History Odyssey : a comprehensive history program for all ages

As a seasoned history teacher, I’m constantly on the lookout for an engaging curriculum that excels in fostering critical thinking and comprehensive understanding of history. That’s why I’m thrilled to recommend History Odyssey. No other program I’ve encountered teaches historical analysis and integration of interdisciplinary knowledge in such an engaging and effective manner. Established by Pandia Press in the early 2000s, History Odyssey is a robust curriculum that has achieved great success in both homeschool environments and small classrooms. We appreciate how it adapts to various learning styles and academic needs. It’s perfectly suited for middle and high school students. While some parents may find the extensive reading requirements challenging, overall, the curriculum is exceptionally rewarding. History Odyssey is designed for grades 5 through 12

Grades: Grades 5-12

Cost: $48.99-57.99 and $32.99 for Teacher's Guide

Online Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1607310499531213

Comprehensive Review of History Odyssey

When it comes to choosing a history curriculum for middle and high school students, the vast array of options can be overwhelming. History Odyssey, developed by Pandia Press, is a standout choice for parents and educators seeking a comprehensive, secular approach to history education. In this review, we'll explore the facets of History Odyssey that make it a preferred curriculum for students from grades 5 through 12, examining its structure, content, and educational value.

About History Odyssey

History Odyssey is a series of history courses designed to provide a detailed, secular, and interdisciplinary approach to learning history. Aimed at students from fifth to twelfth grade, the curriculum integrates history with literature, geography, and critical writing, making it a well-rounded educational tool. History Odyssey spans several eras from Ancient Times to the Modern Period, offering a sequential and thorough exploration of global history.

Why We Recommend History Odyssey

History Odyssey is recommended for its methodological approach that encourages independent study and critical engagement with historical content. The curriculum uses top-tier educational resources, including the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia, and integrates various literary genres to provide a rich learning experience.

Who History Odyssey is For

This program is ideal for middle to high school students who are ready for a more rigorous, self-directed learning structure. It is particularly suited for those interested in a deep and analytical approach to history, integrating writing and comprehension skills with historical study.

How It Works

Students engage with a combination of reading assignments from selected history books, outlining and summarizing these readings, engaging with map work, and completing timeline activities. Each lesson is designed to build upon previous knowledge, enhancing both historical understanding and academic skills.

What It Covers

History Odyssey covers a wide range of historical periods from Ancient Civilizations to Modern Times. Each course is structured to provide an in-depth look at specific eras, emphasizing significant events, cultural developments, and influential figures.

What Parents Like

• Comprehensive coverage of historical periods

• Integration of multiple disciplines

• Development of strong writing and analytical skills

• Flexibility in pacing and focus

What Parents Dislike

• Some find the program too writing-intensive

• Occasional difficulty in finding specific books recommended by the curriculum

• Lack of provided answer keys for parental review

Tips from Parents on How to Get the Most Out of It

• Supplement the curriculum with videos and museum visits for visual learners

• Use the program’s flexibility to adjust the depth of study according to the child’s interest

• Regularly review the outlines and summaries to ensure comprehension and retention

Who It's an Ideal Fit For

• Independent learners

• Students interested in a deep, literary approach to history

• Families seeking a secular history curriculum

Who It's Not a Fit For

• Younger students or those requiring more guided instruction

• Families preferring a non-secular or less intensive writing focus

Special Needs Suitability

Parents of children with ADHD have noted that the structured nature of History Odyssey can help these students focus and stay engaged, particularly with the use of the daily checklists.

Highlights

• Uses high-quality, diverse resources

• Encourages critical thinking and independent learning

• Provides comprehensive support for writing and research skills

Is It Worth the Money?

Given the depth and breadth of the curriculum, along with its ability to cater to diverse learning needs, History Odyssey is considered good value for money, especially for families committed to a thorough understanding of history.

Recent and Upcoming Updates

The publisher has announced plans to create a completely secular "history as a story" series, reflecting ongoing updates to ensure inclusivity and secularism.

Alternatives

Curiosity Chronicles is ideal for those seeking a less intensive writing curriculum. Similarly, Oak Meadow provides a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, yet it distinguishes itself with a different pacing. Both options cater to varied educational preferences and learning speeds, allowing students to engage with the material in a way that best suits their individual needs.

How We Vetted

Our review is based on extensive analysis of all available online reviews, consultations with homeschooling historians, and firsthand accounts from parents using the curriculum.

What We Looked For

We prioritized secular, accurate, and inclusive materials that are both fun and engaging, aiming for mastery-based learning outcomes.

Why Trust This Review

As an educator with over 20 years of experience and a deep involvement in the secular homeschooling community, my perspective is informed by a broad exposure to educational curricula and direct feedback from both students and parents.

Ways to Purchase History Odyssey

History Odyssey can be purchased directly from the Pandia Press website, where options for physical books or downloadable PDFs are available. This allows for flexibility in how parents choose to access and utilize the curriculum materials.

Affiliate Disclaimer

We want to be transparent about our relationship with Pandia Press. While our reviews are unbiased and based on thorough research and analysis, it's important to disclose that we may receive a commission from Pandia Press if you make a purchase through the links provided on our website. This commission helps support our efforts to provide valuable information and recommendations to our readers. Thank you for your support!

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