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History Resources Overview - Ancient Greece

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When choosing how to study history there are a number of questions you need to answer.
For example, how much time do you want to spend on teaching history? If you have only given yourself a few hours a week, you need to choose a book which gives you an overview of the culture.Some Spine book you could use could be Story of the World, Story of the Greeks, Diana Waring's Ancient Civilizations, Famous Men of Greece or Mystery of History.

Many of these allow you to pursue your studies further by the use of art and crafts/ writings/plays/ Hands-on projects, but you can also use the text as is, to give your family a taste of the time period.

Of course, I wouldn't recommend studying history without using some living, Favourite Read Aloud Books. Read an exciting novel in which your children can immerse themselves into the culture, alongside a character, and your study of history will be very rich. This is the best part!

For older children (years 10-12) you may encourage them to read some historical sources from this time period. Of course, as in all cases, you as parents are the judges of what will be beneficial to their understanding.

However, you may decide to have history as the basis of all your studies. Your writings will spring from your studies in history; In art, you will study the artists of the time period - copy them, or produce crafts around the study; In Geography, you will create salt dough maps of the part of the earth which is being studied - identify landforms, rivers, mountains, capitals and so on. In Science, you will study the scientists who were active in that time period. If this sounds more like what you would like to do, then a Curriculum which helps you accomplish your aims would be Tapestry of Grace - a truly integrated approach. Sonlight is also a comprehensive curriculum.

Another way of studying the culture is to focus on where the civilization is spiritually. As one studies the beliefs of a culture, (Who is their God?), one can follow the actions and consequences of those beliefs lived out by the people at that time. TruthQuest History is a study guide with book recommendations and a commentary to bring out these spiritual truths and consequences.

Studying these Ancient cultures also raises the question of how to study mythology. It is true that we want to teach truth, so how do include mythology in our studies? Firstly, as parents you need to decide if you will include mythology in your studies, and if so, at what age you will teach mythology.
It is very important that if and when we teach mythology, we do so in a Christian context. By this I mean, we teach the truth of Genesis first - as our base - as TRUTH; Then we explain, as we know from the Bible accounts, mankind turned their back on God and created gods in their own image, in the images of things above and the earth beneath, and in the waters below.
When they did this they broke the first and second commandments. Reading myths with our children in a controlled environment, helps them to gain a better understanding of the people of the time. If their gods behaved in certain ways, this set a standard for their own behaviour. As we read the myths together, it allows us to discuss false and true religion. Rather than shake the faith of our children, it can give confidence as they compare and discuss the absurdity of the gods with the true, faithful, loving God they know.
Also, as we read myths we are laying a literary foundation for our children since many great works of literature refer to mythological characters as images and symbols.

So, as we teach the history of a people, teaching mythology in a Christian context, will enrich our studies to understand the culture more and give our children the opportunity to see the foolishness of a false god and contrast truth against the false religions. Using the study guide to the Famous Men of Greece by Cyndy Shearer will help in guiding discussions not only of the myths but also all the famous men of Greece.

Favourite Read Alouds

The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy By Padraic Colum / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales Travel back to a mythical time when Achilles, aided by the gods, waged war against the Trojans. And join Odysseus on his journey through murky waters, facing obstacles like the terrifying Scylla and whirring Charybdis, the beautiful enchantress Circe, and the land of the raging Cyclopes. Using narrative threads from The Iliad and The Odyssey, Padraic Colum weaves a stunning adventure with all the drama and power that Homer intended. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Black Ships Before Troy: A Retelling of the Iliad By Rosemary Sutcliff / Random House, Inc This re-telling of Homer's Iliad retains all the splendor of Ancient Troy. Legendary Helen, courageous Achilles, Ajax, Odysseus and Hector are all present in their original grandeur as they fight for Helen's--and Greece's--honor. 149 pages, softcover with pronunciation guide.

The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey by Rosemary Sutcliff. The long siege of Troy is over, and the city is in ashes. Heroic King Odysseus can finally return to Ithaca, but the voyage home holds terrors far greater than any he faced during the Trojan War. Storms have thrust Odysseus's ship into unknown waters. Here he must confront not only the blunders of his crew, but far stranger perils: the one-eyed, flesh-eating Cyclops; Circe, the enchantress with the power to turn men into swine; the unnerving trip through the Land of the Dead. And when he finally reaches home, he finds his palace overrun by loutish suitors fighting to win the affections of his adored wife Penelope. Odysseus has one last thrilling battle to fight before he can reclaim his wife and his kingdom. Rosemary Sutcliff's vivid transformation brings Homer's Odyssey to life for a new generation. While simplified, the story is never "dumbed down," making it an excellent introduction to Greek mythology for readers of all ages. Hardcover, 119 pages.

The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey A Paperback edition. 134 pages.

Archimedes and the Door of Science By Jeanne Bendick / Bethlehem Books Imagine a biography, a study of mathematical and scientific concepts, and an overview of the culture of ancient Greece---all rolled into one! Students will love reading this personal account of Archimedes---one of the greatest minds of the ancient world. They'll discover, like Archimedes, the excitement of ideas and learning! Simple illustrations enhance the accessible text. Ages 10 and up. 142 pages, softcover from Bethlehem Books.

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Living Books

Living Books for Years 1-4

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths By Ingri D'Aulaire / Random House, Inc Here are the gods, goddesses, and legendary figures of ancient Greece - mighty Zeus, with his fistful of thunderbolts; gray-eyed Athena, goddess of wisdom; Helios, the sun; greedy King Midas - lavishly depicted by Caldecott winners Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. In a relaxed and humorous tone, these splendid artists bring to life the myths that have inspired great European literature and art through the ages, creating a book readers of all ages will cherish.

Step Into Reading, Level 5: The Trojan Horse, How the Greeks Won the War By Emily Little, Michael Eagle / Random House, Inc Help to ease your child's transition into reading chapter books with the confidence building "Step into Reading" series. This level 5 book is perfect for children who have just started reading chapter books and still like books with colorful pictures. Read all about the Trojan war in this non-fiction account of Grecian history. 48 pages, softcover. Pronunciation guide included.

The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy By Padraic Colum / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales Travel back to a mythical time when Achilles, aided by the gods, waged war against the Trojans. And join Odysseus on his journey through murky waters, facing obstacles like the terrifying Scylla and whirring Charybdis, the beautiful enchantress Circe, and the land of the raging Cyclopes. Using narrative threads from The Iliad and The Odyssey, Padraic Colum weaves a stunning adventure with all the drama and power that Homer intended. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Alexander the Great by Jane Bingham (Usborne book) can also be used for 6-12 yr olds.

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Literature Pockets: Aesop's Fables, Grades 2-3 By Homeschool / Evan-moor Educational Publishe Every pocket in Aesop's Fables contains: a two-page reproducible retelling of a tale a teacher resource page that offers suggestions for sharing the tale comprehension, art, and writing activities, helping the story come to life for students two pages of evaluation forms to assess what was learned The eight tales in this book are: The Tortoise and the Hare The Lion and the Mouse The Boy Who Cried Wolf The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey The Milkmaid and Her Pail The Fox and the Goat The Fox and the Stork The Cat, the Rooster, and the Mouse

Aesop's Fables: Imitation in Writing By Matt Whitling / Logos School A collection of forty reproducible fables, each with key word outline sentence prompts and space for word definitions. This Aesop's Fables text is book one in a growing series of Imitation in Writing materials designed to teach aspiring writers the art and discipline of crafting delightful prose and poetry. Grades 3-6.

The Librarian who measured the Earth Lasky pens this colorfully illustrated biography of the Greek philosopher and scientist Eratosthenes, who compiled the first geography book and accurately measured the globe's circumference.

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Living Books for Years 5-8

Science in Ancient Greece By Kathlyn Gay / Grolier Publishing Company Science finds its origins in the world's earliest civilizations. The Greeks made many contributions to medicine and mathematics. Ptolemy, a respected Greek astronomer, was the first person to suggest a model for the positions of the sun, Earth, and the other planets. Modern science also benefits from the methodical research techniques developed by the Greeks.

Archimedes and the Door of Science By Jeanne Bendick / Bethlehem Books Imagine a biography, a study of mathematical and scientific concepts, and an overview of the culture of ancient Greece---all rolled into one! Students will love reading this personal account of Archimedes---one of the greatest minds of the ancient world. They'll discover, like Archimedes, the excitement of ideas and learning! Simple illustrations enhance the accessible text. Ages 10 and up. 142 pages, softcover from Bethlehem Books.

Bulfinch's Mythology By Thomas Bulfinch / Random House, Inc Born into a Massachusetts family in 1796, Thomas Bulfinch's Mythology has long remained a classic text upon the subject. Orignally published as three volumes: The Age of Fable, The Age of Chivalry and Legends of Charlemagne, his retellings span time and the globe. He not only restates the myths with a vivid, literary voice, but also points out the connections between mythology and the then-current 19th century literature and art. 862 pages, indexed, softcover.

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Black Ships Before Troy: A Retelling of the Iliad By Rosemary Sutcliff / Random House, Inc This re-telling of Homer's Iliad retains all the splendor of Ancient Troy. Legendary Helen, courageous Achilles, Ajax, Odysseus and Hector are all present in their original grandeur as they fight for Helen's--and Greece's--honor. 149 pages, softcover with pronunciation guide.

The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey by Rosemary Sutcliff. The long siege of Troy is over, and the city is in ashes. Heroic King Odysseus can finally return to Ithaca, but the voyage home holds terrors far greater than any he faced during the Trojan War. Storms have thrust Odysseus's ship into unknown waters. Here he must confront not only the blunders of his crew, but far stranger perils: the one-eyed, flesh-eating Cyclops; Circe, the enchantress with the power to turn men into swine; the unnerving trip through the Land of the Dead. And when he finally reaches home, he finds his palace overrun by loutish suitors fighting to win the affections of his adored wife Penelope. Odysseus has one last thrilling battle to fight before he can reclaim his wife and his kingdom. Rosemary Sutcliff's vivid transformation brings Homer's Odyssey to life for a new generation. While simplified, the story is never "dumbed down," making it an excellent introduction to Greek mythology for readers of all ages. Hardcover, 119 pages.

The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey A Paperback edition. 134 pages.

Alexander the Great By Robert Green / Grolier Publishing Company In his short life, Alexander the Great conquered more lands and peoples than any other person in the ancient world. His conquests opened new trade routes from the countries around the Mediterranean Sea all the way to India. For centuries after Alexander's death, Greek culture dominated the European world. During his life some people thought Alexander was a god, and after his death he became a figure of mythical status. For Grades 6-8

Literature Pockets: Greek and Roman Myths, Grades 4-6 By Homeschool / Evan-moor Educational Publishe Every pocket in Greek & Roman Myths Grades 4-6 begins with a two-page reproducible retelling of a tale. About the book: There is a teacher resource page that offers suggestions for sharing the tale. Comprehension, art, and writing activities follow, helping the story come to life for students. Two pages of evaluation forms help both teacher and student assess what was learned. The eight myths included in this book are: Phaëton and the Sun Chariot Pandora's Jar Perseus and the Gorgons Arachne and the Weaving Contest The Race for Atalanta Persephone and the Seasons Bellerophon and Pegasus Echo and Narcissus

Greek Heroes: Imitation In Writing By Matt Whitling / Logos School Quintillian would be proud to see your students learning the structure and style of good writing through imitation while they study Greek mythology. This Greek Heroes text is the fourth book in a growing series of Imitation in Writing materials designed to teach aspiring writers the art and discipline of crafting delightful prose and poetry. The text includes a short background of imitation as a means of teaching writing, instructions, grading guidelines, twenty-five myths about Greek Heroes formatted for imitation, and a glossary of Greek gods and terms. Fourth grade and up.

Greek Myths: Imitation In Writing By Matt Whitling / Logos School Teach writing through the time-tested classical approach of imitation. This Greek Myths text is the third book in a growing series of Imitation in Writing materials designed to teach aspiring writers the art and discipline of crafting delightful prose and poetry. The text includes a short background of imitation as a means of teaching writing, instructions, grading guidelines, twenty-seven Greek myths formatted for imitation, and a glossary of Greek gods and terms. Fourth grade and up.

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Living Books for Years 9-12

Heroes of the City Of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature By Peter J. Leithart / Canon Press The Iliad, Theogony, The Odyssey, The Aeneid . . . Help your students read and grapple with these foundation stones of classic literature. Leithart, a Cambridge-educated Presbyterian minister, presents a scholarly Christian commentary on each of them, providing theological insight into literary conflicts between the heroes of the city of man and the city of God. Includes study questions. 389 pages, softcover from Canon.

The Iliad of Homer. Translation by Richmond Lattimore. 528 pages, paperback.

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The Odyssey of Homer Translation by Richmond Lattimore. 528 pages, paperback.

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Homeschool History Teacher Resource Books

The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece By Jane Chisolm / Usborne This lavishly illustrated encyclopedia describes the remarkable history of one of the most exciting chapters in the history of the world, from the first signs of life on the islands of the Cyclades to the golden age of Classical Greece. Stunning photographs and detailed reconstructions create a vivid picture of life in ancient Greece, while the comprehensive factfinder includes a time chart, who's who, and lots more about gods and goddesses, mythology, philosophy, plays and famous battles. Discover: Why Greek warships were the invy of the ancient world Who was the monstrous Minotaur THe story of the Trojan Horse Where and how the world's first democracy developed Usborne Internet-linked book contains descriptions of Web sites you can visit to take you further into the subject in a fun informative way. You don't need a computer to use this book. This encyclopedia works on its own as an outstanding reference book without using the Internet at all. Hardcover, 144 pages.

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Some families prefer the Penguin Historical Atlas Series.

The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Greece By Robert Morkot / Penguin (non-classics) The cradle of western civilization, Ancient Greece was a land of contradictions and conflict. Intensely quarrelsome and competitive, the Greek city-states consistently proved unwilling and unable to unite. Yet, in spite of or even because of this internal discord, no ancient civilization proved so dynamic or productive. The Greeks not only colonized the Mediterranean and Black Sea areas but set standards of figurative art which endured for nearly 2500 years. Charting topics as diverse as Minoan civilization, The Persian Wars, the Athenian Golden Age and the conquests of Alexander the Great, The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Greece traces the development of this creative and restless people and assesses their impact not only on the ancient world but also on our own attitudes and environment.

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Invitation to the Classics By Edited by Louise Cowan & Os Guinness / Bakerbooks The classics have always occupied a place in the hall of education, yet some Christians tend to lean either towards a Puritanical dismissal of art as "irreligious", or they twist the arts into altered, pro-Christian mediocrity. Invitation to the Classics expounds upon what it means to have a Christian view of literature, including its benefits, aesthetics and place in culture. Classics from a variety of authors including Homer, Sophocles, Plato, Dante, Shakespeare, Pascal, Swift, Emerson, Dickens, Tolstoy, Lewis and others are all viewed with an in depth literary and biographical assessment. Each author is introduced with literary analysis of their most famous works, impact upon time, posterity and "Issues to Explore" discussion questions. 384 pages, indexed, softcover.

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Streams of Civilization, Volume 1 By Mary Stanton / Christian Liberty Press Most history textbooks are written from a secular viewpoint, but this introductory text is different! Providing a comprehensive look at Western, African, and Asian civilizations from creation to 1620, it affirms the biblical view of creation (though it discusses evolution) and gives your kids insight into other cultures and religions from a Christian perspective. Includes vocabulary questions, exercises, maps, and black-and-white illustrations. Ideal for grades 9 and up. 410 pages, hardcover from Christian Liberty Press.

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Homeschool History Spine Books

Ancient Times, Volume 1, Revised By Susan Wise Bauer / Peace Hill Press Written in the straightforward, engaging style that has become Susan Wise Bauer's trademark, The Story of the World series covers the sweep of human history. This read-aloud series is designed for parents to share with elementary (grades 1-4) grade children. This series is also appropriate for grades 5-8 to do on their own. Volume I, Ancient Times includes the First Nomads, Egypt, the Jewish People, Abraham and Joseph, Hammurabi and the Babylonians, the Assyrians, Ancient China, Ancient Africa, Exodus, the Phoenicians, the Greeks and Rome. 338 pages, indexed with pronunciation key, chronology & geography. Softcover.

The Ancient Times Activity Book, Softcover, Revised By Susan Wise Bauer / Peace Hill Press Don't just read through the Story of the World series, but experience it! Accompanying The Ancient Times, each chapter features encyclopedia cross-references, review questions with answers, narration exercises, and crafts to illustrate various concepts and bring the past to life. Mini and full-page maps with rivers, seas are included, as well as reproducible pages, crossword puzzles, games, cut-outs, coloring pages, lists of literature readings and color-in review cards. 127 pages, softcover.

Ancient Civilizations and the Bible, Revised, 2 Volumes By Diana Waring / Diana Waring Presents How does the Bible mesh with history? Now updated, Waring's best-selling text and teacher's guide take students on a 9-month journey through ancient and biblical history, from creation to the time of Jesus. Lessons include articles; activities; Scripture; suggested book lists; research topics; vocabulary; timeline; outline maps; creative writing assignments; and information on art, architecture, music, science, and drama. Appropriate for all learning styles. One softcover and one hardcover.

Famous Men of Greece By John H. Haaren & Addison B. Poland / Memoria Press Learning about history or geographical locations has often consisted purely of facts--who did what where and when. While obviously important, it's unfortunatly not easy to recall such information. Howver, when presented in narrative form, the student places himself in the hero's shoes, and see everything in its historically proper place, becuase the story has given it a correct historical context. The authors here have presented us with fascinating and age appropriate renditions of classicGrecian myth. History is finally being taught and told through the lives of its own people. Each lesson is approximately 3 pages long with an illustration to match. 138 pages, softcover.

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Homeschool History Unit Studies - Ancient Greece

Adam to Abraham: An Internet-Linked Unit Study By Robin Sampson / Heart Of Wisdom Ancient biblical history meets 21st-century technology in this multilevel unit study! Using the Charlotte Mason approach, Sampson helps students of all ages explore the wondrous story of creation, the fall, and God's redemptive work in the lives of his people. Fourteen 4-step lessons include overviews, objectives, timelines, activities, and extensive annotated resource lists. 117 reproducible pages, spiralbound softcover from Heart of Wisdom.

Learn about the early Minoan and Mycenaen cultures up to the decline of the Roman Empire. Includes over 34 pages to illustrate and narrate. All History Scribe Books include a couple blank pages for any special topics you'd like to cover and maps of the region covered. This resource can be used with any curriculum- an easy, neat and comprehensive way to document what you have been reading and learning about.

More Unit Studies to be found at

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Homeschool History Curriculum

Story of the World related products

TruthQuest History: Ancient Egypt & Ancient Greece By Michelle Miller / Truth Quest History This thorough compendium of living books and picture books is arranged by subject and date, with grade levels clearly notated. Commentaries summarize and tie topics together as you go from book list to book list, analyzing what is called "life's two most critical questions: Who is God? And who then, is mankind?" Written directly to students in a very informal tone, they'll move through ancient Egypt and ancient Greece in chronological order; you have all the freedom in the world to pick and choose what books to use and how to integrate activities (reports, newspapers, building demonstrations...). It follows key Charlotte Mason and Classical resources, and assists unit-study and unschooling families exploring an era. May be adapted for all ages. 78 pages, softcover, spiral-bound with short writing activities and answers plus resource list.

• The Books of Moses
• All Governments are Established by God
• Preparing the World for Its Savior
• In the Fullness of Time