Defining America: American History through Picture Books (1900-2001)

Looking for a history curriculum that bring the past to life for your youngest learners?

Defining America: American History through Picture Books is the perfect early elementary resource for families eager to explore the rich and vibrant history of the twentieth century of American History from the progressive era of labor reform through the World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement and on through 9/11. Designed as a gentle yet engaging spine for grades 1-3, this guide uses a good balance of beautifully curated picture books to immerse children in the lives and stories of the many different people living in America during this time. These stories chosen are told from a variety of perspectives from Native Americans, European Americans, Asian Americans, to African Americans and more.

These 41 flexible lessons allow you to teach at your own pace while diving into the history of this time period and offers a few optional deep dives that allows for extra learning for those enthusiastic students that want more. If you do 1-2 lessons a week, this guide would last the whole year. Some of these lessons could cover a few days. Each lesson invites children to narrate what they've learned through beautifully written and illustrated picture books-- an approach that deepens understanding and sparks curiosity. 

Whether you are new to homeschooling or looking for a fresh way to teach early history, this guide offers a flexible, family-style learning experience that builds a strong historical foundation through a curated spine of quality and balanced picture books.