The Connecting with History Program includes:
- Nine chronological units begin with the story of the arrival of the Spanish and French Catholic explorers and missionaries in both North and South America, including their interactions with Native Americans. The program continues through the era of immigration and industrialization in the early 20th century. Throughout the year we highlight the Catholic contribution to the history of the Americas.
- Teaching materials that you need for the whole family for one year of history, geography, and literature.
- Customized Divider Tabs
Each unit includes:
- Theme and discussion questions related to salvation history
- References to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Overview article about the history and theme of the unit
- Dates of people and events to add to a timeline
- Historical geography assignments
- Composition assignments
- Hands-on activities
- Memory work for all ages, including poetry, Bible verses, and famous quotes.
- Book lists and reading assignments for each age level
- Daily lesson plans coordinating all ages in a two-page spread
- Snapshot checklists for each unit to help you stay on track at your own pace
- Daily topics correspond with the reading & activities for each level
- 4-day per week schedule allows for flexible scheduling
- Teaching notes
- View a sample unit here
Table of Contents:
1. Spanish in the New World and Intro to Native Americans
2. French in the New World
3. English in the New World - Colonial Life – French & Indian War
4. American Revolution
5. New Nation
6. Moving Westward
7. Civil War
8. Frontier Life
9. Immigration and Industry
Year 4: American History
If you thought you knew all about American history, you'll be surprised by how much is left out of most history books!
Year 4 includes nine units spanning the earliest meeting of Columbus with the Taino Indian tribe through the early 20th century.
We examine the interactions, both positive and negative, between various European and Native American cultures; the influences of the Spanish and French Catholic explorers, missionaries, and martyrs; the arrival of English and Dutch Protestants; the French and Indian War and its relationship to the Revolutionary War; and the vital contributions of Catholics in the American Revolution.
The New Nation continues with the aftermath of the Revolution as the colonists struggle to define and structure a new government like no other in history. Topics include the Articles of Confederation, writing of the Constitution, Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists, states' rights, the further explorations of the vast American continent, the arrival of Catholic priests and teachers from Europe to tend to the spiritual and educational needs of the poor and marginalized, and the tragedies of slavery and the Civil War.
The post-Civil war units focus of the treatment of Native Americans as the nation moves further westward and the treatment of new immigrants to the United States in the age of industry.
Themes explored include the dignity of the human person, persistence and perseverance, Catholic teaching of subsidiarity, ordered liberty, the pursuit of true happiness, and confronting our prejudices, the power of intercession, and authentic social justice.
