This study is designed for the teacher of American History who desires to impart to his or her students an understanding of the hand of God in the American saga. Seeing God's hand in the events of the past gives us vision and hope for the future. It is the author's belief that using literature or "living books" will lead students on a path of believing the principle best articulated in the words of Benjamin Franklin, "God rules in the affairs of men." Utilizes America's Providential History by Mark Beliles and Stephen McDowell and the D'Aulaire books. Older students may also want to utilize Teaching and Learning America's Christian History by Rosalie Slater, The Christian History of the Constitution by Verna Hall, and The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall. These additional materials (as well as materials that may not be mentioned) will need to be purchased or borrowed for use with the study guide. For grades K-3, 110 lessons cover from 1000AD -the Vikings through the Civil War.

Familiar with my local library’s copies of the D’Aulaire books, I was intrigued when I found that Rea C. Berg (mother of six) incorporated them into a history course for homeschoolers. I also liked her idea of keeping a notebook for recording Christian principles. Regular assignments direct the young student to paste pictures (photocopied by Mom) into the notebook beside written entries that are mostly copywork. By the end of the school year, the student has a keepsake of meaningful pages.

The picture books listed in Early American History are popular with homeschoolers. I believe they became popular because of this guide. Although the reading list includes 20 books, the notes in the guide are uncluttered. The course doesn’t feel overwhelming; however, I do remember trimming it a little here and there. An important thing I learned early was to do lessons regularly but also tailor lessons to best suit us.

A history lesson three days a week brought us appropriately to Stories of the Pilgrims by November. One story, in particular, opened the mind of my daughter Yolanda. The Courage of Sarah Noble proved to be the right book to expand this quiet child’s abilities to narrate orally. I was so happy she was finally “getting it”—you can read a sample of her narration in A Charlotte Mason Companion, page 128. Some poetry, listening to audio selections from Your Story Hour, and singing with Wee Sing America help to vary activities throughout the year. For grades 4 to 6. 33 pages, softcover from Beautiful Feet.

—Karen

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Reviewed by Kathys (Southeast Wisconsin), July 05, 2008

I discovered Beautiful Feet publishing quite by accident. A friend of mine gave me her copy of Early American History as she was not using it any longer. To say first and foremost I was surprised to see how the instructor's manual was organized in an easy to read format. Secondly I was surprise at how much was content was to be covered. Early American History covers the time period from the Vikings to the Civil War. Living books are the backbone of the curriculum introducing your child to figures in history such as The Pilgrims, Leif the Lucky, Benjamin Franklin, Pocahontas and Abraham Lincoln. During the course of study your child will make a history notebook which will serve as a school keepsake in years to follow. I would suggest purchasing the time line which can be cut apart to place in the history notebook. Along with this curriculum I will be using the activity book "Celebrate America" by Williamson Publishing. Beautiful Feet publishing is an excellant choice for those who are using the Charlott Mason method of education in their homeschool.

Reviewed by Vera (Kingston, NY), February 01, 2001

In his first year of being home-schooled, my 10 year-old son loved this approach to history. It gave depth to our study. The needed books can be gotten through your local library.

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