LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 A couple of people asked about this in one of the planning threads, so here are the lesson plans I wrote for my girls to do American history with a combination of American Girl and Childhood of Famous Americans books. We do school 4 days a week, so that worked out to 12 lessons for each girl's unit. I listed the extra AG books and scheduled some history audiobooks we like at the end of each unit; I'm not going to schedule those but just pull from them as we're interested. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Kaya Day 1: Meet Kaya chapers 1-2 The Story of America pages 6-9 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Kaya chapters 3-4 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 180-181 Timeline, notebooking page Day 3: Kaya's Escape! Kaya's World Intro and Chapter 1: We the People Day 4: Kaya's Escape! Kaya's World Chapter 2: Growing Up Day 5: Kaya's Hero Kaya's World Chapter 3: The Beauty of Life Day 6: Kaya's Hero Kaya's World Chapter 4: The Rhythm of the Seasons Day 7: Kaya and the Lone Dog Kaya's World Chapter 5: Expanding Horizons and Conc. Day 8: Kaya and the Lone Dog Pocahontas: Young Peacemaker pages 11-46 Day 9: Kaya Shows the Way Pocahontas: Young Peacemaker pages 47-76 Day 10: Kaya Shows the Way Pocahontas: Young Peacemaker pages 77-104 Day 11: Changes for Kaya Pocahontas: Young Peacemaker pages 105-137 Day 12: Changes for Kaya Pocahontas: Young Peacemaker pages 138-end Kaya's Short Story Collection The Silent Stranger (A Kaya Mystery) The Ghost Wind Stallion (A Kaya Mystery) Clash of Cultures by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 3 chapters 1-11 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Felicity Day 1: Meet Felicity chapters 1-3 The Story of America pages 10-13 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Felicity chapters 4-5 and Looking Back History Year By Year pages 186-189 Timeline, notebooking page Day 3: Felicity Learns a Lesson Felicity's World Intro: Welcome to Felicity's World Day 4: Felicity Learns a Lesson Felicity World Chapter 1: Growing Up Day 5: Felicity's Surprise chapters 1-3 Felicity's World Chapter 2: At Home, at Work Day 6: Felicity's Surprise chapters 4-5 and Looking Back Felicity's World Chapter 3: Every Man and Woman His Own Doctor Day 7: Happy Birthday, Felicity! Felicity's World Chapter 4: Disturbing the King's Peace and Conc. Day 8: Happy Birthday, Felicity! Abigail Adams: Girl of Colonial Days pages 11-54 Day 9: Felicity Saves the Day Abigail Adams: Girl of Colonial Days pages 55-80 Day 10: Felicity Saves the Day Abigail Adams: Girl of Colonial Days pages 81-124 Day 11: Changes for Felicity Abigail Adams: Girl of Colonial Days pages 125-167 Day 12: Changes for Felicity Abigail Adams: Girl of Colonial Days pages 168-end Felicity's Short Story Collection Very Funny, Elizabeth Peril at King's Creek (A Felicity Mystery) Traitor in Williamsburg (A Felicity Mystery) Lady Margaret's Ghost (A Felicity Mystery) Felicity's Cookbook Felicity's Craft Book The American Revolution by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 3 chapters 12-23 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Caroline Day 1: Meet Caroline The Story of America pages 14-17 Timeline, notebooking pages, map Day 2: Meet Caroline History Year by Year pages 202-203 Timeline, notebooking pages Day 3: Caroline's Secret Message Dolly Madison: Quaker Girl pages 11-48 Day 4: Caroline's Secret Message Dolly Madison: Quaker Girl pages 49-89 Day 5: A Surprise for Caroline Dolly Madison: Quaker Girl pages 90-128 Day 6: A Surprise for Caroline Dolly Madison: Quaker Girl pages 129-154 Day 7: Caroline Takes a Chance Dolly Madison: Quaker Girl pages 155-end Day 8: Caroline Takes a Chance Sacagawea: American Pathfinder pages 11-43 Day 9: Caroline's Battle Sacagawea: American Pathfinder pages 44-79 Day 10: Caroline's Battle Sacagawea: American Pathfinder pages 80-114 Day 11: Changes for Caroline Sacagawea: American Pathfinder pages 115-148 Day 12: Changes for Caroline Sacagawea: American Pathfinder pages 149-end Traitor in the Shipyard (A Caroline Mystery) The Traveler's Tricks (A Caroline Mystery) The Smuggler's Secrets (A Caroline Mystery) The Jeffersonian Republicans: The Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812 by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 3 chapters 24-33 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Josefina Day 1: Meet Josefina chapters 1-2 The Story of America pages 18-21 Timeline, notebooking pages, map Day 2: Meet Josefina chapters 3-4 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 204-205 Day 3: Josefina Learns a Lesson chapters 1-2 Josefina's World Intro. and Chapter 1: Home Day 4: Josefina Learns a Lesson chapters 3-4 and Looking Back Josefina's World Chapter 2: Rhythm of Life Day 5: Josefina's Surprise chapters 1-2 Josefina's World Chapter 3: Community Day 6: Josefina's Surprise chapters 3-4 and Looking Back Josefina's World Chapter 4: Links to Spain and Mexico Day 7: Happy Birthday, Josefina! Josefina's World Chapter 5: Meeting of the Frontiers and Conc. Day 8: Happy Birthday, Josefina! Elizabeth Blackwell: Girl Doctor pages 11-45 Day 9: Josefina Saves the Day Elizabeth Blackwell: Girl Doctor pages 46-92 Day 10: Josefina Saves the Day Elizabeth Blackwell: Girl Doctor pages 93-139 Day 11: Changes for Josefina chapter 1-2 Elizabeth Blackwell: Girl Doctor pages 140-175 Day 12: Changes for Josefina chapter 3-4 and Looking Back Elizabeth Blackwell: Girl Doctor pages 176-end Josefina's Short Story Collection Secrets in the Hills (A Josefina Mystery) The Glowing Heart (A Josefina Mystery) Josefina's Craft Book Josefina's Cookbook Hispanic America, Texas, and the Mexican War by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 3 chapters 34-40 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Marie-Grace and Cecile Day 1: Meet Marie-Grace The Story of America pages 22-25 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Marie-Grace History Year by Year pages 218-219 Timeline, notebooking page Day 3: Meet Cecile Sojourner Truth: Voice of Freedom pages 1-28 Day 4: Meet Cecile Sojourner Truth: Voice of Freedom pages 29-57 Day 5: Marie-Grace and the Orphans Sojourner Truth: Voice of Freedom pages 58-88 Day 6: Marie-Grace and the Orphans Sojourner Truth: Voice of Freedom pages 89-126 Day 7: Troubles for Cecile Sojourner Truth: Voice of Freedom pages 127-end Day 8: Troubles for Cecile Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross pages 11-50 Day 9: Marie-Grace Makes a Difference Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross pages 51-83 Day 10: Marie-Grace Makes a Difference Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross pages 84-123 Day 11: Cecile's Gift Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross pages 124-151 Day 12: Cecile's Gift Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross pages 152-end The Hidden Gold (A Marie-Grace and Cecile Mystery) The Cameo Necklace (A Marie-Grace and Cecile Mystery) The Haunted Opera (A Marie-Grace and Cecile Mystery) Slavery and the Coming of the Civil War by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 3 chapters 41-42 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Kirsten Day 1: Meet Kirsten chapters 1-3 The Story of America pages 26-29 Timeline, notebooking pages, map Day 2: Meet Kirsten chapters 4-5 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 214-215 Timeline, notebooking page Day 3: Kirsten Learns a Lesson chaptes 1-3 Kirsten's World Intro. and Chapter 1: The New Land Day 4: Kirsten Learns a Lesson chapters 4-5 and Looking Back Kirsten's World Chapter 2: Settling In Day 5: Kirsten's Surprise chapters 1-3 Kirsten's World Chapter 3: Frontier Life Day 6: Kirsten's Surprise chapters 4-5 and Looking Back Kirsten's World Chapter 4: A Rich Mix Day 7: Happy Birthday, Kirsten! Kirsten's World Chapter 5: Dakota Conflict Day 8: Happy Birthday, Kirsten! Laura Ingalls Wilder: Young Pioneer pages 11-52 Day 9: Kirsten Saves the Day Laura Ingalls Wilder: Young Pioneer pages 53-89 Day 10: Kirsten Saves the Day Laura Ingalls Wilder: Young Pioneer pages 90-125 Day 11: Changes for Kirsten Laura Ingalls Wilder: Young Pioneer pages 126-165 Day 12: Changes for Kirsten Laura Ingalls Wilder: Young Pioneer pages 166-end Kirsten's Short Story Collection The Runaway Friend (A Kirsten Mystery) Kirsten's Craft Book Kirsten's Cookbook Indians, Cowboys, and Farmers by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 4 chapters 1-4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Addy Day 1: Meet Addy chapters 1-3 The Story of America pages 30-33 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Addy chapters 4-5 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 220-223 Timeline, notebooking pages Day 3: Addy Learns a Lesson Addy's World Intro: Welcome to Addy's World Day 4: Addy Learns a Lesson Addy's World Chapter 1: North to Freedom Day 5: Addy's Surprise Addy's World Chapter 2: The South Day 6: Addy's Surprise Addy's World Chapter 3: At War Within Day 7: Happy Birthday, Addy! Addy's World Chapter 4: Starting New Lives and Conc. Day 8: Happy Birthday, Addy! Harriet Tubman: Freedom's Trailblazer pages 1-44 Day 9: Addy Saves the Day chapters 1-2 Harriet Tubman: Freedom's Trailblazer pages 45-80 Day 10: Addy Saves the Day chapters 3-4 and Looking Back Harriet Tubman: Freedom's Trailblazer pages 81-123 Day 11: Changes for Addy Harriet Tubman: Freedom's Trailblazer pages 124-150 Day 12: Changes for Addy Harriet Tubman: Freedom's Trailblazer pages 151-189 Addy's Short Story Collection Shadows on Society Hill (An Addy Mystery) Addy's Craft Book Addy's Cookbook The Civil War by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 4 5-11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Samantha Day 1: Meet Samantha chapters 1-3 The Story of America pages 34-37 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Samantha chapters 4-6 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 236-237 Timeline, notebooking page Day 3: Samantha Learns a Lesson Samantha's World Intro. and Chapter 1: From Country to City Day 4: Samantha Learns a Lesson Samantha's World Chapter 2: Health, Fitness, and Coca-Cola Day 5: Samantha's Surprise Samantha's World Chapter 3: Happiness Moments Day 6: Samantha's Surprise Samantha's World Chapter 4: The Immigrants Day 7: Happy Birthday, Samantha! Samantha's World Chapter 5: The Reformers Day 8: Happy Birthday, Samantha! Susan B. Anthony: Champion of Women's Rights pages 11-52 Day 9: Samantha Saves the Day Susan B. Anthony: Champion of Women's Rights pages 53-84 Day 10: Samantha Saves the Day Susan B. Anthony: Champion of Women's Rights pages 85-122 Day 11: Changes for Samantha Susan B. Anthony: Champion of Women's Rights pages 123-160 Day 12: Changes for Samantha Susan B. Anthony: Champion of Women's Rights pages 161-end Nellie's Promise Samantha's Short Story Collection The Curse of Ravenscourt (A Samantha Mystery) The Stolen Sapphire (A Samantha Mystery) The Cry of the Loon (A Samantha Mystery) Clue in the Castle Tower (A Samantha Mystery) Danger is Paris (A Samantha Mystery) Samantha's Craft Book Samantha's Cookbook Samantha's Friendship Fun Samantha's Ocean Liner Adventure The Rise of Industry by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 4 chapters 12-17 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Rebecca (I did something a bit different here, and scheduled an overview of world religions for the history selections. The Celebrations book is for elementary, and One World, Many Religions could be used for upper elementary or middle school.) Day 1: Meet Rebecca chapters 1-3 The Story of America pages 38-41 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Rebecca chapters 4-5 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 240-243 Timeline, notebooking page Day 3: Rebecca and Ana chapters 1-3 Celebrations pages 14-15 (Purim) One World, Many Religions pages 1-5 Day 4: Rebecca and Ana chapters 4-5 and Looking Back Celebrations pages 52-53 (Hanukkah) One World, Many Religions pages 6-11 Day 5: Candlelight for Rebecca Celebrations pages 22-23 (Fassika/Easter) One World, Many Religions pages 13-17 Day 6: Candlelight for Rebecca Celebrations pages 56-57 (Christmas) One World, Many Religions pages 18-22 Day 7: Rebecca and the Movies Celebrations pages 36-37 (Eid ul-Fitr) One World, Many Religions pages 25-28 Day 8: Rebecca and the Movies picture book about Ramadan One World, Many Religions pages 29-34 Day 9: Rebecca to the Rescue Celebrations pages 18-19 (Holi) One World, Many Religions pages 37-42 Day 10: Rebecca to the Rescue Celebrations pages 50-51 (Diwali) One World, Many Religions pages 43-46 Day 11: Changes for Rebecca Celebrations pages 32-33 (Esala Perahera) One World, Many Religions pages 49-52 Day 12: Changes for Rebecca Celebrations 16-17 One World, Many Religions pages 54-60 Secrets at Camp Nokomis (A Rebecca Mystery) A Bundle of Trouble (A Rebecca Mystery) The Crystal Ball (A Rebecca Mystery) A Growing Suspicion (A Rebecca Mystery) A Century of Immigration by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 4 chapters 18-23 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Kit Day 1: Meet Kit chapters 1-2 The Story of America pages 42-45 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Kit chapters 3-4 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 248-251 Timeline, Notebooking page Day 3: Kit Learns a Lesson Kit's World Intro: Welcome to Kit's World Day 4: Kit Learns a Lesson Kit's World Chapter 1: Want Amid Plenty Day 5: Kit's Surprise Kit's World Chapter 2: From Bread Bowl to Dust Bowl Day 6: Kit's Surprise Kit's World Chapter 3: How We Coped Day 7: Happy Birthday, Kit! Chapters 1-2 Kit's World Chapter 4: A New Deal and Conc. Day 8: Happy Birthday, Kit! Chapters 3-4 and Looking Back Amelia Earhart: Young Aviator pages 11-63 Day 9: Kit Saves the Day chapters 1-2 Amelia Earhart: Young Aviator pages 64-100 Day 10: Kit Saves the Day chapters 3-4 and Looking Back Amelia Earhart: Young Aviator pages 101-146 Day 11: Changes for Kit chapters 1-2 Amelia Earhart: Young Aviator pages 147-204 Day 12: Changes for Kit chapters 3-4 and Looking Back Amelia Earhart: Young Aviator pages 205-end Really Truly Ruthie Kit's Short Story Collection Danger at the Zoo (A Kit Mystery) Midnight in Lonesome Hollow (A Kit Mystery) A Thief in the Theater (A Kit Mystery) Missing Grace (A Kit Mystery) Intruders at Rivermead Manor (A Kit Mystery) The Jazzman's Trumpet (A Kit Mystery) Kit's Friendship Fun Kit's Railway Adventure Progressivism, the Great Depression, and the New Deal by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 4 chapters 24-26 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Molly Day 1: Meet Molly chapters 1-2 The Story of America pages 46-49 Timeline, notebooking page, map Day 2: Meet Molly chapters 3-4 and Looking Back History Year by Year pages 260-261 Timeline, notebooking page Day 3: Molly Learns a Lesson Molly's World Intro. and Chapter 1: Declaring War Day 4: Molly Learns a Lesson Molly's World Chapter 2: Making Do Day 5: Molly's Surprise chapters 1-2 Molly's World Chapter 3: Taking Charge Day 6: Molly's Surprise chapters 3-4 and Looking Back Molly's World Chapter 4: Morale Boosters Day 7: Happy Birthday, Molly! Chapters 1-3 Molly's World Chapter 5: The War Front and Conc. Day 8: Happy Birthday, Molly! Chapters 4-5 and Looking Back Eleanor Roosevelt: Fighter for Social Justice pages 11-34 Day 9: Molly Saves the Day Eleanor Roosevelt: Fighter for Social Justice pages 35-69 Day 10: Molly Saves the Day Eleanor Roosevelt: Fighter for Social Justice pages 70-112 Day 11: Changes for Molly Eleanor Roosevelt: Fighter for Social Justice pages 113-158 Day 12: Changes for Molly Eleanor Roosevelt: Fighter for Social Justice pages 159-end Molly's Short Story Collection Brave Emily A Spy on the Home Front The United States in World War II by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 4 chapters 27-34 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Melody Day 1: No Ordinary Sound chapters 1-3 The Story of America pages 54-57 Timeline, notebooking pages, map Day 2: No Ordinary Sound chapters 4-6 History Year by Year pages 274-277 Timeline, notebooking pages Day 3: No Ordinary Sound chapters 7-9 Rosa Parks: Young Rebel pages 11-52 Day 4: No Ordinary Sound chapters 10-12 Rosa Parks: Young Rebel pages 53-80 Day 5: No Ordinary Sound chapters 13-15 Rosa Parks: Young Rebel pages 81-132 Day 6: No Ordinary Sound chapters 16-18 Rosa Parks: Young Rebel pages 133-171 Day 7: Never Stop Singing chapters 1-3 Rosa Parks: Young Rebel pages 177-222 Day 8: Never Stop Singing chapters 4-6 Coretta Scott King: First Lady of Civil Rights pages 1-48 Day 9: Never Stop Singing chapters 7-9 Coretta Scott King: First Lady of Civil Rights pages 49-94 Day 10: Never Stop Singing chapters 10-12 Coretta Scott King: First Lady of Civil Rights pages 95-136 Day 11: Never Stop Singing chapters 13-15 Coretta Scott King: First Lady of Civil Rights pages 137-176 Day 12: Never Stop Singing chapters 16-17 and Inside Melody's World Coretta Scott King: First Lady of Civil Rights pages 177-end The Lady's Slipper (A Melody Mystery) Music in My Heart: My Journey with Melody The Changing Face of American Society by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier SOTW 4 chapters 35-42 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athomeontheprairie Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Thanks! What is the "story of America"? I found several books by that title, can you link the one you used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 This one: https://www.amazon.com/American-Girl-Story-America-DK/dp/1465456899/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1502727808&sr=8-9&keywords=the+story+of+america Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKT Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 (edited) We did almost this exactly same plan when we did our American Girl studies! I just want to encourage anyone out there to try this; my girls and I did this as our history studies for the past two years and it was just the best. It gave them so much context for American history. (We now constantly say things like, "Yes, that happened during Addy's time," or "That event happened between Molly and Julie" etc.) I just feel like my kids have a solid mental timeline for American history now. (And no, the novels aren't great literature or anything, but they make the time period so accessible to kids, and the nonfiction books (Molly's World, etc.) are excellent. We also added in nonfiction picture books about relevant figures, events, and presidents, etc. It was great! My oldest is about to begin 5th grade, so we're returning to the classic history cycle/the ancients this year, but I thought American history and especially the American Girl stuff was so great for early elementary. (It's so great of you to share your plans!) The American Girl audiobooks are also great. (We read the actual books, but my girls wanted to listen to the audiobooks from the library over and over again afterward.) Anyway, highly recommend! :-) Edited August 14, 2017 by EKT 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthmerlin Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 A couple quick questions. My daughter has 2 AG dolls but really isn't into them. Do you think the books can still spark an interest in history? And the reverse: did reading the books make the kids want more dolls? I ask because I want to study history with her but am not sure if this line of books is too much of a commercial for AG. Sorry if my questions seem silly or whatnot but I'm just not too familiar with this brand. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sk8ermaiden Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 The books are, IMO, awesome. They're not a commercial at all and can be done without ever owning a doll. They don't dumb down the hard parts of history (Kirsten's best friend dies of Cholera on the boat over). As someone said, they're not high literature, but reading them with my DD, I am struck by how good they are at taking the history and making it interesting and tangible to a young girl. And then at the back (of the old books, don't know about the Beforevers), there is always a section that talks about anything in the story that might not have been 100% accurate or typical, as well as having pictures and descriptions of a many other pertinent things. DD loves them and they spawn so many interesting discussions. We're doing a two year AG history unit, but ours is mostly reading+hands on. Lots of fun crafts and field trips planned! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExcitedMama Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 Any recommendations on what age to start? Did anyone start this while running older history cycles? DD is almost 5 and I'm planning on doing Ancients but I'm worried if I wait 3-4 years to do AG concurrent with history she will be too old for it. EarthMerlin I had Samantha as a child and originally the doll line was meant to teach or at least familiarize girls with different periods in history. I think studying the books for the dolls could reignite a love for the dolls but I don't think you need to worry about it being a commercial. Especially since so many of the historical dolls are retired now (think Disney vault) so you couldn't even buy them if you wanted to. You could always consider buying an outfit or something from a doll collection that's still available and having her dolls dress up. I enjoyed reading about the dolls and looking at their collections in the catalog brought the different periods to life when I was young. Have you checked your library for the books? You might be able to see if she likes them that way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sk8ermaiden Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 My DD is 8 and loving them. I think 7-9 is really prime age for loving them AND understanding them. We read some when she was several years younger and she enjoyed them, but she didn't get nearly as much out of them. The discussion we are having this time around about different cultures or ways of life vs. ours are great! Now, the books aren't challenging for that age, especially if you have an advanced reader, but that just makes it easier to read them all without it taking forever. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKT Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 Yes, as far as ages, we started our 2-year study when my girls were 8 and 6, and finished when they were 9 and 7. It was perfect! (Though there is definitely no objectionable content in any of the books, if you happen to have smaller ears listening along to the read-alouds.) But I agree that 6-9-ish is the perfect age range to not only enjoy the stories, but also to retain important historical facts and really understand/contextualize everything. FWIW, I originally started doing ancients (the classical history cycle) when my oldest was in first grade, but she just wasn't connecting with the content--it seemed too abstract to her, I think. So we fumbled around for a bit, but I finally decided to ditch the classical cycle until 5th grade and just do American history for 1-4th grades. It worked well for us! My girls really seemed to be able to understand things that happened here, you know? It helps that we live on the east coast where lots of significant early American history took place, and we were able to weave in lots of exciting field trips, etc. Now that my oldest is headed into 5th, we are picking up the classical cycle once again (ancients, this coming year) and I don't think my girls have been harmed a bit academically because of those decisions. As for the commercialism of AG, the historical books are really not commercial at all. I mean, they were obviously originally produced by the AG company for the purpose of selling their stuff, but nothing in the books themselves is trying to sell you something. My daughters each have a TrulyMe AG doll (a doll that looks like them, not a historical character), but that's it. We enjoy AG, and will occasionally buy doll food or outfits for holidays, etc., but our two-year history unit has not turned my kids into shopaholics or anything, I promise! You can absolutely enjoy the books alone with no worries about the commercial aspect. (In fact, if your kids don't know that AG dolls exist, they are going to think the historical characters are akin to any other character in any other book.) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKT Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 (edited) Hey, I have this nonfiction reading list that we used; I figured I'd add it here for anyone who might want it. (It took me all of two seconds to cut and paste it from my own Google doc!) But basically, we read the historical novels in the same way as the OP, then we would read these nonfiction books. (The book The American Story also had relevant chapters I sprinkled in wherever possible.) We would do field trips wherever possible, too. We studied 8 historical characters in all, but some we spent more time on some than on others. (For instance, we did quite a deep dive with Kirsten, reading all 9 of the Little House books for our bedtime read alouds at that time. We were also deeply interested in Addy's and Felicity's times.) But all of the time periods are fascinating! Note: All of the books below were available at our library, so YMMV. Hope this is helpful to someone! Nonfiction books for Kaya: Welcome to Kaya's World, 1764: Growing Up in a Native American Homeland by Dottie Raymer The Nez Perce: A First Americans Book by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve A Picture Book of Sacagawea by David A. Adler Sacagawea by Liselotte Erdrich A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark by David A. Adler Nonfiction books for Felicity: Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America by Catherine Gourley A Picture Book of George Washington by David A. Adler The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora Nonfiction books for Josefina: Welcome to Josefina's World, 1824: Growing Up in America's Southwest Frontier by Yvette La Pierre Susanna of the Alamo by John Jakes Nonfiction books for Kirsten: Welcome to Kirsten's World, 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America by Susan Sinnott Roughing It on the Oregon Trail by Diane Stanley Frontier Home by Raymond Bial Sod Houses on the Great Plains by Glen Rounds Nonfiction books for Addy: Welcome to Addy's World, 1864 by Susan Sinnot Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln by Judith St. George Our Abe Lincoln by Jim Aylesworth Abraham Lincoln by Amy L. Cohn An Apple for Harriet Tubman by Glennette Tilley Turner A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman by David A. Adler A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln by David A. Adler A Picture Book of Harriet Beecher Stowe by David A. Adler The Silent Witness: A True Story of the Civil War by Robin Friedman Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson Nonfiction books for Samantha: Welcome to Samantha's World, 1904 by Catherine Gourley Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass by Dean Robbins Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass by Lesa Cline-Ransome Teedie: The Story of Young Teddy Roosevelt by Don Brown The Camping Trip that Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and our National Parks by Barb Rosenstock Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives by Gene Barretta A Picture Book of Thomas Alva Edison by David A Adler Alexander Graham Bell by Victoria Sherrow To Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers by Wendie C. Old Nonfiction books for Kit: Welcome to Kit's World, 1934 by Harriet Brown Eleanor, Quiet No More by Doreen Rappaport Eleanor by Barbara Cooney Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt by Judith St. George Potato: A Tale From the Great Depression by Kate Lied Nonfiction books for Molly: Welcome to Molly's World, 1944 by Catherine Gourley A Picture Book of Anne Frank by David A. Adler Hiding From the Nazis by David A. Adler Anne Frank by Josephine Poole Anne Frank by Yona Zeldis McDonough Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt Edited August 15, 2017 by EKT 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthmerlin Posted August 16, 2017 Share Posted August 16, 2017 (edited) The books are, IMO, awesome. They're not a commercial at all and can be done without ever owning a doll. They don't dumb down the hard parts of history (Kirsten's best friend dies of Cholera on the boat over). As someone said, they're not high literature, but reading them with my DD, I am struck by how good they are at taking the history and making it interesting and tangible to a young girl. And then at the back (of the old books, don't know about the Beforevers), there is always a section that talks about anything in the story that might not have been 100% accurate or typical, as well as having pictures and descriptions of a many other pertinent things. DD loves them and they spawn so many interesting discussions. We're doing a two year AG history unit, but ours is mostly reading+hands on. Lots of fun crafts and field trips planned! Thanks for responding & you have inspired me to look into them! Edited August 16, 2017 by Earthmerlin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share Posted August 18, 2017 Thank you so much for that list EKT. I'm going to print it out for my notebook. I've made a few book basket lists for each girl, for rabbit trails, but I see a number of books there I'd didn't have. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share Posted August 18, 2017 Thanks for responding & you have inspired me to look into them! Check your library for the older versions if possible. They have great history notes at the backs and very nice illustrations and pictures of period items that help young kids visualize the era. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraBeth475 Posted July 16, 2020 Author Share Posted July 16, 2020 I’m bumping this because I loved this class so much and I am teaching it again this year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth86 Posted July 17, 2020 Share Posted July 17, 2020 On 8/13/2017 at 9:32 PM, LauraBeth475 said: A couple of people asked about this in one of the planning threads, so here are the lesson plans I wrote for my girls to do American history with a combination of American Girl and Childhood of Famous Americans books. We do school 4 days a week, so that worked out to 12 lessons for each girl's unit. I listed the extra AG books and scheduled some history audiobooks we like at the end of each unit; I'm not going to schedule those but just pull from them as we're interested. Oh man, my girls are 2 and 4, but I can't wait lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghcostafamily Posted July 18, 2020 Share Posted July 18, 2020 Learn in color has guides and fun quizzes to go along with 4 American girl movies. They cover the world wars and the revolution. Something fun to change things up! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.