History. Not Social Studies!

So, you may have noticed I refuse to call the study of history, social studies.

Have you ever looked up the definition of Social Studies? I have.
It is not comforting.
That phrase can literally encompass any subject. It is intentionally vague, and it is the class category that your local government schools will stick the most heinous of subjects. I do not use that word lightly. It is heinous.
History is the study of events that have happened and people that have lived in the past.
Sadly, history does involve interpretation. There are some things that should be considered factual rather than interpretive, but, the reality is that whoever is writing the curriculum is writing it from their own perspective, worldview, bias and preconceptions.
Even the curriculum I love the most is still subject to this human reality.

What is your perspective on history?

Be aware that the reader brings with them an equal amount of bias. So, think through your own preconceptions as you consider which curriculum is best for your family.
Oh, and do not be afraid to hear opinions you may have never heard. (I have plenty of them, especially on history! 😄)

Biographies

Biographies are a great part of history education. When you have a people person learner, learning through biographies is a wonderful way to make history more than just names and dates on a page, it brings a real person out from the pages of history.

Other Helpful Items

Here are some suggestions for extra help to make history come alive. It is very easy for this subject to fall into "boring" territory!