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Feeling overwhelmed by history—or worried your kids think it’s boring? In today’s episode, Erika breaks down a simple, adaptable framework you can use from elementary through high school. You’ll learn how to teach history with confidence, keep it Christ-centered, and avoid the pressure of “covering everything.” Grab your notebook and breathe easy—history is about to become one of the most meaningful (and enjoyable!) parts of your homeschool.

1. Why History Feels Overwhelming (and Why It Doesn’t Have To)

Most homeschool moms don’t struggle because history is hard—they struggle because it feels limitless. Erika explains how a mindset shift can bring peace and clarity to your planning.

2. The Foundation: History Is God’s Story Unfolding

You’ll hear how reframing history as the story of God’s faithfulness frees you from perfectionism and helps your kids see purpose, patterns, and character lessons in every time period.

3. The Three Layers of History Framework

An easy structure you can use in every grade:

1. The Story Layer – What Happened?
   The main narrative or timeline.
2. The People Layer – Who Lived It?
   Biographies, character lessons, heroes, and villains.
3. The Connection Layer – Why Does It Matter?
   Worldview, faith, virtue, cause and effect.

4. How to Teach History in Elementary School

A gentle, joyful, story-centered approach:

• Choose a time period or a 4-year cycle
• Read a narrative spine 1–3 days/week
• Add one biography each month
• Do hands-on activities sparingly and intentionally
• Enjoy documentaries and audiobooks
• End with a simple project or presentation

Elementary goal: Help them love history and see God’s hand across generations.

5. How to Teach History in Middle School

This stage focuses on strengthening thinking skills without overwhelming your child:

• 2 days reading or video lessons
• 1 day narration, discussion, or writing
• 1 day maps, timelines, or projects
• Optional historical novels

Recommended resources:

Middle school goal: Teach critical thinking, not memorization.

6. How to Teach History in High School

High schoolers are ready to analyze, evaluate, and compare worldviews:

Weekly structure:

• Short video lessons or readings
• Primary source excerpts
• Weekly written response or discussion
• 1 long-term project each semester

Recommended resources:

• Dave Raymond’s History (Compass Classroom)
• Notgrass High School
• Sonlight (literature-rich)

High school goal: Teach them to interpret events through a Christian worldview and discern patterns of human nature.

7. The Overwhelm-Free Method (Erika’s Rules for Peaceful Homeschooling)

1. You don’t need to cover everything.
   Pick a lane and walk it faithfully.
2. Discussion matters more than projects.
   Talk more; stress less.
3. Consistency beats intensity.
   Twenty minutes a day goes further than two hours once a week.
4. Follow curiosity.
   Their questions are invitations into deeper learning.
5. Keep the end in mind.
   You’re shaping discernment and wisdom, not teaching trivia.

Key Takeaways

• History becomes manageable when you keep it Christ-centered and focused on the big picture.
• The Three Layers Framework gives structure without overwhelm.
• Each stage—elementary, middle, and high school—has a simple, doable rhythm.
• You are fully capable of teaching history with confidence and intention.

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