American History (Focus on Exploring America, Colonies)
2nd yr- World History Overview (Medieval/ Early Renaissance, 400-1600)
American History (Focus on Revolutionary War)
3rd yr- World History Overview (Late Renaissance/Early Modern,1600-1910)
American History (Focus on Pioneers, Civil War, Indians)
4th yr- World History & American History Merge (20th Century, 1918-2000)
British History
5th yr- Non Indo-European Cultures
British History
6th yr- World History in Depth (Ancients, Creation-AD500)
7th yr- World History in Depth (Middle Ages 500-1400)
8th yr- World History in Depth (Renaissance/Reformation/Exploration 1400-1600)
9th yr- World History in Depth (Age of Revolutions I US/Europe, 1600-1800)
10th yr- World History in Depth (Age of Revolutions II US/Europe, 1800-1865)
11th yr- World History in Depth (Age of Revolutions III US/Europe, 1865-2000)
We study world history in chronological order. The first four-year cycle begins with a brief overview of ancient history. This is where I differ somewhat from Charlotte Mason methodology. She did not include biblical readings with history but studied it separately. I want my children to realize that the Bible is a valid historical record of the Hebrews (and other early civilizations) and so, have included it in our study of ancient history.
At the same time we study American history and the two studies (world and American) merge in year four with the 20th century. Meanwhile, in year four and five, the student studies British history, which is really a study of our own ancestory. By this time, the students are making daily connections with the literature readings and their excitement is truly a joy to behold.
In year five we take a break from the chronological study of history and study non-European cultures. The focus is on geography as well. We loosely follow Sonlight’s year five booklist; but you will see that I have made quite a few changes, and additions.
The World history cycle starts over in year six with Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. And in year seven the student enters the House of Education which continues the study of world history by moving on to medieval times using many original sources..
I believe Charlotte Mason’s educational theory is a classical model of education but 'pre-Dorothy Sayers.' If you would like to read more about this, I highly recommend the following sources as starting points:
Norms and Nobility by David Hicks
Reforming Education by Mortimer Adler
Karen Glass’ article about classical education and Charlotte Mason found at:
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/morecharlotte.php
Archives of the CMseries yahoo group-look up classical and Karen Glass
