We use an activity guide that include map work, timelines, supplemental reading, art projects, science projects, research projects, recipes, review activities and more to ensure we will be able to expand and build upon our learning in a meaningful way.

Prerequisites

Some prior study of history - basic age-appropriate awareness

We will be sight-reading out loud. This is not a requirement, but is preferable. Many kids have trouble with this initially but get much better with practice.

On a weekly basis, students will be assigned a short independent research project to present to the class.

Lessons include

• Introduction to Early Modern History
• Chapter 1: England Picks a Religion
• Chapter 2: Elizabeth Extends Her Reach
• Chapter 3: The Gold and Silver of the Spanish Main
• Chapter 4: Spain Runs Out of Money
• Chapter 5: Russia Has A Terrible Time
• Chapter 6: Poland Creates the Golden Liberty
• Chapter 7: Esfahan Is Half the World
• Chapter 8: The Taj Mahal Rises In India
• Chapter 9: Admiral Yi Saves Korea
• Chapter 10: Tokugawa Ieyasu Brings Stability to Japan
• Chapter 11: The Dutch Run the Most Successful Company in the World
• Chapter 12: England Starts Colonizing for God and Gold
• Chapter 13: Ganga Zumba Builds a Kingdom
• Chapter 14: Queen Ana Nzinga Rejects the Portuguese
• Chapter 15: Europe Goes Baroque
• Chapter 16: The Triumph of Reason
• Chapter 17: Europe's Last War of Religion
• Chapter 18: Manchu Banners Fly Over China
• Chapter 19: Oliver Beheads the King
• Chapter 20: The Sun King Shines in France
• Chapter 21: Fasilides Builds a Castle
• Chapter 22: Changamire Dombo Fortifies His Empire
• Chapter 23: The Pueblo Fight for Freedom
• Chapter 24: The First Nations Trade with New France
• Chapter 25: England Has a Glorious Revolution
• Chapter 26: The Color Green Is Banned in Ireland
• Chapter 27: The Ottomans' Last Stab At Glory
• Chapter 28: Peter Looks West
• Chapter 29: Osei Tutu Receives the Golden Stool
• Chapter 30: The Growth of Chattel Slavery?
• Chapter 31: Here There Be Pirates!
• Chapter 32: Queen Nanny Defeats the British in Jamaica
• Chapter 33: How the First Global War Got Started
• Chapter 34: The British Inch Into India
• Chapter 35: Religious Fervor In the Colonies
• Chapter 36: The Three Way War for North America

The amount and pace of content coverage will depend on the prior knowledge of students enrolled as well as class interest on various topics with a desire to dive deeper into specific content.

This is a secular class.

Schedule

Lecture class is anticipated to meet 3:00 - 4:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Immediately following this class on Thursday, we offer a middle school science class.

The ability to attend class regularly will be important for continuity of information. Students unable to attend a class should expect additional work in order to be prepared. Please arrive promptly, prepared to hit the ground running.

Masks will be not be required, except in the most extreme of circumstances. They will be optional, however.

There will be planned time off during the course of the class. These times will often not be during regular public school vacations. We like to travel during unpopular times!

Cost

Tuition is paid monthly, due on the first class of the month.

Attendance

We will take attendance, but only for our own internal accountability. Spaces are limited, so only sign up if you intend to attend regularly, as you will be taking a slot that could have been occupied by somebody else.

Assignments and Grading

There will be homework - reading and video assignments relevant to the upcoming topic. There will also be a weekly short research project on a topic relevant to the period of history we are studying. The results of this research are presented to the class. We call this "One Extra Fact." We do not plan to require tests. We can issue a formal grade for the class, which will be based on homework and class participation. Alternately, parents are welcome to assign their own grade for their child based on our feedback, but this will not be on a Winston Hall Academy transcript.

I will not expect any memorization. Our goal is to understand and be familiar with the sweep of history. I want the students to be able to think critically. Anybody can look up a date on their phone.

Students will need to have access to a computer, internet and a Google account. If your student does not have an email account, we can provide one @winstonhall.org. Students will need to be able to watch videos on YouTube and do Internet research. Students should also have access to a webcam with the ability to meet online. It would not be the intended method, but can be a good alternative for when weather is poor or otherwise dictated by various circumstances. 

Involvement by parents is key, but I will not expect you to do any of the teaching. What I will expect from parents is this:

• Respond to my emails, usually in the form of “Got it”
• Ensure your student(s) complete the homework and reading assignments
• Get your student(s) to class on time
• Don't get mad if we run overtime. Feel free to come in and pull your student(s) out if you need to go, though
• Be responsive if I ask something and abide by the written policies of the school, which will be provided to you prior to registering

Involvement by your student is even more important. What I will expect from students is this:

• Be attentive in class
• Do your homework
• Ask questions

I highly encourage questions. We ask a lot of questions in my current classes. Many of the questions are seemingly unusual and lead us down unplanned paths, but they all educate. I don't tolerate completely frivolous questions, though.

New students will require an in-person interview before being accepted into the class. Students may be denied entry into the class at my sole discretion, for reasons which may include lack of maturity, lack of interest in history or lack of tolerance of viewpoints with which they may not agree.

Class Materials

We will be using the textbook and workbook provided by Curiosity Chronicles. The textbook costs $45 is available here. The workbook costs $20 and is available here. There are other bundles and formats available, but this is the least expensive option. As we get closer, we may be able put together a group order.

There are no additional materials required beyond a computer, printing ability, pen and typical classroom materials.