Stress-free ABeka History Tips

by Shannon
(Cottage Grove, WI)

Reduce stress and expense with some ABeka homeschool tips. Homeschooling mom shares why she loves ABeka's history and how it benefits her family.

Our family has used ABeka to learn History from the beginning. We have found it to be extremely flexible regarding teaching/learning styles and budget.

The history texts are openly pro-America and celebrate our Christian foundation and heritage while not neglecting to mention mistakes and their ensuing consequences. Rather than condemning the people and our nation, the texts teach valuable lessons, encouraging the students not to make the same poor choices in the future. Quite refreshing these days!

In the early years, children are taught the basics of "Who's Who" in American History. As the students get older, much of the same material is repeated, but with much more added depth. In middle school, students become more exposed to world history, beginning in the Fertile Crescent and progressing through today. God's redemptive plan for mankind is explored throughout all the cultures that are taught.

I love the way the chapters are divided, with a series of questions after every few pages of material, providing a natural 'daily assignment'. There are chapter reviews to help solidify the material.

The only reservation I have with ABeka is the amount of material available. It can be extremely overwhelming to someone just starting to see the text, teacher guide, map book, test/quiz book, answer key, etc. (Not to mention expensive!!) We have greatly reduced stress and expense by purchasing only the student text for each grade level. The material is presented in such a way that parents can make their own tests if they so desire, use the chapter reviews, or simply forgo the testing process altogether :).

Great review and very helpful tips... thanks, Shannon!