The Story Of The World, Volume 1: Ancient Times

Title: The Story Of The World: History For The Classical Child, Volume 1: Ancient Times (From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor)

Author: Susan Wise Bauer

Overall Rating (1-10): 9

Value (1-10): 9

Flexibility (1-10): 10

Ages/Grades: Grades 1-4

Review:

This book is part of Susan Wise Bauer's history curriculum. It is commonly used by those who use her "The Well-Trained Mind" curriculum as well, although I know plenty of people who use this book outside of her curriculum.

I was interested in this book because I absolutely detested history in school. I learned almost nothing about history and have little desire to be creative in teaching history to my children. My kids are, so far, not too historically curious and I began to worry that I might pass on my history-hating habits to them! I needed to find a way to make history interesting to both of them and I!

The Story of the World is a fantastic way for someone like me to share history with my children! The chapters are broken into very short daily segments. There is a brilliant mix of historically relevant non-fiction and child-friendly story-telling. I found that the segments are just long and interesting enough to hold the attention of my participating children (ages 5-9). The books are written in such a child-friendly way that my kids both comprehend and retain almost everything I read. They are actually eager to read more the next day!

I have read that this particular book is religiously inaccurate, in some people's views. Also it is a pretty brief retelling of only some of the more major historical events. However, my opinion is that it is not meant to be an all-inclusive historical text. It is meant to be a child-friendly springboard into history. There are notes to the parent throughout the book. There is also an available curriculum guide which I hope to review separately and soon. Excerpts of the curriculum guide look like a fantastic way to round out the book itself and will likely be our main history curriculum.

Excerpts of this book can be seen here.

Excerpts of the curriculum guide can be seen here.

Tips: Don't forget to read the notes to parents throughout the book.

Bottom Line: This book makes history fun and interesting and even, dare I say, addicting! It is flexible enough to be used with children who are old enough to hear stories read to them all the way through elementary school. It provides a solid foundation to a huge variety of historical timeframes, places, cultures and societies. You may feel the need to supplement, but that is part of the beauty of homeschooling! And the price, at just around $17, can't be beat!

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