=1-2
up at a library used book sale for only $1, in brand new condition.

His style of writing is VERY readable and his love of America shines through.

How about reading the extension pack books? I'm doing that this summer, since one child will be doing Bigger extensions. I know I don't need to, but they look so good. Because they are written for grades 4/5 they are not difficult but the quality is excellent...a perfect summer read. I must confess to really enjoying classic children's books...I still read the whole Anne of Green Gables series and the Chronicles of Narnia every 5 years or so.

maybe go to the Beautiful Feet website and see what they have on a high school level. I personally love the books by Genevieve Foster
http://www.bfbooks.com

Or what about even looking at what Sonlight recommends for the higher grades in those time periods? That might give you some ideas too.

Also check out Christine Miller's "All Through the Ages" book. It is a list of history books by time period and then divided up by age group. It is a great resource.
http://www.nothingnewpress.com/atta.shtml

Winterpromise also has a higher level American history course and may have a few books that would interest you.

I too am lacking in my history knowledge. (And science) I am looking forward to learning right along with my kids!

I learned a lot just by reading CHOW to my ds last year for PHFHG! You'll enjoy that for sure. The extension pack books would be great to read for extra enjoyment, and they correlate with what you'll be studying perfectly. So, I'd give that a whirl!

In Christ,
Julie

"The Story of Liberty" by Charles Coffin is an excellent and thorough read. It is a book that you will pick up again and again.
It has been reprinted from the original 1879 Manuscript. Excellent read. I would start here. (I read all the kids books too its one of the benefits of homeschooling)

I started Beyond in the Spring and I found everything sooo interesting! When I saw The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World (Adapted for young people) by Nathaniel Philbrick at the library, I was extremely excited. It was so much fun to read it at night and then when we did our "school" readings, I could tell the kids, "I just read about that last night". In the morning they would even ask, "What's going on now in your book?". So, that's my one recommendation and I enjoyed it, especially the beginning where it discusses the voyage and the early days of settling. The unabridged version won the National Book Award but I was content with my adapted version . Have fun reading along with your kiddos. Obviously, I do not think that your question is crazy at all!