History Resources for Home Educators

History Curriculum...

• Mystery of History is the program we're currently using. It's a chronological history program for the entire family and it seems to be a great fit for us. I also really like the optional "extras" like printable lap books, audio books, etc. 
• Simply Charlotte Mason's six history modules are a chronological study of history over the course of six years. Each module's teacher's manual is $10-15 (e-book or print), and can be taught to all grades from 1-12 b/c there are a few common books you read together as a family (all ages) and some that are based on grade level. 
• If you're interested in either of those two history curriculums, read my review: "Comparing Simply Charlotte Mason History with Mystery of History."
• I will also mention here one set of free lesson plans available as an online download: America's Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty... Free award-winning history lesson plans K-12 via free CD or direct download. I have not used it yet, but it appears to be mainly activities that were intended for a classroom but could work well for co-ops too. 
• ****Regardless of what history curriculum you use, check out The Ultimate Booklist! I combined the booklists from Sonlight and Simply Charlotte Mason and organized them chronologically and by grade. This is the ultimate book list for studying history using living books. I use it to supplement Mystery of History. 

Timeline Notebook

• History Through the Ages Collection CD of printable clip art images you can print out to use for any type of timeline. I print them small to use in a timeline notebook (here's my review post with pictures), but you can also print them large for use on a wall timeline, or small on notecards for review. They can be printed with or without the dates and summary text. Simply Fabulous! 
• My FAVORITE timeline notebook: Amy Pack's History Through the Ages Record of Time which is a beautifully bound timeline in a horizontal three binder. 
• Two free alternatives: Download Simply Charlotte Mason's "Book of Centuries", which is for use in a three-ring binder. OR try my Horizontal Notebook Timeline, which I made intending to custom bind it on the short side. This binding may be done for a minimal fee at Kinkos, or at home with a ProClick, which allows for re-opening the binding later to add or change out pages if necessary. Simply print either one on heavy paper (to allow for gluing) and add to it as you go along. 
• Regardless of what type of timeline you make (notebook, wall, note cards, etc.) add references to it through the years of what ever you read or study. If you have other material you wish to include in the notebook that doesn't fit onto the page (like narration, travel photos, maps, reports, drawings, etc), then just add in a supplement page that's trimmed an inch shorter then the timeline pages, so the timeline pages still stick out past the supplement pages. 
• I also really like our "Stick Figuring Through the Bible," from Grapevine Studies, which is a great way for early elementary children to begin making their own bible timeline. 

Memory Tools

• Classical Conversations Acts & Facts History Timeline Songs - This is the song CC students use to memorize their 161 point timeline. Since they don't have samples to listen to on the site, search on You Tube and you can see/hear people singing it.
• Classical Conversations Acts & Facts History Cards - These go along with the song above.

Ancient History Resources

• Hands on History: Ancient Egypt projects and activities 
• Our Favorite Resources: Here are a few of our favorite books, activities, and online resources for learning about Ancient Egypt
• Living Books by Level for the time period of Creation to Christ (MOH 1)

Online Tools...

• A Book in Time gives book suggestions & activities & crafts, arranged chronologically for teaching history.
• The Learning Calendar   - a free resource highlighting historical birthdays, anniversaries, and provides teaching resources to help you learn about each topic.
• Animated War Maps from History Animated
• Presidents Song  - a catchy tune to learn the US Presidents! You can also print out lyrics sheets & background info written by the author.
• American History in Video  - a website w/ over 2000 videos covering American history from 1492-2000, airing on A & E and the History channel.
• The Oregon Trail - lots of materials designed for home-schoolers & teachers
• A Book in Time gives book suggestions w/ activities & crafts, arranged chronologically for teaching history.

Printables

• Portrait Gallery  Public Domain pictures of historical figures
• Virginia Standards of Learning has lots of PDF "foldables" ready for you to print and assemble.  This would be useful in lapbooking or to add lapbook elements to your timeline notebook.