The American Heritage Education Foundation has produced a simple to use, comprehensive set of information-packed lessons covering the heritage and values of our nation. With three levels to choose from (elementary, middle school, high school), this makes a perfect set of lessons for those with multiple ages.
The materials are available in three formats: free download from www.americanheritage.org, free CD-ROM with .pdf files, or in print form $19.95 each level. The download and the CD-ROM contain all three levels. They only ask that you respond with information on how you have used the materials.
Each level contains at least 15 lessons, each with a character quality or American value as well as an American history lesson. They include primary sources, essays from prominent newspapers and journals, as well as an activity to reinforce the material. Although the activities are designed for classrooms, they are easily adapted for homeschools. These lessons would also be great to use with multiple families or in a co-op.
Because we spent the last two years camped out in American history, I’ve not implemented any of the lessons yet with my children. However, in reviewing the materials, I came across an essay by Richard Maybury, aka “Uncle Eric.” He is one of our favorite authors when it comes to economics and government. I printed out his article about the real meaning behind the Statue of Liberty and used it with my high school writing class. They analyzed it according to all the criteria we have been using in writing polished essays. His essay received all high marks. So some of these materials may come in handy outside of history class.
In addition to the history lessons, each level contains a section on using these materials in a public school setting. These materials were originally created for the Houston Public Schools. Because they contain references to our nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage, the authors have included a tremendous amount of research and legal information on why this is acceptable to use in the public schools. If you have friends who teach or who have children in the public schools, please pass this along to them.
Disclaimer: I received this material free of charge for the purpose of reviewing the content and spreading the word. These materials are available for free by request as a CD-ROM or download from the website.
