PrincipledMom™

In the younger grades I emphasize American His Story for several reasons:

•  We strive the think governmentally. Even young children can understand the principles inherent to America's founding. We can discuss cause to effect, internal to external and expand the principles as they grow. These principles apply to many things, but they are expressed in our form of government, so we can look there.
• Symbols of America are in all of society. We are surrounded with flags, portraits on money, sayings, holidays and more that lend themselves to curiosity and teachable moments.
• To restore America's Christian history.
• Children enjoy learning about their country. They want to know all about it; the geography, the founding, the Pilgrims and Presidents. We are all naturally curious to know about where we live.
• It is easy to find good literature related to American history.
• It can be easier for young children to relate to than ancient history.
• Because we are Americans. No matter what our family's heritage, we are Americans and should know our own heritage. This seems to cause a problem for a lot of people. If they were to hear about French or Peruvian children studying their histories they would encourage that. But somehow if we want to learn about our own country's Christian His Story, something is wrong.
• They can trace God's Providence readily, so it can be applied to other areas of their lives. They can follow it straight to themselves and see that they fit into God's plan for His Kingdom, America and the world.

To make myself clear, we follow the Chain of Christianity each year, so we do talk about all time periods from Creation to today, I simply choose to spend a little more time on American His Story in the younger grades.

When they are older we discuss the Greeks, Romans and other ancient history in depth when they are able to reason as we are thinking governmentally. I look forward to those days. I just hope I can keep up! lol

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