One of the great things about the Big Ideas through History program is that it can be successfully and easily used not only by students of different ages in the same family, but can also be reused as kids grow and are ready for more depth in each topic.
Suggested use of Big Ideas through History with older elementary kids (about 3rd to 5th grades):
For learners around 3rd to 5th grades, I suggest doing history work twice per week, covering one Section per week. This means you would get through about one Unit each month (3 Sections plus one Peoples).
I also recommend picking one age and level appropriate chapter book or novel for your student to read independently throughout each Unit, plus a historic text from each Unit to read aloud with your student throughout the Unit.
For each Section or Peoples I suggest:
Day 1
- Read one picture book from the Section’s suggested book list and discuss the story.
- Read one short related section from a suggested reference book or web article from the Section’s recommended resources and discuss the main points for the Section (sticking to the big idea, omitting very specific dates, less important names, and minor details).
Day 2
- Revisit the Section and review the main points for the Section by:
- Reading another short related section from a suggested reference book or
- Reading another web article from the Section’s recommended resources or
- Watching a web video from the Section’s recommended resources or
- Exploring an interactive website from the Section’s recommended resources or
- Watching a recommended movie or show.
- Work with your child to complete the suggested Section Activity.
){kind=link}