Resource | The Mystery of History Interview
How to Instill a Love of History in Your Homeschooler
Introduction
Meet Linda Hobar & The Mystery of History
Recently, Nxt Era spoke with Ms. Linda Hobar, who is a former homeschool mom and the author of the history curriculum, The Mystery of History. The curriculum is made of four volumes, which cover creation, the ancient era, the medieval era, the Renaissance era, the Reformation era, and finally, the modern era. Every volume is for every age, but assignments can be divided by age.
Ms. Hobar started homeschooling in the 80s and explained that because of this, she's a veteran in the movement. She has watched homeschooling change and grow. Since she homeschooled her children, she often found herself pausing at the subject of history. She felt that she hadn't found the right curriculum and would often describe a history curriculum that she sought. Little did she know that she described the Mystery of History.
Ms. Hobar wanted a curriculum that told real-life stories and engaged students. She didn't want another boring textbook for homeschoolers to read. Ms. Hobar knew that the curriculum would need to have interactive, hands-on activities for kids. For example, students are asked to burn the edges of maps as an assignment.
How can you, as the homeschool parent, implore your child to enjoy history? Ms. Hobar offers eight tips:
-
Streamline (don't focus on mastery, but enjoyment).Ms. Hobar suggests streamlining to make it easier for parents. Allow your child to enjoy the subject of history rather than focusing on the mastery of it. Give them the readings and assignments and let them have fun! In The Mystery of History, Ms. Hobar uses assignments, such as burning the edges of maps or creating dye, so the children can experience history and practice hands-on skills.
-
Remember, it's a living subject.History is not a stair-step subject, such as math or language arts, where a student has to achieve mastery. A student can just enjoy history.
-
Teach the biblical aspects of history.Ms. Hobar explained that history can help you teach your child good character traits and develop their hearts. For instance, the Bible teaches that we are fallen and in need of salvation through Christ. Ms. Hobar suggests interweaving biblical themes and history because both can show us where we can improve and learn. History can teach us that we shouldn't be tyrants or dictators. It can show us stories that we can learn from and develop a sense of morality.
-
Discuss character development because of history.History is filled with examples β both cautionary and inspiring β that help children develop a moral compass. Use these real stories to open conversations about who they want to become.
-
Read interesting stories about real people.Ms. Hobar suggests reading stories about real people in history. She used the examples of Paul Revere and Cleopatra. Both were interesting people, and their stories can speak to us today. She suggests reading the poem about Paul Revere's ride or even going to the location to see where he rode. She also recommends reading about Cleopatra's story and discovering how it intertwines with the Birth of Jesus.
-
Find a solid and enriching curriculum.Ms. Hobar suggests searching for a curriculum that is both solid in content and engaging in material. This will make it easier for parents. For instance, parents can use The Mystery of History for this exact reason. Parents should look for a curriculum that isn't lacking depth and engages the student.
-
Involve the five senses.History lessons should invoke all five senses. Parents should encourage children to use all five senses while learning. In The Mystery of History curriculum, she asks children to create a (fake) snail dye, and the experiment involves garlic, so the children remember the lesson through smell.
-
Consider learning styles.Ms. Hobar recommends that the lessons fit the child's needs. If they're a kinesthetic learner, involve more hands-on projects. If they're an auditory learner, let them listen to The Mystery of History audiobooks. If they love reading, enjoy read-aloud time with them, or let them read the lessons on their own.
All in all, engage these steps to give your child the gift of history. These steps will help history come alive for them and develop a lifelong love of history. Remember to enjoy the process and create an enriching learning environment for your homeschooler.
Ms. Hobar explained that you will likely feel a calling to homeschool. For her, this came from the Lord. Let that calling give you confidence and make you feel capable as you teach all subjects, including history. If someone makes a negative remark about homeschooling, remember your calling and that they are likely concerned about you. It may come from a place of concern.
As you teach, remember the image that you and your family project. You can work on character development by teaching them about history. Ms. Hobar also recommends studying homeschooling statistics and evidence to show that homeschool students perform well. She also explained that parents should stand firm in their counter-cultural beliefs. It's okay to be different. If Paul Revere hadn't been counter-cultural, our country might be in a very different place.
Finally, she encourages parents to remember that they know their baby best. You know how your child learns and what works best for them. Stand firm in that special bond. She explained that God loves us with this special bond, and we can reflect that to our children. You can teach your child to love history and, by doing so, foster a special bond in your family and teach them how to live differently because of history.
Explore The Mystery of History curriculum and learn more:
