From Geography Matters: One of the most common questions we get regarding The Trail Guide to Learning Series is about the future of the curriculum. The first three years have thoroughly covered American history, but what comes next? Co-author Debbie Strayer has graciously taken the time to answer that question here. Enjoy!
Setting the Foundation
The Trail Guide to Learning Series began with a three level tour of American History. Not only do these three levels cover all the main events of American history from our beginnings as a nation through modern times, but they also lay a foundation for understanding nation building. The model of explorers, settlers and builders and the scientists and inventors demonstrates the importance of purpose and connecting history, geography, science, and literature to fully understand the course of a society.
Looking Forward
With that foundation laid, we will go back to the beginning of time. Starting with Ancient Civilizations, we will apply the same kind of connections and critical thinking to the early peoples of Israel, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and Mesopotamia. We will travel from there to the Middle Ages, concluding our look at World History with the study of the Renaissance, Reformation and the era of colonization. In all of these studies, connections are key as we examine the geography, literature, history and science of each time and place. By evaluating events in the context of these connections, a richly-woven picture emerges that not only describes the past, but teaches lessons for the future.
High School
Upon reaching high school, we will take a novel approach as we cover content that meets course requirements in a way that maintains our commitment to the integration of studies in language, literature, history, science, geography, humanities, and many areas of enrichment. Developing thinking and communication skills is our goal, with the history, culture, science, government, and economics of the nations of the world as the stage for applying these skills. We will go continent by continent, looking at the nations that make up the continent, their relationship to the whole, and then their relationship to the world. Since our world has grown smaller, students need to learn about the past and the present with the ability to evaluate and act with integrity, wisdom, and confidence in the future.
We invite you to join us on our journey through time. Like many explorers, settlers and scientists, our journey is far from over, but the connections and discoveries along the way make it all worthwhile!
