Sneak Peek #8: New US2 History Guide

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Carrie
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Sneak Peek #8: New US2 History Guide

Post by Carrie » Wed Aug 24, 2016 3:47 pm

Ladies,

At long last, here is the sneak peek that you have been waiting to read! :D It is finally time for the history sneak peek for the new US2 guide! :D It has truly been a journey to get to this point in the process. As we come to the end of our high school level guides, we wanted to be sure to finish well and to gather the right combination of resources together for this final year of American History. This meant that much time was needed to sift and sort through the huge quantity of available resources for this time period. In the end, I am pleased with the final combination of resources that form the history part of the plans. Each piece has a purpose and plays an important role in the final mix. :D

As in past years, many decisions had to be made along the way as to how to design this study of early American History. :D We knew we wanted to stick to a narrative style history and that we wanted Christ at the center of that study. We also wanted students to get a feel for what it would be like to live in the times and places described in their readings and to think about some of the issues of the day. By putting students in the position of those who made historical decisions and encouraging them to ponder various issues and weigh possible resolutions, we ultimately want students to realize that the decision-making process isn't always easy or clear-cut. Experiencing history through primary and secondary source documents was another goal for the study, because it would prompt students to think more deeply about varying viewpoints, important historical moments, and the day-to-day lives of those who lived during this time period in American history. Including biographical vignettes was a priority too, as these stories highlight both the struggles and the joys of living in a different time. Watching documentary style sessions linking key events and personalities of the time was another goal, as this would bring a deeper facet to the study of history by broadening the scope of people, places, and events. :D

With these goals in mind, I'll share a list of the combination of resources that we have settled upon for this trip through the last half of U.S. History: 8) Since our study of American history in this guide will go from approximately 1877 to modern times, we will have to begin at various places in the resources below in order to select those portions that match the time period that we are studying. :D

*U.S. History II Teacher's Guide (shipped in installments)
*America: The Last Best Hope Volume I (the final sections)
*America: The Last Best Hope Volume II (the entire book)
*The Mystery of History: Volume IV (mainly the last half of the book)
*Faith of Our Fathers (the final sections)
*Great Letters in American History (the final sections)
*The American Testimony DVD Set 2 (5 DVDs)
*Key Decisions in U.S. History: Volume 2 (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
*Great Documents in U.S. History: Age of Reform to Present Day (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
*United States History Atlas
*U.S. History II Journal (one per student)
*U.S. History II Timeline Figures (printable CD)
*Book of Centuries (one time purchase per student for all high school years) (Note: Not needed if previously purchased for World Geography, World History, or U.S. History I guide)

Individual descriptions of the resources are found below. Please note that since the study of American history in this guide begins in approximately 1877, we will not use the beginning chapters or sections of several of the resources below during this year of study. :D

America: The Last Best Hope (Volume I) From the Age of Discovery to a World at War (final sections only)
With command and wit, William J. Bennett reacquaints Americans with their heritage in an engaging narrative that cuts through the cobwebs of time, memory, and prevailing cynicism. Washington, Franklin, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and other reemerge not as marble icons or dust-dry names in a textbook, but as full-blooded, heroic pioneers whose far-reaching vision forged a nation that attracted - and still attracts - millions yearning to breathe free. In this, the first volume of a "reasoned, balanced presentation of the American story," Bennett tells our nation's story, with all is triumphs and tragedies. He summons us to embrace America's cause once again as "the last best hope on earth." (Note: If you did U.S. History I, you have this item. If not, add it in addition to your Economy package, as it is required for U.S. History II.)

America: The Last Best Hope (Volume II) From a World at War to the Triumph of Freedom
The second volume of Bennett's overview of U.S. history begins with the events leading up to WWI, tracing the progress of the U.S. through the end of Reagan's presidency. Bennett (The Book of Virtues) has a long history of government service-he was Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under George H.W. Bush-and the overall tone of the book reflects the deep respect he holds for America's leaders, history and institutions. Bennett is a leading figure in the neoconservative movement, so his interpretation of America's last 90 years is informed by that perspective. But while he wears both his patriotism and politics on his sleeve, Bennett avoids flag-waving or talk-radio-style generalizations. This is a breezy, heartfelt survey, written with the average reader in mind, that will appeal broadly to those looking for an America-friendly introduction to 20th century U.S. history.

The Mystery of History IV: Wars of Independence to Modern Times (mainly last half of text only)
Covering 1708 to 2014, this text begins with Bach and Handel and then brings the reader through multiple "wars of independence" as well as many "wars of ideologies" between Marxism, Darwinism, Fascism, and the Cold War. World War I and II carry the reader into more modern day conflicts, including a collapsed Soviet Union, a divided Korea, tension in the Middle East, and an ongoing War on Terror. In addition to studying the violence of this era, the artists, inventors, writers, and humanitarians who contributed toward the "soul" of mankind over the last three centuries are also integrated. Though a world history text, Mystery of History IV does cover important events in American history. Since modern American history is so closely intertwined with world events, the inclusion of Mystery of History IV along with Bennett's America: The Last Best Hope creates a realistic, yet inspirational, faith-filled journey through American history. The last and final chapter looks at what is to come as outlined in the Book of Revelation. This section does not follow any single view of eschatology, but it will take students to the final chapters of Revelation, and its picture of the new heaven and new earth.
Link to Table of Contents: http://www.themysteryofhistory.com/wp-c ... er_TOC.pdf
Link to see inside (even though we won't use this chapter due to it being the wrong time period, this link will provide a sample of the writing style): http://www.themysteryofhistory.com/wp-c ... eek_10.pdf

Faith of Our Fathers: Scenes from American Church History (final sections only)
Faith of Our Fathers: Scenes from American Church History is an overview of events and people from American church history. Study the lives of Anne Bradstreet, Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Morse, and Billy Sunday. Discover the contributions of the men and women who answered the Lord’s call to evangelize the vast and virgin expanse of untamed America. Travel with the circuit riders to twentieth-century evangelists as they blazed a trail for Christ across America. Let church history awaken you to the richness of America’s Christian foundation. (Note: If you did U.S. History I, you have this item. If not, add it in addition to your Economy package, as it is required for U.S. History II.)

Great Letters in American History (published by Heart of Dakota) (final sections only)
From the Colonial Period to the 1990s, Great Letters in American History communicates on an intimate level how God's hand has been evident throughout all periods of our country's history. Based on the premise that people are essentially the same in all times, these letters become relevant to the lives of Christians today, showing that in times past the God who is in control of all things worked through both believers and nonbelievers and continues to do so today. A brief historical overview of each century provides the background for these powerful revelations from the hearts and minds of American pioneers both great and small including Franklin Roosevelt, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Moody, Catherine Marshall, Martin Luther King, Jr., Abigail Adams, George Washington Carver, Ronald Reagan, Anne Bradstreet, Andrew Carnegie, Abraham Lincoln, Asbury College Students and more. This book gives a new perspective on history as it helps readers understand events from our nations's past on a more personal level. (Note: If you did U.S. History I, you have this item. If not, add it in addition to your Economy package, as it is required for U.S. History II.)

The American Testimony DVD Set 2 (5 DVDs):
Academically-rich and geared toward students (high school / college level), history enthusiasts, and patriotic citizens, these U.S. History DVDs bring America's complete story into perspective. More that just a classroom or homeschool audiovisual tool, this series is an excellent American History refresher course for those who have long been out of school. DVD Set 2 covers 1877 to the present and contains visually-rich documentaries that use newsreel video and motion picture footage, archival photographs, illustrations of antiquity, and filmed reenactments to bring history to life

Link to list of topics on Disc 6: The Empire Years (1877 - 1912) http://www.history2u.com/guide6.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 7: Collectivism and the First World War (1912 - 1928) http://www.history2u.com/guide7.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 8: The New Deal Autocracy and World War 2 (1928 - 1945) http://www.history2u.com/guide8.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 9: Cold War America (1945 - 1968) http://www.history2u.com/guide9.htm
Link to list of topics on Disc 10: The Polarized Nation (1968 - 2006) http://www.history2u.com/guide10.htm
Sample video clip link from Disc 7: http://www.history2u.com/Volume_7_Sample_Clip.htm
Sample video clip link from Disc 10: http://www.history2u.com/Volume_10_Sample_Clip.htm

Note: If you previously purchased the Extension Package for Missions to Modern Marvels, you already own The American Testimony DVD Set 2. To take advantage of the U.S. History II Economy Package savings without duplicating that item, refer to the Heart of Dakota “Substitution Policy".

Key Decisions in U.S. History: Volume 2 (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
Each lesson provides a provocative and period-specific question that spotlights a crucial turning point in North American history. As students read background information about the issue written from a specific viewpoint, they are instructed to weigh options to decide how to proceed on the critical issue. As part of this process, students are also asked to provide reasoning to support their decision. Following their decision, students read to discover how the issue was actually addressed in history. Although the text is written with an easy reading vocabulary, due to being written originally for adult ESL learners, the issues it raises and the connections it makes to real life force students to use critical thinking and decision-making skills. Ultimately, students learn that making an informed decision isn't as easy as they think it is! Includes detailed historical notes, answer keys, and a thematic index. Link to see inside: http://walch.com/samplepages/033254.pdf

Great Documents in U.S. History: Age of Reform to Present Day (either reproduce or purchase one per student)
There are many ways to study U.S. history. One of the most exciting is by looking at and thinking about the written and spoken materials have shaped our past. Great Documents in U.S. History examines the words we have used to frame our nation. Each title includes historical context, glossary, and a range of questions that help students understand both the documents and their importance. Volume II in the series continues the story, covering The Age of Reform to the Present Day. Among the critical documents and topics from this era:
The Jungle
Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points
Eleanor Roosevelt and the DAR
The Cuban Missle Crisis
"I Have a Dream"
September 11, 2001
...and 14 more. Great Documents in U.S. History helps students to understand and appreciate the people who stood behind great decisions in our past, as well as the ways in which significant documents affected the times. This is a magnificent supplement to any U.S. history course.
Link to see inside: http://walch.com/samplepages/059067.pdf

United States History Atlas
An invaluable collection of clear and attractive historical maps, the United Sates History Atlas is a handy, useful reference for any student of U.S. History. Each map has been designed to be colorful, easy-to-read, and informative, without sacrificing necessary detail or accuracy. The carefully selected maps provide comprehensive coverage for the major historical periods in American history. Whether you study each map in detail or glance through the atlas for an overview, you'll enjoy this useful and well-designed portrayal of the ever-changing historical heritage of the United States of America.(Note: If you did Revival to Revolution, Missions to Modern Marvels, or U.S. History I, you have this item. If not, add it in addition to your Economy package, as it is required for U.S. History II.)

U.S. History II Journal (one per student)
Student Notebook Pages for Hearts for Him Through High School: U.S. History II come 3-hole punched on heavy paper for easy insertion into a 3-ring binder. Pages are in full-color and are beautifully designed to provide a permanent keepsake for your student(s). A full-color cover is included to place in a clear sleeve in the front of your own 3-ring binder. Students are instructed where to place various assignments on the provided pages of the Student Notebook throughout the "Learning Through History" side of the U.S. History II plans. This helps organize student's work to create a visually appealing portfolio of assignments from the student's study of U.S. history. Entries within the full-color notebook include multi-paragraph narrations, graphic organizer-style notes from DVD viewing sessions, analysis of primary source documents, interpretation of maps, and other written responses. Each student needs his/her own set of Student Notebook Pages.

U.S. History II Timeline Figures (printable CD)
We are so glad that Amy Pak has consented to create a printable CD of her beautiful timeline figures to specifically fit our U.S. History II guide! This CD will contain hand-drawn detailed images, along with Amy’s helpful descriptive text under each image, to guide students to remember key points about each person or event. These timeline figures will be scheduled to coordinate with the readings in our U.S. History II plans and will need to be be printed, cut out, colored, and placed on gallery pages within our Book of Centuries. :D

Book of Centuries (one per student)
Pages for the Book of Centuries come 3-hole punched on heavy paper for easy insertion into a 3-ring binder. Pages are in full-color and are appealingly designed to provide a permanent record of time that students will add to throughout their high school years. A full-color cover is included to place in a clear sleeve in the front of your own 3-ring binder. Students are instructed within the "Learning Through History" side of the plans in each high school guide where to place various entries on the provided pages of the Book of Centuries. Each century opens to a two-page spread, with a gallery of portraits and images designed by Amy Pak on the left side and a page of lines representing 5-10 year increments on the right side for written entries. This helps organize student's timeline work to create a visually appealing record of time from the student's study of history throughout high school. Each student needs his/her own Book of Centuries, however this is a one-time purchase as students keep the same book throughout all the high school years. (Note: This is a one-time purchase for all the high school years, so if you already purchased the Book of Centuries for use with the World Geography Guide, or with the World History Guide, or with the U.S. History I Guide then you will not need to purchase this item.) :D

Blessings,
Carrie

LynnH
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Re: Sneak Peek #8: New US2 History Guide

Post by LynnH » Wed Aug 24, 2016 4:31 pm

Carrie these look great! I am glad you are using the second William Bennett book as I have really enjoyed reading the first one. I also appreciate that some of the books that we don't finish in US1, we do finish in this guide. We started US1 this week and so far his favorite boxes are the history boxes.
Mom to:
dd 22 college graduate and employed as an Intervention Specialist
ds 18 US2, Loved Preparing, CTC , RTR , Rev to Rev, MTMM ,WG, WH and US1
http://www.graceandfur.blogspot.com/

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