Using The Mystery of History Volume IV (review)
Last year we studied 20th Century History, and used the new Mystery of History Volume IV as one of the texts we studied. I’d love to share with you today about this incredible resource.
We have used the first two volumes of Mystery of History in the past, so when I found out Volume IV was coming out just in time for our 20th Century year of study, I knew we wanted to use it.
The number one reason I love Mystery of History is because of its worldview. Mystery of History is written from a conservative Christian worldview. It’s easy to find the balance out there in the world–in fact my older boys read a lot of those other books last year. But I want them to understand our perspective on the subjects we learn about. History is ALWAYS written with a certain bent. There are always people and events included and left out that are determined by the worldview and leanings of the author. With Mystery of History I know that Linda Lacour Hobar will include some people and events that are not included in other history books. Some of these for Volume IV include The Great Awakening, William Wilberforce, George Muller, Hudson Taylor, Mother Teresa, and Billy Graham.
She also explains how God is working in and through people in history.
Another reason I love Mystery of History is because it can be used with all grade levels. The volumes mature in style and language from I – IV. I would say that Volume IV wasn’t as good for my kids under 4th grade. (Volume I is great for them.) But I did read lots of lessons aloud to my kids who were older than that. My junior high boys read the lessons on their own.
The third reason Mystery of History is awesome is because of the resources that are included with the text. On the included Companion CD you’ll find lists of incredible additional books to read, DVDs to watch, websites to explore, assignments to do, and projects to make! There are also maps, tests, and quizzes–with the answers!–so you don’t have to come up with those on your own. Some of the best in Volume IV are play musical chairs to Bach and Handel’s music, dehydrate apples, make a pomander ball, research the Ivy League, draw a political cartoon, make a fife, study particular poems, make a salt crystal painting, memorize Scripture, listen to Spanish guitar, study Picasso, go on a field trip to a memorial, view news clips, write a tribute, and re-enact certain historical events.
For more specifics on Mystery of History Volume IV, see my other review post.
(Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Mystery of History Volume IV in order to write this honest review.)
