I have a questioin concerning Florida not having required subjects for homeschoolers to teach. What does this mean exactly? I have a dd that doesn't like history at all. While reading along with her, I can see why I don't remember much about other countries history. I was just like her, not at all interested in it. I can barely sit there and read along with her. I only do this to make sure she is where she should be with her reading. I personally feel we should study our own country/states history. That is what I really loved reading about in history. She gets excited when she learns something about our own country. She makes sure we know it. ... She is in 6th grade this year, and I would like your comments/ideas/thoughts on this, please. Is there anyone here that only teaches our own countries history? If I only taught her, The History of America, would she really be missing something later on? How much does a student really remember about another countries history? I'm not sure what to do here. I'm not sure what would happen if I chose not to teach it. I'm afraid, I could somehow later on get into some sort of trouble. But, I have read over the laws of Florida and I do not see anywhere that requires us to teach history. What I would like to do, and what I feel she would like, is to teach American History. I would like to concentrate on Florida, American History, maps, and location of important rivers/oceans all over the world. Then again, I'm afraid when she has to take tests, there will be something missing that I didn't teach. On the other hand, I wonder just how much she'll remember about other countires. Can I please have your thoughts on this? TIA, LisaM
Hi, Lisa! What you're going to get is MY OPINION ONLY! You don't have to agree with me First of all, I know NOTHING about Florida. But regardless, I think it'd be a big mistake to only teach U.S. History. The history of this country is BASED on the all the world history that took place before it. You have to understand Western Civilization, at the very least, which includes Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, Renaisance, exploriation..... And I believe that Eastern civilization is just as vital. Even today's world events in the Middle East makes so much more sense if you have some understanding of the Muslim world! I think it'd be a big disservice to ignore it. I'm planning on using "The Mystery of History" this year. It's Christian-based, and looks fantastic. I've read lots of good stuff about it. I know TinaTx and some others really like The Story of the World. There's plenty of stuff out there that's not the "cut and dry" history of nothing but names and dates. Just ask, and I'm sure you'll get lots of possibilities!
Oh........I sooo agree with Jackie, Lisa! History was boring for me in school too, but for the fact that what was taught was taught OVER and OVER again...BORING :roll: I agree too that if you teach just US history, its so relatively new compared to the rest of the eras,and not much of it relatively speaking. It would give imho a very myopic or narrow view of what the founding fathers were up against, or what influenced their decisions, good or bad. The earlier world empire's influence were certainly at the heart of their decisions. I want my children also to get a Christian view as to what the early Christians had to put up with. We just had our first lesson, for our new year, in our new Story of the World regarding Rome, its gladiator fights, coliseums and yes don't forget cruelty. I really emphasized the stand the Christians took to not get involved in such violence. What a tragedy when Rome laments pax (peace) as their motto for their era. Anyway, our history lessons absolutely leave us hungering for more. The boys are so enthralled with learning about the dress, culture, food and religion of these ancient civilizations that they agreed the other day it was their best subject yet. :lol: We want to cover US history the same thorough, fun way, but in the order it comes so that we can be sure that we don't miss an intimate details and interesting parts of the story of history until we get to that point. Here again, this is just my opinion and NOTHING is set in concrete, except of course the rules laid out by your state, if any. But I can tell you that by doing it this way, history is soon becoming one of my favorite subjects because of the sheer delight of learning in a way that can deepen appreciation for life itself and our Creator. Just my opinion! Blessings TinaTx
My kids are younger and we do enjoy history around here. We find real books much more interesting than the traditional history text books. You might check out the SonLight, or Beautiful Feet web sites for titles suggestions. Our library is filled, free and has most all of them And of course if your dd is interested in something you can work that in. My two just decided to study Japan in the 80's :roll: My dd was born there. Don't let the text books rule your studies! They can be such a bore :shock: Tammy :wink: www.sonlight.com www.bfbooks.com
Thanks Guys Thanks for all of your opinions. I will try to find more interesting books for her to read. I do think she needs to know history. I will take a look at the suggested web sites. LisaM
