Guides to History Plus!

This 120-page book by Design-A-Study has done a comprehensive job of pulling together question guides, resource suggestions, maps and charts into one cohesive format which can be used for grades 1-12. Although it is a soft-cover book, the binding is very secure and should last for years.

I love the goals of this product:

• “To make the daily life of another culture as real to students as their own.”
• “To help students see how lives (and civilizations) are affected by religious beliefs, natural resources, climate, and wildlife.”
• “To make the study of geography relevant by incorporating it into a study of people and how they live.”
• “To provide experience in using timelines, and primary and secondary sources within the context of a meaningful study rather than as isolated experiences.”

Guides to History Plus! does a clear and concise job of explaining how to use this resource, including teaching suggestions for different age levels, use as a reference guide, or incorporating it into independent study. However, it really comes into its own when utilized as a framework for unit study. Designed to draw students into the fascinating inner life of history, the questions and suggestions are both interesting and creative.

Ms. Stout also includes a list of software games, books, and video resources that can be utilized for each time period in American history beginning with early exploration (1400-1620) to present time, as well as several pages on locating and assessing additional resources for these as well as other time periods. She does make the disclaimer that she was not able to review all material listed, and that “parents should determine which are suitable for their own children and not assume everything listed is appropriate.”

One aspect that really appealed to me about this product is the focus on helping students learn to analyze resources and information rather than just assuming that because something is in print, spoken or video form, all facts are presented correctly.

Because Guides to History Plus! is primarily dedicated to unit study, teacher preparation and gathering/acquiring the necessary resources could be time-consuming and possibly difficult, depending on your time constraints and how accessible activities and products are. However, you can certainly adapt this great resource by utilizing the suggestions and questions that lend themselves to the amount of time and energy you have available.

Although question lists are not reproducible without author permission (which would be easier if using this product as a supplement for independent study), maps and charts are not under copyright.

My assessment? Guide to History Plus! can be a super resource to own, and if my mother had been able to do something like this with me, I’d have been thrilled!