Homeschool History Curriculum Comparison | Sonlight, Story of the World, Abeka, Mystery of History

Rachel introduces a comprehensive comparison of four history curriculums used in homeschooling over two decades. She aims to provide insights into the advantages and disadvantages of each, guiding viewers on which curriculum might suit their needs. The curriculums include 'A Beka Sunlight Mystery of History' and 'Story of the World,' among others, and are designed to be adaptable to various age groups.

The 'Mystery of History' is a four-volume Christian history program that integrates Bible history with world history. It is designed for all grades from first through twelfth, with increasing reading difficulty across volumes. The curriculum includes a student reader and a companion guide, which offers a variety of activities for different age groups, pretests to build context, and memory cards to reinforce learning. Rachel emphasizes the importance of reading the companion guide to understand the curriculum's structure and benefits fully.

The 'Story of the World' is a four-volume series beloved by many homeschoolers for its narrative style that presents history as an ongoing story. It is suitable for readers of varying ages, with the reading level increasing from ancient times to modern history. To use it as a formal history class, student sheets and tests are available, though not all activities may be completed due to the volume. The series is designed to be engaging for children, with a gradual increase in reading complexity.

Sunlight is a curriculum that weaves history, Bible, and literature together, offering a broad range of books to read through the year. It provides a biblical worldview and includes mainstream secular books, allowing students to appreciate and learn from various perspectives. Sunlight offers different history focuses and levels, from American history to world history, and is appreciated for its variety and the opportunity to engage deeply with literature.

A Beka is a traditional Christian school curriculum that includes history textbooks from first grade to 12th grade. It is characterized by its U.S. history focus, especially in the earlier grades, and provides a structured approach with quizzes, map worksheets, and tests. The curriculum is teacher-friendly, with teacher's guides available, and is suitable for families needing a straightforward, less preparation-intensive history curriculum. However, it may not be as engaging for some homeschoolers due to its textbook format.

In conclusion, Rachel emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a history curriculum. Families should consider their interests, needs, and the current season of their lives when selecting a curriculum. She encourages viewers not to stress about finding a curriculum to use indefinitely, as it's common to switch between curriculums based on different factors, such as the family's location or a child's specific interests.