2020 in Review

 

This year started off much like any other year with plans, goals, and hopes for the year to come. Then we all had to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. But as I look back over the year, our family was still making memories that will last a lifetime.

January – College News

·         Kaylee received a letter stating she was accepted at Lamar University!

·         Brieanna received a letter stating she made the President’s List Fall 2019!

 

February – Time for the Symphony

·         We made a trip to Baton Rouge to see a dear friend perform in the symphony.

·         Brieanna was selected to attend the symphony with the Dean.

 

March – Stay at Home

·         Stay at home orders stopped all our outings. Girls stayed home during this time. I only went out to get groceries. David only went out for work.

·         During this time, I began to clean even more than usually because Isabelle has a primary immunodeficiency and I did not want her to get sick during this pandemic.

 

April – Celebration at Home

·         Isabelle turned 14-years-old and we were unable to give her a big birthday party as usual due to the pandemic; but family and friends mailed her birthday cards and we had a great celebration at home.

·         During this time, everything went online. Virtual doctor appointments. Zoom dance classes. Facebook Live for church. Facebook has really been a blessing during this time because I was able to see/hear my grandmother sing through Facebook when Regency Care shared a video.

 

May – Trials and Triumphs

·         David was furloughed; but God provided work through a friend and he has really enjoyed working at the beach cabin using his carpentry skills.

·         Ballet classes and track meets resumed!

·         We were able to attend a wedding! It was absolutely beautiful and I was honored to be able to help with the decorations because the bride has a special place in my heart.

 

June – Academic Achievements

·         Kaylee’s graduation was not as planned; but even better. Our church pastor allowed a Sunday service to be Facebook Live for family and friends to witness her graduation ceremony.

·         Brieanna received a letter stating she made the President’s List Spring 2020!

 

July – Recital Time

·         Isabelle’s ballet recital was not as planned; but they were able to perform using the Ballroom at a local hotel and conference center. And we were able to see this performance while social distancing.

·         Isabelle’s recital with Studio D was through video at the studio; but she was able to dance, and we were mailed a video to watch at home. I am so glad Studio D did something when many other dance academies were unable to hold recitals, they simply took pictures in costumes.

 

August – Busy Bee

·         I started the month coordinating and speaking at the Summer Summit.

·         Brieanna and I made a trip to Illinois to take care of some family business.

·         I had two girls in college and one starting high school.

·         Brieanna was selected to be in a music video.

·         I collected curriculum for fellow homeschoolers in LA who lost everything in Hurricane Laura.

 

September – Busy Bee Continued

·         Kaylee and David coach a HCYSC boys team so this was the start of a 10-week season.

·         Kaylee began playing in an adult soccer league.

·         Dance, piano lessons, and co-op activities began for the 20-21 school year.

·         David and I celebrated our 20^th wedding anniversary!

·         On 9/11 I wrote a poem in remembrance of Baby Reed.

 

October – Fun Times

·         Brieanna turned 19-years-old and we went on a birthday shopping trip with friends.

·         Soccer games, dance, piano lessons, and co-op activities continue.

 

November – Time for Thanksgiving

·         I am thankful for another birthday.

·         I am thankful for the time with family on Thanksgiving Day as we share around the table what we are most thankful for and how the Lord has truly blessed our family.

 

December – Celebrations

·         Kaylee turned 18-years-old and enjoyed her steak dinner and ice cream dessert as requested.

·         David celebrated another birthday playing golf.

·         We re-launched the Homeschool Life magazine!

·         We celebrated Christmas at home with our girls.

 

Although 2020 had its trials, its had its triumphs too and these are the memories that will last a lifetime!

It's About the Cross

 

If you were to ask me what my favorite Christmas carol is, I would tell you its not actually a carol; but a Christmas song sung by the Ball Brothers titled It's About the Cross. I have shared these words with you before; but the message remains the same. I hope you will find time to read these lyrics and I pray you will think on these words as you celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas.

It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day

It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross
It's about the cross

It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me

It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross

The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood
That flowed from Him when it should have been me

It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross
It's about the cross

What Child Is This?

 

The question asked in this well-loved carol must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus' birth. We can almost hear the question being asked from one another as they gazed into the humble manger. The triumphant answer to this question is proclaimed in the refrain - This, this is Christ the King.

The text was written by William Dix while he was confined to bed after he was stricken with a sudden serious illness at the age of 29. This carol was taken from a longer poem "The Manger Throne" by William Dix and the melody "Greensleeves" is its traditional English folk tune.

What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear - for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh - come, rich and poor, to own Him; the King of kings salvation brings - let loving hearts enthrone him.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud - the Babe, the Son of Mary.

This Christmas. I pray that we will teach teach our children the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came to earth and was born in a humble manger to die upon an old rugged cross for you and me. As the shepherds shared the good news of His birth, may we too share the good news of His birth, His death, and His resurrection with all mankind for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Using Literature to Teach American History in Elementary School

 

Many of us use a curriculum to teach history; but using literature to teach history can be a great teaching tool. I am continuing this history literature series with some of the best books to teach American history. Using literature to teach history illuminates the time period, helps integrate the history curriculum, and enriches social studies. With my love for literature and history, it only makes sense to combine the two, so I have gathered some of my favorite books that teach American history in elementary school.

If You Were Me and Lived in the American West by Carol P. Roman introduces students to the civilization of the American West. Students learn what kind of food you might eat on the Oregon Trail, the clothes you wore in the American West, what your name could be in the 19^th century, and what children did for fun once their many chores were done.

Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac takes students back in time to the year 1620 when an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together – a tradition that continues today.

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh is based on a true story. In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. “Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble,” her mother had said, but Sarah found that it was not always easy to feel brave inside. Sarah was only eight, and the dark woods were full of animals and strange new sights and sounds. As she cares for her father and befriends her neighbors, she learns that to be afraid and to be brave is the greatest courage of all.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #11: American Revolution by Mary Pope Osborne is a nonfiction companion to the Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday. When Jack and Annie got back from their adventures in Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday, they had lots of questions. What was it like to live in colonial times? Why did the Stamp Act make the colonist angry? Who were the Minutemen? What happened at the Boston Tea Party? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh takes readers back to the revolutionary times, back to the colonists’ desire for freedom and the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Simple text captures the excitement of the era, telling how word of Independence travelled up and down the thirteen colonies, touching the lives of everyday people throughout the land.

These are only a few of my favorite books that teach American history, there are so many more out there! Feel free to share in the comments what you consider the best book to teach American history.

Homeschool Life Winter 2020

 

In 2009, Homeschool Life published its first magazine, life happened, and now in 2020 we've partnered with an array of homeschool writers and homeschool companies to publish articles and advertisements that will empower, enrich, and encourage homeschool families. Check out what's in the Winter 2020 issue -

Learning Styles: The Visual Learner

What About Socialization?

Help! How Do I Evaluate Student Progress?

Preschool Theme Day: Frozen Fever

Using Educational Games to Teach Math

Homeschooling with a Toddler

How Do You Do That? Lion Trainer!

Unit Study: Epidemics in World History

Preparing for College Applications

World History Novel Studies

Vocabulary Virtuoso

Mathematics Level A

Writing & Grammar 9

Exploring Creation with Botany

Time for a Giveaway (there are actually two curriculum giveaways!)

Virtual Field Trip: The British Museum

Mama, Fill Your Cup!

While we may not agree with every detail and statement in each article we publish, our policy is to only publish articles that uphold our statement of faith and mission statement: Homeschooling is more than an academic alternative - it's a way of life! 

Purchase the Homeschool Life Winter 2020 digital magazine today!

Cranberry Christmas

 

The Old Schoolhouse store has a freebie exclusively created by various authors to give you an eBook that will enrich your holiday plans. Cranberry Christmas is packed full of everything cranberry:

* Poems

* Delicious recipes

* Heartwarming holiday stories

* Napkin rings for your children to color

* Amazing cranberry history

* Information and facts for fun family learning

* Internet links

* Projects and activities

* Crossword and word search puzzles

* Pretty place cards for your Christmas dinner table

* Special holiday lesson plans

Get your free copy of Cranberry Christmas today!

CrossTimber - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift? If so, I would like to encourage you to check out CrossTimber name meaning gifts. For this review, I was given five Name Bookmarks and Amazing Name Print Activity Sheets.

The fun part was picking out a unique design for each person. I selected a landscape design for David because he likes to take pictures of nature. I selected a piano design for myself because I play and teach piano lessons. I selected an elephant design for Brieanna because this is her favorite animal. I selected a soccer design for Kaylee because she is a soccer player and coach. I selected a horse design for Isabelle because this is her favorite animal.

The bookmarks are printed on a lightweight paper and then laminated. I only wish they had left a laminate edge around each bookmark and not trimmed them all the way down to the paper. As you can see from Isabelle’s bookmark, after use, the laminate started peeling back and she had to tape it down.

The activity sheets are created using the child’s name. There are a variety of activity sheets – coloring, tracing, word searches, crossword puzzles, mazes, and more. These activity sheets are great for elementary students; but not for my high school student.

John Dehnart created the CrossTimber business to be a blessing to others. After being bullied in a Driver’s Education class, his mom suggested that he use his printing business to make little cards for each student, with an encouraging meaning of each name. He took the time to research each student’s name and he passed out cards to each of the students. This experience has etched Jesus’ words in his thinking – Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. So he researched the meaning of thousands of common names, printed name cards, and began to carry a satchel almost everywhere he went to be a blessing to others.

Through his website, he sells name meaning bookmarks, plaques, mugs, music boxes, and activity packs. Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.  

Praise Him

 

An attitude of happiness in life is a matter of our will. Abraham Lincoln once stated that "most people are as happy as they make their minds up to be." Closely related to a Christians happiness is the determination to live a life of praise to God. The goal of every believer should be the overflowing of praise, regardless of the circumstances. Instead of dwelling on the negatives in our lives, we should seek fresh reasons daily for praising our Lord. 

May we be like David and vow as he did in Psalm 146:2 that "While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being." Determine to praise the Lord throughout the day with this hymn - 

 

Epilepsy Awareness

 

Imagine living in a world surrounded by potential seizure triggers. My husband and I recently had to make a decision for our daughter based on this fact – strobe lights are a potential seizure trigger; and because I will not be allowed to be a chaperone at an upcoming dance where the DJ will be using strobe lights, we told our daughter she would not be able to attend. We know that strobe lights trigger seizures for her and her safety is our top priority. What amazes me the most, is that she completely understood and was not upset about our decision. It amazes me how she has learned to live with her health issues as she gets older – one of them being epilepsy. As I pondered our discussions last night, I was reminded that November is Epilepsy Awareness Month.

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two unprovoked seizures.

What happens in the brain during a seizure? The electrical activity is caused by complex chemical changes that occur in nerve cells. Brain cells either excite or inhibit other brain cells from sending messages. Usually there is a balance of cells that excite and those that can stop these messages. However, when a seizure occurs, there may be too much or too little activity, causing an imbalance between exciting and stopping activity. The chemical changes can lead to surges of electrical activity that causes seizures.

Many people living with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure. My youngest daughter, Isabelle, is living with epilepsy and has three types of seizures: atypical absence seizures, atonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures.

What is an atypical absence seizure? These seizures are a type of absence seizure that is atypical. This means it’s different, unusual, or not typical compared to typical absence seizures, which were previously called petit mal seizures. They are a type of generalized onset seizure, which means they start in both sides of the brain. The person will stare (just like in a absence seizures) but they may be able to respond a bit. Eye blinking, chewing movements, lip smacking or slight jerking may occur.

What is an atonic seizure? Muscle tone is the muscle’s normal tension. “Atonic” means without tone. So in atonic seizures, muscles suddenly become limp. Part of the body may become limp. The eyelids may droop, the head may nod or drop forward, and the person may drop things. If standing, the person often falls to the ground. These seizures are also called drop attacks or drop seizures.

What is a myoclonic seizure? Myoclonic seizures are brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles. “Myo” means muscle and “clonic” means rapidly alternating contraction and relaxation – jerking or twitching – of a muscle. There can be just one, but sometimes many occur within a short time.

I share this information, not only because it is Epilepsy Awareness Month; but because I have a daughter living with epilepsy and want to inform people about this chronic disorder.

Bible Unearthed - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

If you are a fan of Dave Stotts, then you will want to check out his new Drive Thru History Adventures! For this review, I was given access to the Bible Unearthed course. Bible Unearthed is designed as a 12-week course, where you complete one “Adventure” each week. Each “Adventure” includes a video episode and a written worksheet that includes the episode summary, Scripture reading, optional activity, and discussion questions.

Each “Adventure” also includes an answer guide to help the parent work through the discussion questions.

The course provides a sample schedule that one can follow; but our family easily completed each lesson in one day. Please note, I used this course with a high school student as well as my two in college; but if you have younger students, I would highly recommend this sample schedule.

Monday – Watch the episode and read the written worksheet.

Tuesday – Complete the optional activity.

Wednesday – read the Digging Deeper articles.

Thursday – Re-watch the episode while reviewing the written worksheet.

Friday – Complete the discussion questions and compare to the answer guide.

Students learn at different rates, and this course is very flexible so you can set your own pace and do what is best for your family. Our family has been a fan of Dave Stotts for many years. We own several of his Drive Thru History series. Every time we watch an episode we laugh at his humor and discuss materials as we watch each episode. Dave Stotts makes learning history fun! Here is a breakdown of each episode in the Bible Unearthed course –

1 What is Archeology?

2 The Impact of Archeology

3 Locating Archeology Sites

4 The Life of an Archeologist

5 What’s Being Discovered Today?

6 Archeological Mysteries

7 Top Discoveries in Bible Archeology

8 Getting Involved in Archeology

9 Trends in Archeology

10 Weird Archeology

11 Accidental Discoveries in Archeology

12 What’s Left to be Discovered?

Bible Unearthed explores the history, importance and impact of archeology and how discoveries help us better understand the ancient world. Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

MathandAlgebra.com - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Do you need help teaching math? MathandAlgebra.com offers four complete math courses: Basic Math, Advanced Math, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra. For this review, I was given a one-year family subscription with access to these four complete math courses.

Once you have completed the registration and set-up the student’s account, the system is very user friendly. Students simply watch the video lesson, print the worksheet, complete the exercises, and check your work with the answer key. Once the lesson is complete, students mark the lesson as complete and move on to the next lesson.

In Basic Math, students learn about whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, percent, geometry, number theory, integers, charts, graphs, probability, statistics, and word problems. In Advanced Math, students learn about whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, geometry, integers, charts, graphs, and word problems. In Pre-Algebra, students learn about sets, integers, fractions, decimals, exponents, square roots, operations, properties, scientific notation, ratios, proportions, percent, number theory, number lines, coordinate systems, equations, probability, and statistics. In Algebra, students learn about tools for algebra, solving equations, graphing and analyzing linear equations, solving and graphing inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, radical expressions and geometry, quadratic equations, and algebra word problems. Each course is broken down into lessons within each chapter, and each chapter ends with a quiz. Each course ends with a final quiz. The materials within these courses are based on the award-winning Math Essentials books.

For the parent who needs help teaching math, MathandAlgebra.com is a great resource to help you teach Basic Math, Advanced Math, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra. Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.  

30 Days of Thanks Living

 

It’s so easy to go through every day of our lives and never really stop to give thanks. Thanksgiving is one day in November where we look back over the year and count our blessings; but what if this year we took our thanksgiving into thanks living? What if we intentionally showed the people in our lives that they make a difference and that we’re thankful for what they do? This November, I challenge you to 30 days of thanks living. Reach out to 30 people and say “Thank you for all you do!”

1.       Gift a pen with the note “You just hap-PEN to be very INK-credible! Thank you for all you do!”

2.       Gift a hand soap with the note “HANDS down, you’re the best (career) in town! Thank you for all you do!”

3.       Gift a mask with the note “We simply cannot MASK our gratitude, thank you for all you do!”

4.       Gift a pack of markers with the note “Thank you for a reMARKable job!”

5.       Gift a Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm with the note “Thank you for BEEing a great (career)!”

6.       Gift a calculator with the note “You’re 2 nice 2 be 4 gotten. Thank you for all you do!”

7.       Gift a pack of donuts with the note “You DO-NOT know how much I appreciate you!”

8.       Gift a Bundt cake with the note “I am nothing BUNDT thankful for you!”

9.       Gift an ice cream cone with the note “Here’s the SCOOP, I appreciate you!”

10.    Gift a pack of Lifesaver candy with the note “You’re a LIFESAVER, thank you for all you do!”

11.    Gift a Coke with the note “I can’t keep it BOTTLED up, I just have to say thank you for all you do!”

12.    Gift a Starbucks gift card with the note “Thanks a latte for all you do!”

13.    Gift a Tootsie Roll with the note “Thank you for your ROLL in our lives!”

14.    Gift an Almond Joy with the note “It’s been a JOY being in your class!”

15.    Gift a Starburst with the note “BURSTING to tell you, thank you for all you do!”

16.    Gift a bag of popcorn with the note “Just POPPING by to say thank you for all you do!”

17.    Gift a box of Boston Baked Beans with the note “I’ve BEAN meaning to tell you thank you for all you do!”

18.    Gift a Charleston Chew with the note “If I had to pick 1 person to be thankful for, I’d CHEWs you!”

19.    Gift a box of Gobstoppers with the note “Just STOPping by to say thank you for all you do!”

20.    Gift a bag of gumdrops with the note “Just DROPping by to say thank you for all you do!”

21.    Gift a Good & Plenty with the note “You deserve PLENTY of thanks!”

22.    Gift a bag of Gummy Bears with the note “This BEARly does justice, but thank you for all you do!”

23.    Gift a box of Gushers with the note “I’m just GUSHing to tell you thank you for all you do!”

24.    Gift a box of Mike & Ike with the note “I’d L-IKE to say thatnks for all you do!”

25.    Gift a Reeces Peanut Butter Cup with the note “Have I told you REECE-ently thank you for all you do!”

26.    Gift a bag of M&M’s with the note “Thanks for driving Miles & Miles to bring our mail!”

27.    Gift a KIND Bar with the note “Your KINDness doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do!”

28.    Gift a bag of Smarties with the note “Thank you for making us smarties!”

29.    Gift a bag of Werther’s with the note “Don’t know WERTHER I’ve said it enough but thank you for all you do!”

30.    Gift a bag of Candy Corn with the note “This is kind of CORNY but you’re the best! Thank you for all you do!”

Giving thanks should be a part of our every day life. May this 30 day challenge cause us to look for even more opportunities to say “Thank you for all you do!”

Pop Central Popcorn

 

Our family recently went on a field trip with our homeschool group to Pop Central Popcorn and we discovered the best tasting popcorn ever! During the field trip, the students learned the history of popcorn through a couple videos. Then they were able to go back to the kitchen and see how they make regular popcorn. It tasted really good! We were not able to see or learn how they make their flavored popcorn, it is their secret, but we were able to taste a variety of flavors, and each person went home with a mini bag of their chosen flavor. Our family even bought a few more bags to bring home - apple crumb, candy corn, cheddar cheese, white cheddar - to enjoy throughout the week.

So if you are ever in Southeast Texas, call 409-347-7139 to schedule a field to Pop Central Popcorn located at 2612 Dowlen Road in Beaumont, Texas 77706.

Math Sprint - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Math Sprint - The Mental Math Game from Byron’s Games reinforces addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills. The game comes with printed instructions, one running track board, 258 cards, 10 dry erase cards, 1 marker, and 8 runner playing pieces. Of the 258 cards, there are 92 addition/subtraction cards, 106 multiplication/division cards, 30 wild cards, and 30 challenge cards. The object of the game is to get your runner to the finish line by answering mental math questions.

Before play, you will need to determine which cards you want to include in your draw pile and shuffle those cards well. I love this option. To reinforce multiplication/division skills, we played with these cards on several occasions. To begin play, each player selects a runner piece and places it in one of the lanes, numbered 1-8. Then you will need to determine whether you want to race the 100m Dash, 200m Dash, or the 400m Dash. The 100m Dash is a beginner level for elementary school players or for the first time playing. The 200m Dash is an intermediate level when you have more time to play. The 400m Dash is an advanced level for middle school players or older students who need to work on their math skills. This is really a fun game for the whole family to play. If playing with varying levels, younger children can run the shorter distance, while more advanced players run the longer distance. Each time a player answers a question correctly, they move their runner piece forward two spaces. If a player does not answer the question correctly, then players do not move. This would be a great time to show the player how to work out the math problem and use the game as a learning tool.

Math Sprint is a fun educational game to sharpen your math skills, as you race to the finish line and answer a variety of mental math questions. Every game played boosts your mental math abilities; but also provides precious time for you and your family to grow together. Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Using Literature to Teach Ancient History in High School

 

Many of us use a curriculum to teach history; but using literature to teach history can be a great teaching tool. I am continuing this history literature series with some of the best books to teach ancient history. Students in ancient times, sitting by candlelight, actually read history through literature. There simply was no other way of studying history and the subject has effectively been taught this way ever since. Using literature to teach history illuminates the time period, helps integrate your history curriculum, and enriches social studies. With my love for literature and history, it only makes sense to combine the two, so I have gathered some of my favorite books that teach ancient history in high school.

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw is a compelling story of adventure, romance, and intrigue, set in ancient Egypt. Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom. In order to gain it, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies – each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt. Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

The Cat of Bubastes by G.A. Henty is a historical novel about a young prince, Amuba, who becomes a slave when the Egyptians conquer his people, along with his faithful charioteer, Jethro. The lads become involved in a mystery as they begin to uncover evidence of a murderous conspiracy within the ranks of the priesthood. However, before they are able to prevent it, they are forced to flee for their lives when they accidentally cause the death of the successor to the Cat of Bugastes, one of the most sacred animals in Egypt. With Jethro as their guide and protector, the boys make plans to escape from Egyptian territory and return to Amuba’s homeland.

Caesar’s Gallic War by Olivia Coolidge is a companion book to Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War. This book gives all the information that Caesar left out – the background, the character, the description, the action of war – in a way that makes sense today. Using a fiction narrator named Octavius, and drawing on archaeology and classic research, Coolidge has brought much-needed drama to this history and fleshed out the warrior chieftains, common soldiers, politicians, and of course the supreme commander who made it.

Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz is a historical novel set at a turning point in history, as Christianity replaces the era of corruption and immorality in ancient Rome. This book abounds will compelling characters, including: Vinicius, the proud Roman centurion who has fallen in love with a mysterious young woman who disappears the night they meet; Ligia, the beautiful Christian woman; Petronius, Vinicius’s uncle who scoffs at love and religion but finds his nephew’s passion charming; and Nero himself, enemy of all Christians, a despotic emperor who plunges Rome deeper and deeper into depravity. The decadence of his banquets is staggering; and even worse, his mad laughter is heard echoing in the amphitheater as gladiators duel to death. As Nero’s appalling plans for Christians becomes ever clear, time appears to be running out for the young lovers. Vinicius must come to understand the true meaning of Ligia’s religion before it is too late.

D’ Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar D’ Aulaire tells of 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; and greedy King Midas. In a relaxes and humorous tone, this book brings to life the myths that have inspired great European literature and art throughout the ages.

These are only a few of my favorite books that teach ancient history, there are so many more out there! Feel free to share in the comments what you consider the best books to teach ancient history.