History is more than just a series of events from the past. It’s also a tool to teach civics when done in the right way. The key is to make history come alive in story format, which encourages critical thinking about related topics like civics. Lisa already understood the value of the story format used in the Tuttle Twins curriculum, and she was excited to incorporate these books into her homeschool lessons! The story approach used in the Tuttle Twins curriculum enabled her to make more connections between ideas and cause and effect. Lisa also bought the Tuttle Twins history books knowing these conservative homeschool resources would align with her values and those of the families she serves. She also loves the new Business Basics Grade 3 books that just launched from Tuttle Twins.
PHOTO: Tuttle Twins
Taking the Story Approach to History
Curricula like the Tuttle Twins history books use stories to approach history by bringing the abstract government structures of the past into real life. Students who study the narratives of historical figures who either shaped or challenged society also learn the practical skills of civic agency, how to recognize different perspectives, and how to analyze the media to search for bias presented in their own lives.
Stories about people from the past enable kids to understand the realities they were living in along with the motivations and struggles of a wide range of populations. This fosters compassion and a collaborative mindset that’s required for a pluralistic society.
Using narratives that compete with each other also teaches kids to analyze original sources and encourages them to form their own conclusions, which is in line with the deliberation required for responsible citizenship.
History also shows that democracy is not a static institution. This ideology can expand or be lost, and when kids study what happened in past civic actions, both successful and failed, they begin to understand their own potential to become changemakers in society.
Finally, kids who study history in a story format also learn how to understand the origins of individual rights and social contracts, enabling them to better articulate their place in today’s society while addressing current issues in the political sphere.
PHOTO: Tuttle Twins
Joining the Movement Sparked by America 250
The leadup to America 250 has encouraged more and more parents to look to the past to teach civics. In fact, a nationwide poll from the Jack Miller Center found that most American parents believe civic education should focus on American history.
They’re taking their kids’ civics education into their own hands using historical narratives like those found in the Tuttle Twins curriculum. They’re also using founding documents and family stories to drive home civic values.
One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is being able to teach subjects your kids might not learn in a traditional school setting until they’re older. You can also teach in a way that your kids may have an easier time learning than they would in a public school. The right homeschool civics curriculum will also help you create special moments with your kids as you reinforce what they’re learning from books in conversations around the dinner table. Your kids will remember those conversations forever as they grow into mature, civic-minded adults.
Leave a Reply