What US History texts do you use?

[Kendall]

We are using Paul Johnson's A History of the American People, but I am lousy at making tests. I'm thinking of getting a more traditional textbook to use alongside, preferably one with questions at the end of the chapters. What US HIstory texts do you use?

Thanks,
Kendall

[Alphabetika]

If you are looking for a Christian perspective, look at Notgrass Exploring America. It is a textbook-style book with questions at the end of each chapter, quizzes and tests, plus a big book of source documents.

[Janice in NJ]

Tindall's America.
Excellent prose; college-level text from a respected publisher. Susan even recommends the book. :001_smile:

Terrific written study guide available.
We have the seventh edition; the eighth is coming soon. Book and extras found here:
http://books.wwnorton.com/books/detail.aspx?ID=11060

Beautiful on-line component.
http://www.wwnorton.com/college/history/america7/

Very happy with it.

Peace,
Janice

Enjoy your little people
Enjoy your journey

Have a great library system? If you can find a good used copy, I have found the lists at the end of each chapter of America and its Peoples (Longman Publishing) to be very helpful; I have the 5th Study Edition. Lists of terrific history books - Pulitzers and other award winners that I don't often see referenced on a lot of homeschooling lists. Novels, movies, and web sites. There are Key Terms, People You Should Know, and Review Questions for each chapter. All organized according to time period. Great stuff! Especially if on one of your homeschooling goals is to develop a life-long learner who will spend some of their adult life sifting through the "New Books" at the library. I want my kids to be exposed to some of the books that adults are reading today. I'm hoping that it will help them transition from the world of "school" to the world of "adults who are still self-educating and are engaged in forging the next link in the Great Conversation."

[EKS]

I like Nation of Nations. It has a website with questions.

[Dirtroad]

Gary DeMar's I Plege Series (Vision Forum)

Also, Basic American Government by Carson... but it is filled with great history lessons (conservative) Here is one link to find it....
http://www.amazon.com/Basic-American-Government-CLARENCE-CARSON/dp/B000OL5VK4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252274904&sr=1-2

[creekland]

Another vote for Notgrass here. We really liked it.

[Bev in B'ville]

and it has a full complement of support materials on the website. Tests, geography activities, paper suggestions, audio of speeches given, etc. etc.

I've been very happy thus far with Bennett's program and there is enough activities, online quizzes and things to keep my son's interest piqued, too.

[Susan C.]

We are using Paul Johnson's A History of the American People, but I am lousy at making tests. I'm thinking of getting a more traditional textbook to use alongside, preferably one with questions at the end of the chapters. What US HIstory texts do you use?

Thanks,
Kendall

If you like the text, have your kids outline it or take notes. My daughter is doing that with Streams of Civilization (it has tests, but no study ques.). She is retaining it much better, and takes the tests in 5-10 minutes, she already knows the material. Doing this method, I would be comfortable not doing the tests and grading the notes/outlines.

She writes terms, people, events, anything else that is important in the sections she is reading. At first, she did all of the notetaking at the end of the chapter, but it took too long. Now she does it as she goes.

HTH

[JustGin]

and it has a full complement of support materials on the website. Tests, geography activities, paper suggestions, audio of speeches given, etc. etc.

I've been very happy thus far with Bennett's program and there is enough activities, online quizzes and things to keep my son's interest piqued, too.

I looked into this material and am very excited to use it, but I'm kind of stumped at the best way to utilize the various resources. Would you mind sharing specifics of how your student uses this?

[Barb B]

:iagree:I looked into this material and am very excited to use it, but I'm kind of stumped at the best way to utilize the various resources. Would you mind sharing specifics of how your student uses this?

Please share!

Barb