SMV

This is such an incredible and unique guide for teaching (and learning!) history in a chronological, comprehensive way that’s both engaging and promotes critical thinking. I grew up loathing history and now I know why: historical illiteracy coupled with dry, biased, and often irrelevant content. I did not want that experience for my kids and it has been a joy learning right alongside them.

I pre-read the lesson topic we are working on, pull the relevant resources for us to work our way through (all conveniently listed in Chronos— videos, spines, picture books, web resources, etc.), discuss as we go, incorporate fun activities (also conveniently listed, mostly open-and-go), and deep dive wherever there is interest to do so. We will repeat throughout the years, graduating to the more mature resource suggestions for each lesson as we go. It’s brilliant that they’re all listed by age appropriateness.

I have always preferred curriculums that deliberately avoid handing you answers on a silver platter, but instead provide you with the framework to find those answers on your own. This sort of critical thinking and inquiry-based approach is particularly important with subjects that are often biased based on the author’s own perspective. It’s essential that we teach kids *all* legitimate perspectives, allowing them to ask questions, seek answers, and come to their own educated conclusions. We use Building Foundations for Scientific Understand for science and love it, but couldn’t find anything that fit the bill for history. After trying and looking at so many other very popular programs (secular and otherwise), I’m thankful to FINALLY have a history program that is as neutral and unbiased as possible.

While it’s wonderful as a stand-alone teaching guide, I’d highly recommend at least adding Chronos to your selection of resources to reference when teaching history even if you have other selections you use… Whether you are seeking out a secular or religious curriculum— it can easily be used for both.