Student History Notebook of America

by Maggie S. Hogan

Bright Ideas Press

This "notebook" might be the primary tool for a U.S. History course; or it might be a supplement used alongside a standard textbook , real books, or unit study approach; or it might be used in conjunction with Kathryn Stout's Guides to History Plus or a similar book.

Student History is a 110-page, softcover book that is used by students to document their studies. When you flip through it, you primarily see blank forms, maps, and timeline pages. The first 18 pages of the book tell (and show) you how to use these forms. These front pages can literally be cut from the book to leave a finished product that is strictly the notebook the student has created. (You definitely need a separate book for each student.)

This approach might be used with students of all ages, although young students will obviously need far more assistance than older students.

Students might read historical novels, biographies, history texts or other books, do research on the internet, take field trips, or use other methods to acquire information. Students then record that information, summarize it, comment upon it, or do a creative writing project in their notebook. Space for illustrations, maps, or other supplements is provided on the form.

Detailed suggestions for creating timelines as well as timeline pages (to be photocopied) are included. A number of blackline maps are included. Additional blank forms at the back of the book are titled "Vocabulary Words," "Quotes and Scriptures," "Resources and References,""USA Presidents,""States and Capitals," "Districts and US Territories," "Book List," and "Field Trips and Projects." There are also forms for copying the Preamble to the Constitution and the Pledge of Allegiance, an assignment relating to "The Star Spangled Banner," and a page for recording names and contact information for government officials.

What's missing are prescriptive lists of topics or books if you are trying to create your own course. TruthQuest History and Guides to History Plus would be great resources for topics and book recommendations to use.

Student History also has plenty of ideas for hands-on learning and projects to make history interesting to children of all learning styles and over a wide range of ages.