Exploring History with The Story of the World

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, engaging world history curriculum for your elementary or middle school-aged children, then The Story of the World may be just what you need. Written by Susan Wise Bauer, this four-volume series covers the sweep of human history from ancient times until the present in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style that is perfect for young learners.

Each volume of The Story of the World focuses on a different period of history, and is recommended for use with a specific age range. Volume 1, which covers ancient times from 5000 BC to 400 AD, is recommended for grades 1-4. Volume 2, which covers the Middle Ages from 400-1600 AD, is recommended for grades 2-5. Volume 3, which covers the early modern era from 1600-1850 AD, is recommended for grades 3-6. And Volume 4, which covers the modern era from 1850 to the present day, is recommended for grades 4-8.

Each volume of The Story of the World is packed with information about different cultures, civilizations, and historical events from aroud the world. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, from the American Revolution to the Cold War, students will gain a broad understanding of human history and learn about the people, places, and events that shaped it.

One of the things that sets The Story of the World apart from other history curricula is its engaging, narrative style. Rather than simply presenting a list of facts and dates, Bauer weaves together stories and anecdotes to make history come alive. Students will learn about the lives of famous historical figures, hear about epic battles and conflicts, and explore the cultural traditions and practices of different civilizations.

In addition to the engaging narrative style, The Story of the World also includes a wealth of illustrations and maps. These visuals help to bring the historical events and cultures to life, and provide students with a better understanding of the geography and context of the time periods they are studying.

The Story of the World is designed to be used either as a read-aloud curriculum or as independent reading for older students. Either way, it is recommended that all students view the illustrations and maps to fully engage with the material.

The Story of the World is an excellent choice for families looking for a comprehensive and engaging world history curriculum. With its easy-to-understand narrative style, wealth of illustrations and maps, and broad coverage of human history, it is sure to capture the imaginations of young learners and give them a deep understanding of the world around them.

Grade Level of Story of the World

The Story of the World is a world history text that is primarily designed for students in Grades 1-8. This program consists of four volumes, each of which covers a different period in history. While there is some flexibility in the recommended grade range for each volume, the program is generally intended to be used as an elementary school level curriculum. It provides a comprehensive and engaging approach to learning world history, with age-appropriate content and activities that are designed to help students build a strong foundation in this subject. The Story of the World is an excellent resource for educators and parents who are looking for a well-rounded and engaging history curriculum for teir elementary and middle school students.

story of the world
Source: welltrainedmind.com

Who Should Read Story Of The World?

Story of the World is a book series that is primarily targeted towards children in elementary and middle school. The books cover world history in a narrative and engaging format, making it an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers who want to introduce their children to history. The books are designed to be read aloud, making them an excellent option for parents who want to read to their children or for teachers who want to engage their students in a group setting. However, the books are also suitable for independent reading by older students. The black-and-white illustrations and maps in the books are an essential component of the series, providing visual aids that help bring the historical events to life. Therefore, it is safe to say that anyoe who wants to learn about world history, especially children in elementary and middle school, can benefit from reading Story of the World.

Using Story of the World for Middle School

Story of the World can absolutely be used for middle school students! Each volume covers a wide range of historical topics and events, and the writing is engaging and accessible for a variety of ages. While the series was originally written for children in grades 1-4, it can easily be adapted for older students by incorporating additional reading materials, discussions, and activities to deepen their understanding of the material. Additionally, the series prvides a solid foundation for further study of history, making it a great starting point for middle school students who are just beginning to explore the subject in more depth.

Using Story of the World for High School

The Story of the World is a history curriculum that is primarily designed for elementary level children. While it does offer a comprehensive overview of world history, its language and presentation are geared towards younger students. While it may be possible for a high school student to use The Story of the World as a supplemental resource, it is not comprehensive enough to serve as the primary history curriculum for a high school student. High school students typically require a more in-depth analysis of historical events, and a curriculum that offers more advanced critical thinking and analytical skills. It is always wise to consider the appropriate level of complexity and depth of a curriculum when planning a high school student’s educational path.

Religious Nature of The Story of the World Curriculum

The Story of the World curriculum is not religious. This elementary and intermediate history curriculum is designed to teach children about the history of the world in a neutral and objective manner, withot promoting any particular religious belief or ideology. The curriculum covers various civilizations and cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India, among others, and presents historical events and figures in a factual and informative way. While the curriculum may discuss religious practices and beliefs of different cultures, it does so in an objective and non-biased manner, without advocating for any particular religion. The Story of the World curriculum is a secular and comprehensive resource for teaching history to elementary and intermediate students.

Number of Chapters in the Story of the World

The Story of the World paperback text comprises a total of 42 narrative chapters that are arranged in a chronological order. These chapters cover the history of human civilization from the earliest nomads to the last Roman emperor, and span across the entire globe. The stories are written in such a way that independent readers can easily enjoy them on their own, or parents can read aloud to younger students.

Is Story of the World Chronologically Arranged?

Story of the World is arranged chronologically. The series is divided into four volumes that cover the history of the world from ancient times to the modern era. Each volume is organized into chapters that follow a chronological order, beginning with the earliest civilizations and progressing through major historical events up to the present day. This chronological approach allws students to develop a clear sense of how historical events are interrelated and to appreciate the ways in which different cultures and societies have evolved over time. Additionally, the series is written in a narrative style that makes history engaging and accessible for students of all ages. Story of the World is an excellent resource for students who want to learn about the history of the world in a clear, organized, and engaging way.

Coverage of Story of the World Volume 3

Story of the World volume 3 covers the major historical events in the years 1600 to 1850. This period is commonly known as the Early Modern Times, and it was marked by significant changes in political, economic, and social structures across the world. The volume includes maps, illustrations, and tales from each culture, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events and trends that shaped this era. Story of the World volume 3 provides an insightful and informative account of the major historical events that occurred during this critical period in world history.

Number of Lessons in Story of the World

Story of the World is a four-volume history curriculum written by Susan Wise Bauer. Each book contains 42 chapters, covering the history of the world from ancient times to the modern era. The chapters are divided into sub-sections, which provide additional information and context for the main topics. While there is no set number of lessons in Story of the World, many homeschooling families choose to cover one chapter per week, which would result in approximately 36 lessons per book. However, the curriculum is flexible and can be adapted to fit the needs and schedule of individual students and families.

Is Story of the World Compatible with Charlotte Mason’s Educational Philosophy?

Story of the World is not necessarily a Charlotte Mason-style curriculum, although it does incorporate some elements of her educational philosophy. Charlotte Mason believed in a literature-based approach to education, and Story of the World certainly fits that description, as it is a history curriculum that is primarily based on stories and narratives. However, Charlotte Mason also emphasized the importance of oral narration, wich is the act of retelling a story or lesson in one’s own words after hearing it read aloud. Story of the World does incorporate some opportunities for oral narration, but it is not the primary focus of the curriculum. Additionally, Charlotte Mason believed in limiting the amount of written work required of students, whereas Story of the World does include some written exercises and activities. while Story of the World shares some similarities with Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, it cannot be considered a purely Charlotte Mason-style curriculum.

Conclusion

The Story of the World is an excellent world history program for students in Grades 1-8, covering the sweep of human history from ancient times until the present. With four volumes that progress thrugh different periods of history, this program is designed to be used within a specific, 4-year age range, but can be widened to include all elementary through middle-school aged children using any volume. The books are told in a straightforward, engaging style that has become Susan Wise Bauer’s trademark, and are complemented by a good number of black-and-white illustrations and maps. Whether read aloud or used for independent reading, The Story of the World is an ideal program for homeschoolers and classrooms alike, and provides an excellent foundation for a comprehensive study of world history.

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).