THIS IS A FINE OVERVIEW OF ANCIENT HISTORY FOR CHILDREN

books:

	• The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to ... Susan Wise Bauer Peace Hill Press, 2006 - 350 pages average customer review:based on 116 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

THIS IS A FINE OVERVIEW OF ANCIENT HISTORY FOR CHILDREN

OK, folks, I was a little confused by the reviews and almost didn't get the book, but I decided I would get it and decide for myself. Having now done so, I THINK IT'S JUST GREAT. Most of the facts, as I've perused the book, are in order. Undoubtedly there are some things I disagree with, but then that's the nature of history. (Just for the record, my Bachelor's Degree is in History). For example, Bauer teaches the standard line that the Hyksos invaded Egypt and took them over by force. So what? That's pretty much the same thing every textbook says and, in my opinion, it's completely false. You've got to discern the facts for yourself and teach them to your children, anyway, but this book gives a good general outline for you to build upon...correcting mistakes, of course, as you go. As for the Hyksos, when you bypass the textbooks and go straight to the sources themselves, what do they say? The ancient Egyptian historian Manetho said the Hyksos (who he and Bauer both refer to as the

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A positive review from a non-Christian homeschooler.

Bauer's book and activity guide are priceless. As a homeschooling parent who is presenting all major religious beliefs to my child and allowing him to decide matters for himself, it is wonderful to finally have these important religions summarized (and in correct chronological order!) at a first-grade level of understanding. (I am assuming Islam is discussed in Volume 2.) In response to the reviewers who claim that this book treats Christ's resurrection as fact, please note that the passage is prefaced with "The Gospels tell the STORY of what happened afer Jesus' death." And following the story of Christ's death and resurrection, the text is: "The followers of Jesus told this STORY all around Jerusalem." Buddha (Siddhartha) is not presented as a myth, but as a historical figure. One of his teachings is presented as a "tale", but that is because it is! It is a parable-like story to teach the value of generosity. I am not suggesting that Bauer is not a Christian writer, but she has written a very even-handed, engaging story of the ancient world. I especially appreciate the inclusion of the ancient American civilizations, but would appreciate the Anasazi being included in future editions. The reviewers who claim this book is biased toward Christianity have clearly failed to read the book. At our home we supplement this book with the Usborne History of the World (Internet-linked) so that we can begin at the very beginning, with the formation of the earth. In this way my son can see how recently humans have been inhabiting the earth compared to, say, bacteria. My 6-year-old loves this book and the activity guide and I am so grateful that it was published. We are also enjoying Mary Pope Osborne's "Tales from the Oddysey" (6 volumes). My son can't wait for each day's exciting installment!

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My Kids are Loving History - CD

First thing my 7 and 8 year olds did this morning was put on this CD which they started listening to yesterday. They have been listening to it for about 2 hours today, and show no indication of ever turning it off.

Reading through the reviews, I realize there are some people that will not want to buy this CD.

1) If you are a fundamentalist Christian who believes that only what is in the Bible should be taught as history, this is not for you.

2) If you are a fundamentalist secularist who believes anything in the Bible, or from Buddhism, Hinduism, or other religions should be omitted from history, this is not for you.

3) If you are looking for a college textbook, this is not for you.

If, on the other hand, you are looking to introduce your younger children to the story of the world, complete with legends and religious beliefs, starting with the nomads of ancient time, HERE IT IS!! It is engaging for children, it is chronological, it brings up great discussion questions, and it gives children a historical outline so when they grow older they will have a historical perspective as they learn more about various cultures. It is quality education that children love- at least mine do.

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Great book for beginning history with your kids

We first checked this book out from our public library but were disappointed to have to return it! We were SO excited to find it- along with three other volumes- for sale on the internet! Our 8 year old daughter is dyslexic and we needed something that we could read aloud to here that would engage her. This is her first taste of history and it is now her FAVORITE subject. The text draws her in by making her an active part of the narrative by asking her thoughtful questions and getting her to participate. She now requests this book for her "reading aloud time" and can't seem to get enough. We are looking forward to getting to the Medieval volume very much (my husband and I are HUGE fans of that period!). It really is very entertaining for the student and the teacher! The only real drawback that I have is that it treats Christianity as matter-of-fact and most of the other beliefs as "legend and lore"...religious beliefs are a part of history and they shape cultures however the narrative is very confusing and awkward and doesn't draw any lines between the "real history" and the legends that were handed down. On the whole though, it is an introduction for a young child and since it is meant to be read aloud, the parent is there to help steer the child in the way of the family's own personal belief structure. We are a Christian family, but I am sensitive to the fact that this book's views on the matter could turn away a lot of people, assuming that the supernatural parts of the Bible really did happen, as they are written, as true history. My high rating is due mostly to the appeal it has to our daughter...getting her to pay attention to anything to do with "learning" is a task! It is truly an engaging book for young children. We are looking forward to the next three books!

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reviews: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, page 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

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