Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular educational option for families in recent years. And while traditional homeschool curricula often have a religious focus, there are many secular homeschool programs available, including for history.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of secular homeschool history curriculums and highlight some of the best options available.
What is a Secular Homeschool History Program?
A secular homeschool history program is a curriculum designed for homeschoolers that is free from religious or faith-based content. It is designed to teach history from a neutral perspective, without promoting or advocating any particular religious or cultural beliefs.
Secular homeschool history curriculums often use a variety of resources to engage students in the study of history, including living books, primary sources, multimedia resources, and hands-on activities. They may cover a wide range of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern history, and may be designed for students of all ages and grade levels.
The goal of a secular homeschool history curriculum is to provide students with a deep understanding of historical events and concepts, without the influence of religious or faith-based beliefs.
Why Choose a Secular Homeschool History Program?
There are several reasons why a homeschooling family might choose to use a secular homeschool history program:
- Personal Beliefs: Some families may choose to use a secular homeschool history program because they hold personal beliefs that do not align with a religious or faith-based perspective.
- Diversity and Inclusion: A secular homeschool history program can offer a more diverse and inclusive perspective on history, covering a wider range of cultural and social perspectives, and can help students develop a more open-minded and tolerant worldview.
- Objectivity: By using a secular homeschool history program, students can learn about history from a neutral perspective, without any particular religious or cultural bias, allowing them to develop their own opinions and beliefs based on factual information.
- Flexibility: Secular homeschool history programs can be flexible and adaptable to a variety of learning styles, and can be customized to meet the needs of individual students, allowing them to progress at their own pace and level.
- Preparation for the Future: A secular homeschool history program can provide students with a strong foundation in critical thinking, analysis, and research skills, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors.
There are many reasons why a homeschooling family might choose to use a secular homeschool history program. By using a secular curriculum, families can ensure that their children receive a well-rounded education that is free from any particular religious or cultural bias, and that provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.
Top Secular Homeschool History Programs:
- History Quest
History Quest is a secular history curriculum that uses a hands-on, project-based approach to teaching history. It covers world history from ancient times to the present day and is designed to be flexible and adaptable to a variety of learning styles. The program includes a variety of resources, including living books, maps, timelines, and hands-on activities, to help students develop a deep understanding of history.
One of the unique features of History Quest is its focus on inquiry-based learning. Rather than simply memorizing facts and dates, students are encouraged to ask questions and investigate historical events and people. This approach helps students develop critical thinking skills and a love of learning that will serve them well in all areas of their education.
- Curiosity Chronicles
Curiosity Chronicles is another secular history curriculum that uses living books to teach history. It covers world history from ancient times to modern day and is designed to be engaging and interesting for students of all ages. Curiosity Chronicles includes a variety of resources, including living books, maps, timelines, and hands-on projects, to help students develop a deep understanding of history.
One of the unique features of Curiosity Chronicles is its use of “story anchors” to help students remember key historical events and people. These story anchors are short, engaging stories that tie together the various events and people of a particular time period. By using these story anchors, students are better able to connect with and remember the historical events they are learning about.
- History Odyssey:
History Odyssey is a secular history program that covers world history from ancient times to modern day. This program emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and research skills through a variety of activities, including reading, writing, and hands-on projects. History Odyssey also offers a variety of resources for parents, including lesson plans, activity guides, and a community forum.
- Moving Beyond the Page
Moving Beyond the Page is a secular homeschool curriculum that offers a variety of units and programs, including history. Their history program covers topics such as ancient civilizations, world history, and American history, and is designed for students in grades 3-12. Moving Beyond the Page’s approach to history is interdisciplinary, integrating language arts, social studies, and science into their lessons. The program uses a variety of resources, including living books, videos, and hands-on activities, to engage students in the study of history.
Check out my in depth review on Moving Beyond the Page: A Comprehensive Homeschool Curriculum here.
- Beautiful Feet Books
Beautiful Feet Books is a Charlotte Mason style homeschool curriculum that uses living books to teach history. Living books are books that bring history to life and engage the reader in a way that dry textbooks can’t. They are written by passionate authors who love their subject matter and present it in an interesting and engaging way.
Beautiful Feet Books has been around since 1984 and is known for its focus on literature-based learning. The company’s founder, Rea Berg, started the company when she was looking for a way to teach her own children history in a way that was engaging and meaningful. She found that using living books made all the difference.
- OER Project
OER Project, short for Open Educational Resources Project, is a free online curriculum that covers world history from ancient times to the present day. It is designed for high school students and uses primary sources and multimedia resources to help students develop a deep understanding of historical events and concepts. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing homeschoolers to customize the curriculum to fit their students’ needs.
- Blossom and Root
Blossom and Root is a secular homeschool curriculum that offers a variety of programs, including history. Their history program covers world history from ancient times to the present day, and is designed for students in grades K-6. Blossom and Root’s approach to history is interdisciplinary, integrating language arts, geography, and art into their lessons. The program uses a variety of resources, including living books, art projects, and hands-on activities, to engage students in the study of history.
- Smithsonian History Explorers
Smithsonian History Explorers is a secular homeschool program that offers a variety of resources, including videos, articles, and hands-on activities, to help students explore history. The program covers a wide range of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern history, and is designed to be engaging and informative for students of all ages. Smithsonian History Explorers also offers a variety of resources for educators, including lesson plans and classroom materials.
- Oh Freedom! Woke Homeschooling
Oh Freedom! is a secular homeschool program from Woke Homeschooling that focuses on Black history and culture in the United States. The program is designed for students in grades 4-8 and uses a variety of resources, including living books, videos, and hands-on activities, to help students explore the history of Black people in the United States. Oh Freedom! is designed to be empowering and inspiring for Black students, while also providing education and awareness for students of all backgrounds.
- The Story of the World:
The Story of the World is a four-volume series that covers world history from ancient times to the present day. This program is written by Susan Wise Bauer, a historian and homeschooling parent, and is designed to be engaging and accessible for children of all ages. The Story of the World uses a narrative approach that emphasizes the stories behind historical events, making it easy for children to remember and understand.
- A History of Us:
A History of Us is a ten-volume series that covers American history from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Written by Joy Hakim, a former teacher and journalist, this program is designed to be engaging and informative for children of all ages. A History of Us incorporates primary source documents, including letters, diaries, and speeches, to help children understand the people and events that shaped American history.
Secular homeschool history programs offer families an alternative to traditional religious-based curricula. These programs provide a diverse and inclusive perspective on history, while also teaching critical thinking and research skills. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive world history program or an in-depth look at American history, there are many excellent secular homeschool history programs available to choose from. By selecting one that’s right for your child’s learning style and interests, you’ll help them develop a love for history that will last a lifetime.
