UPDATE: I have created a printable PDF of lesson plans + notes and copywork for all four quarters! Scroll to the end for the free file. Welcome to my lesson plans for Mystery of History Volume 2: The

We will be using Mystery of History Volume 2 this next school year and wanted to share resources that we have found along the way. To make homeschooling less stressful I use the same Science and History for all four of my children. This year we will have grades Kindergarten, Fourth, Tenth and Eleventh. I...Read More »

Pin It Now! The Mystery of History My 6th grader and 9th grader are both reading The Mystery of History Volume II this year. I absolutely love The Mystery of History curriculum and am trying to add in more extra curricular resources this time around since these two are older now. In this particular book in the series, there are only 28 weeks of scheduled lessons, so that means we have 2 weeks per quarter to focus on extras. I have to admit, I dropped the ball on preparation and my kids needed a couple of days to catch up on a few assignments. So, we ended up spending one week on extras instead of two. Resources Because I no longer have children in elementary grades, these resources are targeted toward middle and high schoolers. However, all of the books listed below are considered juvenile books, and are probably just fine for upper elementary kids. My goal for extras is to find fun and interesting resources that are somewhat enjoyable, not ones that conjure up total mental drudgery. :) Videos St. Patrick is my all time favorite story, and below is a short video about his life and calling. We all watched this one. Below is a 45-minute documentary about Masada which my son (9th grader) and I watched. Books Ancient Rome While we didn't get to all of the books, I had my children read a few of them. I even found some to be interesting, especially The Totally Gross History of Ancient Rome. (Sorry, there wasn't an image on Amazon for that one.) Please click on photos to read about each book. The Totally Gross History of Ancient Rome Ancient Maya I found all of the above books at my local library. Other St. Patrick's Breastplate - a beautiful prayer/poem attributed to St. Patrick. Another version of St. Patrick's Breastplate including a video of the song recording also known as "The Deer's Cry." I also had my daughter (6th grader) copy the lines from the prayer starting with Christ with me through Christ in every ear that hears me. Such powerful words! Blessings on your Mystery of History venture. Hope you find some of these resources helpful! This post may be linked up to one or more of these fabulous link-up parties. affiliate links included

This year we are trying out a new history curriculum. After hearing great things about The Mystery of History, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to incorporate The Story of the World (SOTW) since I had several volumes already. I created a lesson planner for The Mystery of History Volume II to […]

Here are our latest Ancient History Paper dolls: Ancient Egypt Ancient Vikings Ancient Rome Elizabethan Era

Key: MOH = Mystery of History, SCM = Simply Charlotte Mason, SL = Sonlight, TT = Tracy's Treasury I'm just going to jump right in to posting this book list. If you're feeling a little lost and want to know what this list is or how to use it... OR if you want to find my similar book lists for other history timeframes, click here! Without further adieu, here we go! Family Books... City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction by David Macaulay - In typical Macaulay style, the story of planning and constructing a fictional Roman city is presented and detailed with lots of illustrations. Fascinating for all ages.
 (SCM family book. Rated 4.8 stars. This one is really neat. It could be used near the end of Volume 1 around lesson 95 or in this volume at the very beginning.) Peril and Peace (History Lives series, Volume 1: Chronicles of the Ancient Church) by Mindy and Brandon Withrow - Living stories that introduce important men in church history. Students in grades 10–12 will read all of this book, while the Family reads selected biographies from it.
 (SCM family book, Am grades 3 and up. Rated 4.5 stars.) The Story of the Romans by H. A. Guerber, edited by Christine Miller (Nothing New Press edition) A living narrative that weaves the story of Ancient Rome. This edited version removes evolutionary comments and honors the Biblical accounts.
 (SCM family book. We really like another book in this series, The Story of the Greeks, so I anticipate that we’ll like this one also. There are several editions of it, so be sure to get this one. The publisher must be “Nothing New Press.”) The Roman Colosseum by Elizabeth Mann - An interesting introduction to the Colosseum; similar in style to David Macaulay’s books but not as much detail. (SCM family book. Rated 4.4 stars. Between MOH lessons 9 & 10. We really like another book in this series, The Great Pyramid, so I anticipate we’ll also like this one.) Famous Men of the Middle Ages, edited by Rob Shearer – (SCM Family book, rated 4.4 stars. This book introduces children to the middle ages through short biographies.) Castle by David Macaulay – (SCM Family book, rated 4.7 stars. We have City by the same author and it’s great. I’m looking forward to Castle & Cathedral when we get to them.) Cathedral by David Macaulay – (SCM Family book, rated 4.4 stars. Looks good.) Ink on His Fingers by Louise Vernon - Louise Vernon has a wonderful series of books that makes the characters of this time period come alive. This one is about Gutenberg.
 (SCM family book, rated 4.1 stars. MOH lesson 84.) The Beggars’ Bible by Louise Vernon - The story of John Wyclif. (SCM family book. Am grades 4 and up. Rated 5 stars. MOH lesson 78.) Story of the World: The Middle Ages by Susan Wise Bauer - Volume two in the series covers the events from 400 to 1600, and tells not just the events in Europe, but also in the Americas before colonization, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Information is succinct and simple, yet deep and engaging. This volume also includes information on art and music of the period, as well as some literature of the period written in a way children can understand. (SL Core G for grades 6-8. Read aloud grades 1-adult, read alone grades 3-adult. Rated 4.6 stars.) The Samurai's Tale by Erik C. Haugaard - Riveting story of an orphan boy who grows up to be a Samurai in 16th century Japan. Excellent introduction to Japanese culture. (SL Core G & W reader for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 6 to adult. Rated 4.2 stars.) Younger... Pompeii: Buried Alive by Edith Kunhardt - Famous volcanic explosion "freezes" an ancient Italian city in volcanic ash. Full color. Easy to read. (SL Core B grade 2 reader. Am grades 2-4. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 9.) India: The Culture, India: The People, India: The Land by Bobbie Kalman – This is a series of three very colorful books. (MOH K-2, Am gr 4-7. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH Lesson 15.) The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla - Lord Weldon's son and wife, displaced by a wicked uncle, appeal to King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table to see justice done. Exciting! (SL Core B grade 2 reader. SCM grades 1-3. Am grades 3-7. Rated 4.9 stars. MOH lesson 23. ) Viking Adventure by Clyde Robert Bulla
 - Sigurd, a Viking boy, cannot see the value of learning to read and write. All he can think of is adventure. But then he has an adventure that he cannot help but tell. And to do that, he decides, he must learn to write. A fine story for young readers. (SCM grades 1-3. Rated 4.4 stars. MOH lesson 39.) Eric the Red and Leif the Lucky by Schiller - The story of Lief Ericson's discovery of North America. Very well done. (SL Core B for grades 1-3. Not adequately reviewed, but rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 51.) Leif the Lucky by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire - Considered to be one of the finest works of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, children and adults alike will delight in the adventures of Leif the Lucky, son of Erik the Red, who “sailed with his father to Greenland and who later sailed farther west and found the continent of America.” (SCM grades 1-3. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 51.) Brother Francis and the Friendly Beasts by Margaret Hodges - A young man rejects his wealthy background to lead a life of poverty and good works, always befriending animals. (SCM grades 1-3. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 64) The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff
 - Set in 1291, William Tell's son, Walter, recounts the 1291 Swiss struggle for freedom.The dramatic tale of William’s arrest and escape and the daring revolt of the Swiss against the Austrians has become a legend around the world. (SCM grades 1-3. Rated 4.8 stars. Between MOH lessons 71-72.) The Minstrel in the Tower by Gloria Skurzynski - Exciting tale of intrigue from the middle ages. (SL Core C grade 2 reader, SCM grades 1-3. Am grades 1-5. Rated 4.5 stars.) A Medieval Feast by Aliki
 - A beautifully illustrated, award-winning, and fascinating look at the Middle Ages by Aliki, the beloved creator of many popular books for children. The King is coming to visit! The lord and lady of Camdenton Manor must work quickly to prepare for his arrival. It will take weeks to ready rooms, set up tents, and prepare the feast itself. Everyone is busy hunting and hawking, brewing and churning. “A veritable feast of a book. (SCM grades 1-3. Am grades 1-5. Rated 4.3 stars.) Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures: Medieval Castle by Joanna Cole – This is a magic schoolbus book. (MOH K-2, Am up to grade 3. Rated 4.7 stars.) Pippo the Fool by Tracey E. Fern
 - Was Pippo the Fool really Pippo the Genius? The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence was a marvel of art, architecture, and engineering. But it lacked a finishing ornament, a crown--a dome! The city fathers had a solution: to invite the finest masters to compete for the chance to design a dome. The rumors of this contest reached the ears of Filippo Brunelleschi, better known in Florence as Pippo the Fool. As soon as he heard about the contest, Pippo knew it was the chance he had been waiting for. "If I can win the contest, I will finally lose that nickname once and for all!” (SCM grades 1-3, Am grades 1-3. Rated 5 stars. Sounds great.) Marguerite Makes a Book by Bruce Robertson
 - Set in Paris in the 1400s. A young girl named Marguerite delights in assisting her father, Jacques, in his craft: illuminating manuscripts for the nobility of France. His current commission is a splendid book of hours for his patron, Lady Isabelle, but will he be able to finish it in time for Lady Isabelle's name day? (SCM grades 1-3, Am grades 3 and up. Rated 4.9 stars. Around MOH lesson 84.) Younger/Middle... Roman Diary, The Journal of Iliona, Young Slave by Richard Platt - In AD 107, young Iliona of Greece is captured and sold as a slave in Rome. Her masters treat her well and she experiences school, the wonders of Rome ... and the sad realities of a society where all were not equal. Full of humor, excitement, and accurate historical details of daily Roman life, you'll see the Roman Empire through Ilona's eyes. (SL Core B+C for grades 1-3, Am grades 4-7. Read aloud grade 1 to adult, read alone grade 3 to adult. Rated 4.7 stars.) Galen and the Gateway to Medicine by Jeanne Bendick - A wonderful introduction to this scientist of Ancient Rome. (SCM grades 4-6, Am grades 5 and up. Rated 4.5 stars. Between MOH 11/12.) Castle Diary by Richard Platt
- You are definitely "there"! Toby Burgess, a page in his uncle's castle, keeps a detailed journal of his experiences during the year 1285: from boar hunts and tournaments to bread baking and toilet cleaning! Fascinating. Beautiful black and white illustrations. (SL Core B for grades 1-3, SCM grades 1-3. Am grades 4-7. Rated 4.4. Get the large first edition, not the small second edition!) · Siege! Can You Capture a Castle? By Julia Bruce – This is a library book we liked in the Step into History series. (Am gr 3-6) Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli – SL says: Newbery Medal-winning story of the crippled son of a medieval lord. Amazon says: Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs. (SL Core C read-aloud for grades 2-4, Am grades 4-8. Rated 4 stars.) The White Stag by Kate Seredy - 
Tells the story of Attila the Hun from the Huns’ point of view. The actual battles and violence are downplayed in favor of giving the big picture. Almost a fairy tale style. Good discussion starter, especially the parts that include their religious beliefs. (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 3-7. MOH lesson 20.) · The Sword in the Stone, The Legend of King Arthur adapted by Peter Oliver – This is a much-loved bedtime story book at our house about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Every page includes nice, full color illustrations. (This is my own book find, so it’s not on the SCM or SL lists. The back cover says its for ages 6-11. MOH Lesson 23.) Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great by Gerald Morris - Sir Lancelot served the Great King Arthur as a gallant Knight of the Round Table. He was a knight so fearless, so dashing, and so ... shiny and clean that to be rescued (or challenged!) by him would truly be an honor. He was quite good at defending the helpless, protecting the weak, and jousting with strangers--as long as he'd had a nap that day. Adventurous, unabashedly silly and fun. (SL Core C grade 2 reader. Read aloud K-8, read alone 3-8. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH lesson 23.) King Arthur and His Knights audio recording by Jim Weiss (SCM grades 4-6. Rated 4.3 stars. MOH lesson 23.) The Vikings by Elizabeth Janeway
 - Leif Erickson came from a long line of Viking seafarers-men who for hundreds of years had sailed the Atlantic, North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and everything in between. He determined to sail unaided from Greenland to Norway to meet the famous king Olaf Tryggvesson. (SCM grades 4-6. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH lesson 52, but could start after 39.) Tales of Robin Hood by Tony Allan, Felicity Brooks - Eight action-packed tales recount the most exciting exploits of Robin Hood and his band of followers. Superb illustrations and fast-moving storytelling bring Sherwood Forest to life like never before. (SL Core C grade 2 reader, Am grades 5 and up. Rated 4.5 stars. This would probably be a fun family read-aloud. MOH lesson 62.) Marco Polo by Charles Parlin Graves - Illustrations and readable text provide a fascinating introduction to one of the world's great explorers, a man who befriended one of history's great leaders: Kublai Khan. (SL Core C grade 4-5 reader, Am grades 4 and up. Rated 4.3 stars. MOH 71.) Incans, Aztecs, Mayans by John Holzmann - Fascinating account of three major civilizations that existed in the "New World" before Europeans arrived. How did they live? What did they achieve? What happened to them? Seeks to interpret history from a biblical perspective. (SL Core D for grades 3-6. Rated 3.8 stars. MOH lesson 74.) *AMHIST · The Great Wall by Elizabeth Mann – This tells the story of China’s great wall being built over thousands of years, but a greater portion of the book focuses on the time period of the Ming Dynasty. (Supplemental book for MOH 77. Am grades 4-8. Rated 5 stars.) Hidden Tales from Eastern Europe by Antonia Barber – (SL Core C grade 2 reader. Am grades 2 and up. Read aloud K-A, Read alone 2-6. Rated 5 stars.) Good Masters, Sweet Ladies by Laura Amy Schlitz - Meet maidens, monks, millers, Lords, peasants and more. Twenty-two riveting portraits, each from a different perspective, create an unforgettable story about what it took to survive the Middle Ages. (SL Core C grade 2 reader. Am grades 5 and up. Read aloud grades 2 and up, read alone grades 4-8. Rated 4.7 stars.) The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman - A prince who has to learn the hard way what makes for true character. He'd never known, since his "whipping boy" had taken all the punishment for him whenever he failed to do what was right. Delightfully thought-provoking. (SL Core C grade 4-5 reader. Am grades 3-8. Rated 3.9 stars.) The Pied Piper of Hamelin - The classic poem set in medieval times. You should be able to find this poem online. (SCM grades 4-6. Rated 4.8 stars.) Middle... The Ides of April by Mary Ray - A Roman slave, accused of murder, is helped by a "secret" Christian. When a Roman senator is found stabbed to death, his secretary manages to escape arrest but knows he must find help if he is to save his mother and fellow slaves from death. Roman law says that if a slave commits murder -- or is suspected of murder -- then all the slaves must die. "Part Agatha Christy, part Eloise McGraw," writes one reviewer. We agree. This is a winner. (SL Core G reader for grades 6-8. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 6 to adult. Rated 4.2 stars. Around the time of MOH lesson 4.) Beyond the Desert Gate by Mary Ray - This sequel to The Ides of April tells of the volatile and dangerous times in Palestine during AD 70. The book brings to life the time period of the Jews revolting against Roman authority while the Greek cities get caught in the middle. (SL Core G & W read aloud for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 4-adult, read alone grades 6-9. Rated 4.2 stars. Around the time of MOH lesson 7.) Flame Over Tara by Madeleine Polland - The story of a fourteen-year-old girl in Ireland whose safe and comfortable life is turned upside down. Her plans to return home and get married are disrupted by the arrival of St. Patrick, whose new ideas make her question her Druid upbringing. She must decide if she wants her old, comfortable life, or to follow the new ideas of this warm, humorous Bishop from Rome. (SL Core G & W read-aloud for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 6 to adult. Rated 4.2 stars. MOH lesson 19) Theras and His Town by Caroline Dale Snedeker - A young boy in fifth-century Greece was raised in Athens and then separated from his family and forced to live in Sparta. This book includes danger, adventure, courage and triumph. (SL Core G for grades 6-8. Read aloud grades 3 to adult, read alone grades 4 to adult. Rated 4.6 stars. Around MOH lessons 19-21) Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey - The story of a Celtic boy who serves Lord Artos (who will later become King Arthur) and his companions in fifth-century Britain. The men search for horses strong enough to carry troops in full armor into battle against the bigger armies of the Saxons. This unique tale of King Arthur will give you a new perspective on this period in history. (SL Core G reader for grades 6-8, Am grades 7 and up. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 5 to adult. Rated 4.2 stars. Leads up to MOH lesson 23.) The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle
 - A classic retelling in old English style. Students will be assigned only “The Book of Arthur” from this collection of stories. (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 5 and up. Rated 3.7 stars. MOH lesson 23.) King Arthur: Tales from the Round Table by Andrew Lang – Discover the ruler said to be the model of governing with good over evil. Thirteen of the best-loved legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. One of the world's great storytellers recounts how young Arthur pulled a sword from a stone to become king; his meeting with the Lady of the Lake and acquisition of the mighty sword Excalibur; gatherings at the Round Table; the death of Merlin; the quest for the Holy Grail and more. (SL Core G & W read-aloud for grades 6-9, Am grades 3-8. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 5 to adult. Rated 4.2 stars. MOH lesson 23.) The Hidden Treasure of Glaston by Eleanore M. Jewett - In the year 1171, the confrontation between Archbishop Thomas Becket and King Henry has come to a bloody end. Abandoned and crippled, young Hugh takes refuge at Glastonbury Abbey under the care of a kind abbot. Legends of Arthur and of the Holy Grail, old forgotten passages, a mad hermit and a mysterious manuscript lead Hugh and his friend Dickon through adventure and danger into the faith and peace as much a part of the time as the political upheaval. (SL Core G read-aloud for grades 6-8, Am grades 6 and up. Read aloud grades 4-adult, read alone grades 5-adult. Rated 4.8 stars. MOH lesson 23.) The Shining Company by Rosemary Sutcliff
 - Adventure and heroism against impossible odds create a moving, robust tale set in Britain in the eighth century and based on actual events. (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 5 and up. Rated 4.3 stars. Set in the time period around MOH lessons 32-29.) Son of Charlemagne by Barbara Willard - In the year A.D. 781, Carl's father, Charlemagne, reveals that Carl will inherit the throne instead of the oldest son, Pepin. But Carl has his misgivings. How can he accept this honor? Discover the story of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, who united most of Western Europe and was crowned "Emperor of the Romans" by the Pope. See inside his family life, his children's education and his quest to unite Europe. (SL Core G & W for grades 6-9, Am grades 5 and up. Read aloud grades 3 to adult, read alone grades 5 to adult. Rated 4.5 stars. Between MOH lessons 37 & 38.) A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver by E.L. Konigsburg - The story of Eleanor of Aquitaine waiting in heaven for her husband, King Henry II, to join her. She meets up with some old friends who reminisce about her amazing life in the Middle Ages when she was the wife of two kings and the mother of two others. (SL Core G reader for grades 6-8, Am grades 5-9. Read alone grades 5 to adult, read alone grades 6 to adult. Rated 4.3 stars. MOH lesson 59.) The Great and Terrible Quest by Margaret Lovett - Set in the late Middle Ages, a quick-witted orphan risks his life to care for a wounded knight who is on a quest but can't remember what he is searching for. Exciting, engrossing, enchanting! (SL Core G & W read-aloud for grades 6-9. Read alone grades 3 to adult, read alone grades 5 to adult. Rated 4.4 stars. Around the time of MOH 55-63.) A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park - Set in 12th-century Korea. A young orphan boy raised by a beggar under a bridge becomes an apprentice to a master potter and grows in his own talents. His journey shows faith, perseverance, and courage. (SL Core G & W read-aloud for grades 6-9, Am grades 4-7. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 4-7. Around the time of MOH 58-63.) Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray
 (SCM grades 4-6, Am grades 3-7, SL Core G & W reader for grades 6-9, 5 day package. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 6 to adult. Rated 3.8 stars. Set around the time of MOH lessons 64-72. ) OR The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli (SCM grades 4-6, Am grades 4-8 or 7 and up. Rated 4 stars.) - Both books give a great feel for life in the Middle Ages and have somewhat similar storylines. The Door in the Wall is shorter and has more interaction with a kind group of monks. SL says it’s a heartwarming story about the son of a traveling minstrel who is separated from his father and forced to live by his wits and music. Adam of the Road contains a little more adventure and plot twists and is about twice as long. The Magna Charta by James Daugherty
 - Out of the rich turbulence of English history, June 15, 1215 stands apart as a significant milestone in the progress of human liberty. On that day, a brave band of barons, led by the noble Stephen Langton, and calling themselves the Army of God, stood up to the wicked King John and demanded that he restore the ancient laws of England that he had so unabashedly trampled underfoot. (SCM grades 7-9. Rated 4.3 stars. MOH lesson 66.) Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman - The humorous diary of a spirited 14-year old girl in 13th century England. Her father wants to marry her off to the richest suitor available, but Catherine has other plans and finds many creative ways to repulse her many suitors. (SL Core G reader for grades 6-8, Am grades 4-7. Rated 3.9 stars. Set between MOH lessons 71 & 72.) In Freedom’s Cause: A Story of Wallace and Bruce by G. A. Henty - At the end of the 13th century, the people of Scotland suffered cruelty under the heavy hand of their English ruler, Edward Longshanks. This stirring tale recounts their valiant struggle for freedom under the legendary leadership of William Wallace and Robert Bruce. (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 3-8. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 72.) The Beduins' Gazelle by Frances Temple - When Halima and Atiyah were babies, they were pledged in marriage. Now Atiyah has been sent away, a political pawn in a war between Beduin tribes in 1302. An award-winning story that highlights and sensitively portrays unfamiliar and ancient cultural values and practices. (SL Core G & W reader for grades 6-9, 5 day package. Read aloud grades 4-adult, read alone grades 6-adult. Rated 3.5 stars. Around the time of MOH lesson 72 – 73.) Foundations in Romans: A Romans Bible Study by Sonya Shafer (one for each student) - Students will work their way through the book of Romans, digging deeper into word meanings and narrating every paragraph. An in-depth study of this letter Paul wrote to believers living in Ancient Rome. (SCM grades 7-9. This is exclusive to SCM so search for it in their bookstore. It’s a good idea to read Romans this year, but we can stick with our own Roman’s commentary.) Older... The Apostle: A Life of Paul by John Pollock
- A superbly-crafted, extensively-researched living narrative of the life of Paul that fills in the spaces between the glimpses of his life that we see in Acts, interweaving them with details on Jewish culture, geography, and Ancient Roman practices. Of course, some details must be speculative, but those are clearly labeled as such and do not detract from the power of this resource. What Adam and His Kin does for Genesis, The Apostle does for Acts and the epistles. (Reserved for the upper grades because of some of the descriptions of sinful cities that Paul visited and preached in. Their sinful practices are not in any way sensationalized or presented inappropriately, but they are mentioned to give a better idea of the culture in which he ministered.) (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lessons 2-3.) Peril and Peace (History Lives series, Volume 1: Chronicles of the Ancient Church) by Mindy and Brandon Withrow - Living stories that introduce important men in church history. Students in grades 10–12 will read all of this book, while the Family reads selected biographies from it.
 (SCM grades 10-12, Am grades 3 and up. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 5.) The Lantern Bearers by Rosemary Sutcliff
 - Focuses on the battles happening in Britain at the same time the Huns and Goths were attacking Roman territories on the European continent. (SCM grades 10-12, Am grades 5 and up. Rated 4.7 stars. Set around MOH lesson 20.) Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
 - A great look at the politics and intrigue behind English nobility during the 1400s, as well as a great insight into knighthood and all it stood for. (SCM grades 10-12, Am grades 7 and up. Rated 4.5 stars. Set around MOH lessons 80-84.)

All you need to know to climb Mt Fuji

Come check out this Sunday School lesson on Paul's first missionary journey, lots of great ideas with links to more.

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5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 2 For Middle and High School. When Columbus Was a Boy (1451 – 1474) are the next printables

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I'm sure you always use Legos for your history lessons, well our Legos made the discovery of Iceland much more interesting to the kids, come see how they did.

Lesson 61 Richard the Lionhearted, Saladin, and the Third Crusade The Making of a Knight by Patrick O'Brien I found the template for the coat of arms HERE. Lesson 62 The Classic Tale of Robin Hood For this lesson we watched the following on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxgvSxYLA6U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3tbP8euqUY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2bi3rDPYjM Disney's Robin Hood Lesson 63 The Shoguns and Samurai of Japan Sword of the Samurai by Eric Kimmel For this lesson we did the Samurai Helmet fount here. Blessings!! Where you will find me linked at.

Would you believe this is an activity that I created as an introduction to our physics unit on simple machines, gizmos and gadgets?!! Sometimes inspiration just hits! So here’s how it came to be. I was doing some background reading on Sir Isaac Newton, the scientist who developed the Laws of Motion among other things. I learned that while he was at Cambridge University an outbreak of the Black Plague...

I have recently listened to the free audio clip for the Mystery of History Volume 1 and promptly went and ordered the audio cd's for my family!

Use the Parable Mustard Seed Word Search as a fun activity for your next children's sermon.

Week 29: We made a geyser. Did you know there is a huge volcano under Yellowstone National Park? It's not just any volcano, but a super volcano. When it erupts it could create major climate change. The last monstrous eruption occurred 640,000 years ago and covered much of North America with ash and global temperatures dropped. It's erupted several times in the past and someday will again. How the Earth was Made - Yellowstone - Tracks scientists as they search for clues to the volcano's past. We have made extensive use of the video series for our Earth Science unit. This short video explains what a Caldera Volcano is and gives a brief idea of the destruction it can cause. Because there are both water and volcanic activity under the ground at Yellowstone National Park, there are geysers. This video explains how geysers work. Make Your Own Geyser This video explains how to make your own geyser. Materials stove funnel aluminum foil water Basically, water is boiled and the steam and water bubbles are channeled out through the funnel Steam Water This incredibly simple demonstration was a great complement the Caldera Volcano unit study. If you like Highhill Education, be sure to sign-up to follow by email. Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner

Make history come alive for students as they study early explorers like Henry the Navigator and Marco Polo for Kids with hands-on activities and printables!

So, I’ve been racking my brain to think of ideas for our Middle Ages unit that are NOT run of the mill and I think I may have hit on one! Yesterday we made our own tapest…

Last summer I went a little nutty. See, I was SO excited that our curriculum recommended a timeline. SO SO excited that timeline figures came with it. Until ... I opened the packaging. The timeline figures were ... ugly. So I made ancient history timeline figures using classic art! And now I'm shari

This post contains affiliate links. We The Mystery of History lovers sure do love books, too! For a mom like me who loves to put my feet up on the ottoman and read to my kids, history-related read-alouds are a fabulous addition to our The Mystery of History curriculum. Click the Pin I

My son and I have been working through MOH Volume 2 this year. For those of you unfamiliar with the product, there is a lot of built in review through cumulative quizzes and what the creator refers to as memory cards. Each index card is supposed to list the lesson subject, date, and important facts. I suppose I could have jazzed up the cards with a picture on the back side, but I was looking for something more eye-catching so my son might look at it on his own to refresh and review. One day while visiting the Bright Ideas Press website, I saw that they offered lapbooks for sale. Maybe this was what I was looking for. Unfortunately I couldn't find any sample pictures either on their web store page or the MOH Yahoo Group forum. I took a chance and bought it blind. Here is a picture showing how to assemble the official lapbook. I'm glad to have the sample so I can organize the lapbook (note how they grouped the Jewish history lessons together and the Roman lessons together). I was surprised/disappointed that the graphics for the minibooks weren't from the textbook. I guess they couldn't get permission to use the Homeschool in the Woods images. Instead most of the pictures looked like they were drawn by kids. There were also a few (only two in the first quarter) lessons that didn't have a minibook. So using the sample pictures as a starting point, I decided to make my own lapbook pieces. I scoured the Internet to find images ( I didn't have to worry about copyright issues) or used images from my purchased copy of History Through the Ages figures. I used my Graphic Toolbox and Photoshop Elements to create my own minibooks or add color to the ones I used from the MOH lapbook. Official images on top, my substitutions below The results are much more colorful and I was able to make minibooks for the missing lessons (like the Golden Age of India) and put them on what would have been an unused flap. I also added the posters I made for the Dates to Remember. Here's our first quarter Lapbook....

These free Mystery of History Lesson Plans for volumes 1-4 are perfect for planning out your history curriculum.

We are very excited to share our Must Read Mentor Text with you today! About two weeks ago we were contacted by Vincent Mastro, the author of Vincent asked if we would be willing to review the books for him. Well, you know me, the bookaholic, I said YES PLEASE! But, then I realized he thought we taught younger grades. So, I explained to him we teach 4th, but we'd still be glad to review them for him if he wanted us to. Lucky for us, I totally persuaded him, even though we only had 3 days of school left, but I was totally psyched because I couldn't wait to tell my class!! So, we got super lucky, and I (Amanda) got to review Book 1 in the series and Stacia reviewed Book 2. (AND he's working on Book 3!) So, picture this. 3 days of school left. Yep, you know what that looks like for kids and for teachers. But, I loved that I could totally be honest with my class. Here's how it went: Me- Please come to the carpet, I have some really exciting news! Them- (something close to a groan because the carpet means work) and they sluggishly come to the carpet. Me- So, guess what??? Them- Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat???? (they look totally bored.) Me- This really cool author contacted me and he has asked if you and I would review his book. AND tell him what we think! Them- (sitting up straight and all eyes now.) Me- So, I really want to read you some of his book, and see what you think? Them- How did he find you? Why did he ask YOU? Me- Because he knows I have the best class and because I'm totally famous!!! (ok, not the last part, but I did say the first part! They don't know I have a blog. I just told them I like helping and sharing what we are doing with other teachers, which is why I take so many pictures. It's totally a motivator for them!) So, after all that, we get started. I had already picked a fable that I wanted to share with them (I knew in 3 days I couldn't do all that I wanted with the book, so I wanted to make the lesson really count). The fables in this book are "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Crow and the Pitcher," and "The Friends and the Bear." I used "The Tortoise and the Hare" as a review of all of the elements of fables since they were all familiar with this fable. Then, I read them the fable "The Crow and the Pitcher" which was totally new to me and all of the students. Short synopsis- Aesop is a character in the book that goes out each day trying to find the answers to his questions. On this day, while he's out, he meets his friend Crow who is thirsty. Aesop tells him to get a drink from a pitcher of water on a table but the Crow can't get down in it to get the water. So, how will he solve this problem??? Ok, not gonna lie here. I was worried of two things. #1 It would be too easy. #2 It was the end of the school year and they were going to totally "check out" on me. Well, I worried for nothing! They were totally hooked! They loved the beautiful illustrations! They kept trying to figure out how the crow was going to get the water! And, we were all shocked when the crow put rocks in the water so he could get a drink! It was great! Here are some things we did with the fable: Sorry the pictures are so small. You can click on any of them to make them bigger! And, of course I have these graphic organizers for you as a freebie!! :O) I love that these fables are so traditional (which is what fables should be, right?) but they were new to my students, which allowed them for deeper thinking. My students and I loved the fables, along with the illustrations. I can definitely see myself using this book next year when we are talking about the different genres and I know my students will be totally engaged! These books are great for teaching theme and for students to make inferences about the characters and the events in the story! It created great discussion, between the students and a lot of analysis of the story! Sorry my part was so long!! You all know I'm wordy!! :O) Amanda Now, onto Book 2 with Stacia! Happy Sunday, Friends! Okay, like Amanda said, I was a little worried doing a language arts lesson the last week of school. BUT, my kids really enjoyed it! I was shocked but I think they just love being read to and hearing a NEW story is always engaging. :) So, I explained that we were reading a fable together. We started by talking about fables and about some that they may have heard before. Then, I jumped right in to the story. The story we read is called "The Goose that Laid Golden Eggs." As we read, we made predictions and inferences and even thought about what the author was trying to teach us. A short summary: Aesop listens to a story about a greedy farmer who has a goose that lays golden eggs. The farmer becomes so greedy that he will do anything to have as many golden eggs as possible...Now, I must say, this story surprised me because I never would have predicted (and my kids didn't either) that the farmer would do what he did (it definitely shocks the reader!). You'll have to read to find out... ;) We used the same graphic organizers as Amanda did, and my kids came up with some great morals and lessons they learned: "Don't be greedy because bad things can happen." "Be patient." "Share with others." I am definitely using this story next year when I teach about fables. :) -Stacia PS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO STACIA!!!! Give her some birthday love! ;O) ~Amanda Now, it's your turn! (If you have never linked up before you can check HERE for more information.) For the Linky- Please make yourself a SANDWICH! Please comment on the person who linked up before you and the person that linked up after you. I know everyone puts in a lot of time and effort to these posts and I want everyone to feel the love!!! (Haha, see, you're a sandwich...you know...because you are in the middle of the comments...do you get it?) ;O) Next week's topic- Math

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The following lapbook components are a completion of the wonderful lapbook components that Alia started. Due to circumstances out of her control, she was unable to complete Volume 2. I offered to complete them for her and make them available here on my blog for a suggested donation of $3. I've included the pictures of our lapbook. We decided to make a castle to hold all of our SOTW chapter elements. This is two file folders glued back to back. I spray painted the file folders gray--it took four coats as I was trying to cover a purple file folder. I would recommend spraying the regular manilla colored file folder. I think the colored ones have a slight finish on them that made it hard for the paint to adhere. I let my girls each choose a "castle door" from google images and we printed it on white paper and glued it to our lapbook. The knights are stickers. The letters came from my trusty pile of scrapbook goodies. To download The Story of the World Volume 2 components for chapters 1-23, go HERE. I hope you and your children enjoy lapbooking together! Thanks for stopping by! Story of the World Volume 2 (Chapters 24+) Many hours went into this project. As this is only half of the book, I'm asking for a suggested donation of $3. All donations received will go towards the ministry my husband and I have of sending couples to a week long marriage retreat at The JH Ranch. Blessings to you! Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what you love about lapbooking! If you have a specific question, feel free to email me at johnstonhouse at gmail dot com. Looking for SOTW 1? (created by Alia) Check in out HERE. Looking for SOTW 3? Check it out HERE.

Are you studying the Middle Ages? Here are 20+ cross-curricular activity ideas that will help you create a free The Door in the Wall literature unit for your homeschool.

These free Mystery of History Lesson Plans for volumes 1-4 are perfect for planning out your history curriculum.

Create beautiful Story of the World notebooks with these FREE printable notebooking pages for Story of the World Volume 2: Middle Ages!

Roman Numerals Game - The Romans Invented the game Hopscotch - Find out why the Roman soldiers HATED the game so much :-)

Welcome to another edition of the Virtual Refrigerator! This weekly blog hop is co-hosted by A Glimpse of Our Life , Angels of Heart , ...