history

5 Days of Learning Printables The World of Columbus and Sons Day 5 For Middle and High School

September 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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Today’s printables in my series 5 Days of Learning Printables The World of Columbus and Sons Day 5 For Middle and High School are from Part II. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school and how to homeschool high school page for more fun tips

When Columbus was in Portugal and Spain (1474 – 1492) Lesson 5 and 6 and from Part III. When Columbus was Sailing From Spain (1492 – 1500) Lessons 7 and 8.

And I have 6 free printables. They are The Spanish Inquisition, The Battle of Bosworth, City of Granada, City of Alhambra, Martin Behaim and The Renaissance Geography, and State of Italy.

The minibook Spanish Inquisition is for Lesson 5 under Part 11. When Columbus was in Portugal and Spain (1474 – 1492).

And then the minibook The Battle of Bosworth, which was the end of the War of Roses is for use in Lesson 6, also Part 11. When Columbus was in Portugal and Spain (1474 – 1492).

5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 5 For Middle and High School

On this minibook, there are two pages which are the same except that one has the answers if you want to use this for a younger child or for your middleschooler.

Though I try to list the pages in the book too where the answers can be found through your child’s research, I also give an answer sheet to help if you need it.

The next two notebooking pages, which are City of Granada and Alhambra are for use with Lesson 7, Part III. When Columbus was Sailing From Spain (1492 – 1500).

And then the Renaissance Geography Martin Behaim minibook is for use in Lesson 8, Part III. When Columbus was Sailing From Spain (1492 – 1500).

I do have one more printable I created too after Mr. Senior did his notebook cover on this book.

He drew the States of Italy from one of the hundreds of beautiful drawings in The World of Columbus and Sons, but I had some clip art from one of my paid resources and thought I would create a cover for you.

Of course feel free to use this any way your child wants to.

It can be a notebooking cover or it can be placed in the very front of the notebook because this is the area that Columbus grew up in.

I hope your family enjoys these freebies. Knowing that there are so many topics to cover in this book can make it overwhelming to cover, but I hope your family enjoys the printables and they make it a little more enjoyable to cover as we love these series of books.

And don’t forget I have a huge Renaissance Unit Study and Glass Blowing Unit Study that will enhance your study of The World of Columbus and Sons.

Renaissance 1300 to 1600 Unit Study and Glassblowing

5 Days of Learning Printables: The World of Columbus and Sons

Day 1.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 1 For Middle and High School.
Day 2.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 2 For Middle and High School.
Day 3.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 3 For Middle and High School.
Day 4.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 4 For Middle and High School.
Day 5.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 5 For Middle and High School.

HOW TO GET THE FREE COLUMBUS MINIBOOKS

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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How To Build A Viking Ship For Kids Who Love History

September 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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I am giving you step-by-step instructions for how to build a Viking ship for kids who love history. Also, I have this Vikings Lapbook Unit Study and Hands-on Activities.

When it comes to teaching kids about history, hands-on activities always make a lesson fun and memorable. One of the most exciting ways to dive into the Viking Age is by building a Viking ship project.

The Vikings were expert seafarers who used longships to carry them across the seas for trade, exploration, and sometimes raids.

How To Build A Viking Ship For Kids Who Love History

By constructing their own mini Viking ship, kids not only gain crafting skills but also get to immerse themselves in a fascinating part of history.

Here we are exploring the parts of a Viking ship, step-by-step project ideas, and even resources and creative activities to bring the Viking world alive for your child.

By combining fun crafts with fascinating facts, you can turn a history lesson into a memorable adventure. Kids will remember the thrill of designing and building their own Viking ships long after the glue has dried.

BOOKS ABOUT VIKINGS FOR KIDS

12 Viking Resources & Books for Multiple Ages

Grab some of these books and resources for multiple ages about Vikings.

Viking Adventure

Sigurd, a Viking boy, cannot see the value of learning to read and write. All he can think of is adventure. But then he has an adventure that he cannot help but tell. And to do that, he decides, he must learn to write. A fine story for young readers.

Guts & Glory: The Vikings (Guts & Glory, 2)

From battle-axe-wielding tribes plundering the greatest cities of Europe to powerful kings and queens ruling their dominions with iron fists, the Vikings were some of the most feared and fearless figures in European history. Find the bravest heroes, the most menacing villains, and unbelievably awesome facts and myths inside this action-packed overview that will amaze kids with tales of a people so incredible...it's hard to believe they were real.

Viking: Discover the Story of the Vikings―Their Ships, Weapons, Legends, and Saga of War

The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures. Loaded with superb color photographs of Viking ships and swords, clothes and shields, memorial stones and beautiful brooches, this revised and updated edition of Eyewitness: Viking offers a unique view into the lives of the Norse people and their outstanding achievements.

LEGO Creator Viking Ship

Kids can experience thrilling adventures on land and sea with this 3in1 set featuring a toy Viking ship, Viking house and Fenris wolf figure

A Child's Introduction to Norse Mythology: Odin, Thor, Loki, and Other Viking Gods, Goddesses, Giants, and Monsters

The newest book in the best-selling, award-winning A Child's Introduction series explores the popular and captivating world of Norse mythology. Organized into two parts, part one introduces characters like Odin, the leader of the Norse gods; Thor and his mighty hammer Mjollner; Frigg, weaver of the destinies of humans and gods; frost and fire giants; cunning dwarves like Brokk and Eitri; and many more. Part two tells the stories of the suspenseful myths themselves including The Creation of the Cosmos, The Aesir-Vanir War, Loki Bound, Thor's Hammer and many more.

Renegade Game Studios Raiders of The North Sea,Multi-colored

Play Raiders of The North Sea, a worker-placement board game where players work to assemble a crew and outfit a longboat to raid settlements for gold and fame.(For 2-4 players)

Odd and the Frost Giants

Odd, a young Viking boy, is left fatherless following a raid. In his icy, ancient world there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear…and then Odd's destiny begins to change.

The eagle, bear, and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giant who has conquered Asgard, the city of the gods. Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods…

Image for Viking Quest Series Set of 5 Volumes Including Raiders From the Sea, Mystery of the Silver Coins, the Invisible Friend, Heart of Courage, and the Raider's Promise

Viking Quest Series Set of 5 Volumes Including Raiders From the Sea, Mystery of the Silver Coins, the Invisible Friend, Heart of Courage, and the Raider's Promise

Raiders from the Sea: Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them from their home in Ireland. After the young Viking prince Mikkel sets Devin free on the Irish coast far from home, Bree and Devin embark on separate journeys to courage. Readers will be captivated by the unfolding drama as Bree sails to Norway on the Viking ship and Devin travels the dangerous road home.

Black Fox of Lorne

Set in 1005 AD, twins Brus and Jan go a-Viking with their father Harald Redbeard and all their household. They plan to settle in England with Danish relatives there. But, their ships are caught in a fierce gale on the North Sea, and they are taken far off course to the western shore of Scotland. Held captive by a cunning Scottish Laird, Jan and Brus must navigate the political intrigue of chieftain, clan, and king without the help of their father, who has been killed and their mother, who is believed lost at sea. They follow adventure after adventure until they earn their freedom and find a home in Scotland at last.

Make This Viking Settlement (Usborne Cut-Out Models)

Printed on stiff card, this book contains templates to cut out and construct a model of a Viking settlement crammed with authentic detail. The base of the completed model measures 61 x 46cm, and includes 16 houses with doors and windows that open to reveal the details inside, and two Viking trading ships. It contains over 40 cut-out figures including merchants, traders and towns people to recreate scenes of everyday life in a bustling riverside settlement.

Who Were the Vikings Internet-Linked (Starting Point History)

Answers questions about the everyday life of the Vikings, including clothing, homes, religion, medical care, food, entertainment, ships, shops and towns, government, warfare, and the travels of the Northmen in Asia and the North Atlantic.

Viking Ships At Sunrise (Magic Tree House, No. 15)

"Beware of Vikings!" warns Morgan. Then Jack and Annie are whisked back to ancient Ireland. They land on a cliff on a misty island. How will they find the story they are looking for? It will take a Viking invasion, the help of a jolly monk, and a lot of courage for Jack and Annie to succeed in Viking Ships at Sunrise.

With oars in the water and sails in the wind, your kids will be ready to set off on their own voyage of discovery—just like the Vikings did over a thousand years ago.

5 FACTS ABOUT VIKING SHIPS

Let’s learn a few facts first.

Longships were designed for speed- With shallow hulls, they could glide quickly over the water and even travel up rivers.
They were versatile- Vikings used different types of ships: longships for raiding, knarrs for trade, and smaller boats for fishing and everyday use.
Dragon heads on the prow – Some ships had carved dragon or serpent heads at the front to scare away enemies and evil spirits.
Oars and sails- Ships were powered by both oars and large square sails made of wool.
Traveling far and wide – Viking ships allowed them to sail from Scandinavia all the way to North America, centuries before Columbus.

Next, look at these Viking activities.

VIKING ACTIVITIES TO ADD TO YOUR LESSON

Viking Shield Craft -Let kids design their own shields using cardboard circles, paint, and foil.

Rune Writing-Make a Viking Rune Name Sign From Air Dry Clay
Trollen Wheel– 10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid
Navigation Challenge- Discuss how Vikings used the sun, stars, and even sunstones to find their way. Try a stargazing activity or a compass lesson.
STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
Role-Playing Game- Kids can pretend to be Viking explorers setting out on a voyage. Create a simple storytelling game where they encounter storms, find new lands, or meet traders. Encourage them to use the viking ship they are going to build as part of their story.
Cooking Viking-Style Food– Make simple Viking-inspired snacks such as flatbread, dried fruit, or roasted nuts to enjoy after shipbuilding.
The BEST Viking Unit Study for Homeschooled Kids
The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas
Play Hnefatafl Game- Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

BUILDING A VIKING SHIP FOR KIDS WHO LOVE HISTORY

You will need:

Large cardboard boxes
Craft knives (for adults only)
Paint and markers
Wooden dowels or sticks
Felt or craft foam for sails

First, draw a long, narrow boat shape with raised ends on sturdy cardboard, you can create a dragon head on end if you like to replicate an authentic figurehead.

At the same time, use something small and round to trace your shields.

Cut everything out and repeat with a second side and more shields using the first as a template.

Paint brown and set aside to dry. Flip and paint the other side, then allow to dry.

Once dry, you can use a black marker to give it lines and swirls to resemble wood.

Fold the bottom 1” of the ship on both sides.

Cut out a long 1” or so strip of cardboard and hot glue it in place over the folds to join them together.

Continue with a strip all the way around to give your ship a full frame and help it stand up. Go up as far as the figurehead, hot gluing it in place on both sides.

Cut oar shapes from cardboard and hot glue to skewers or thin popsicle sticks to make oars.

Paint brown and allow to dry.

Poke through the sides of the ship and secure with hot glue on the inside.

Create the red and white sail by gluing strips of white craft foam onto a piece of red craft foam.

Glue a tall wooden skewer or strip of wood in the center of the ship, you can add extra pieces of cardboard to hold it in place.

Once the glue has dried attach the sail with hot glue.

Finally, paint and glue on the row of shields.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

August 27, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making a fantastic DIY founding father costume for under $10 in supplies.

This simple DIY is great for elementary and middle school but can easily be adapted and made more challenging for high school students.

And besides being the first president, there are many reasons to learn about George Washington. Besides being the leader who led the colonies to victory in the Revolutionary War, he was a great leader.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

But he was also a reluctant leader because he never really chased power.

I’m giving you a few ideas for each day to do a quick mini unit study on George Washington.

You can make the most out of your time learning about our first president with books, videos, and crafts.

BOOKS ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books.

We prefer living books when we can find them. Add some to your home library.

7 George Washington Books

When you think of the founding of the United States, one name stands out above the rest and that is George Washington.

George Washington's World

The period measured by the life of George Washington, 1732 to 1799, was one of revolution and change in many parts of the world as Enlightenment thinking took hold in the minds of men. Prolifically illustrated with intriguing line drawings and detailed timelines, Foster's telling of the life story of George Washington does justice to the man it celebrates.

George Washington and the Founding of a Nation

A full account of George Washington's role in building the early U.S. republic explores his life, focusing on the assets he brought to public life.

Farmer George Plants a Nation

George Washington was the first leader of our country—but he was also an inventor, scientist, and the most forward-thinking farmer of his time. As he worked to make the new country independent, he also struggled to create a self-sufficient farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Excerpts from Washington's writings are featured throughout this nonfiction picture book, which also includes a timeline, resource section, as well as essays on Washington at Mount Vernon and his thoughts on slavery. Both the author and illustrator worked closely with the staff of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens to render an accurate portrait of Farmer George at work.

Stories of George Washington

Abraham Lincoln often referred to a favorite book he read as a young boy: "The Life of Washington" by Mason Weems. The impression made deep in his heart was that there was something very uncommon and rare
about America and that holding the Union together was worth any cost. This same book was also the #1 book the citizens of our young Republic were reading. After you get past the flowery language and the over-the-top hero worship, you find a book filled with nuggets of wisdom, including the idea that private virtue exceeds public virtue, which was the secret of Washington's greatness. If you want to read what Lincoln read, now you'll be able to.

George Washington: His Legacy of Faith, Character, and Courage

In this beautifully illustrated book, children will learn the epic story of George Washington, the father of our country, and be inspired by his strong faith, character, and courage. They will discover that the animating force of his heroic life was a deep, abiding faith and trust in God.

Captivatingly illustrated with lovely water colors, this book begins with interesting facts about Washington's ancestors, who had been involved with important key moments in British history, and the story of his forefathers who then came to the United States.

We learn about the life of young George growing up in Virginia and how he developed the skills needed for farming, hunting, horse riding and self-defense. It shows how he was devoutly religious from the time of his youth.

George Washington's Breakfast

A fun take on history from Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz!George Washington Allen, a boy who never gives up until he finds out what he wants to know, is determined to learn all there is to know about his
namesake, including what the first president ate for breakfast!

George Washington's Teeth

From battling toothaches while fighting the British, to having rotten teeth removed by his dentists, the Father of His Country suffered all his life with tooth problems. Yet, contrary to popular belief, he never had a set of wooden teeth. Starting at the age of twenty-four, George Washington lost on average a tooth a year, and by the time he was elected president, he had only two left!

Next, look at these ideas for a quick 5 day unit study about George Washington.

QUICK GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIT STUDY

Now, begin with a bit about his life on day 1.

WHO WAS GEORGE WASHINGTON – DAY 1

Learn about his early life and character.

Who Was George Washington? by Roberta Edwards (Who Was… series).
Watch a short kid-friendly video biography-Liberty’s Kids episode on YouTube works well).
Play U.S President Go Fish to learn more about Washington and other presidents.
George Washington’s Teeth – Deborah Chandra -funny and historical.
Ask…

Where was George born?
What did he do before the war?
Why do you think he was respected as a leader?

WASHINGTON & THE REVOLUTION – DAY 2

Understand Washington’s role in the Revolutionary War.

Crash Course U.S. History for older kids/teens
Read about Washington crossing the Delaware (picture books like George Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer for older kids, or simpler retellings for younger kids).
Map Work-Mark major battle sites (Trenton, Yorktown, Valley Forge) on a 13 colonies map.
Recreate the “crossing of the Delaware” using toy soldiers or LEGO figures in a box lid “boat.”

THE FIRST PRESIDENT – DAY 3

Learn about Washington’s presidency.

A Picture Book of George Washington by David Adler
George Washington Ingri d’Aulaire
Ask…
What did Washington do as the first president?
Why is it important he stepped down after two terms?
Write (or trace) this Washington quote-“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”

WASHINGTON AT HOME (MOUNT VERNON) – DAY 4

See Washington as a farmer and person.

Short video tour of Mount Vernon (official Mount Vernon site has free kid resources).
Ask…
What crops did Washington grow?
Why do you think he loved farming after the war?
Start a small garden activity (plant a seed in a cup).
Create a mini Mount Vernon with cardboard, popsicle sticks, or printable cutouts.

CELEBRATE WASHINGTON – DAY 5

Review and present learning through a project or presentation.

Timeline Notebooking Page– Create a page with Washington’s life events in order.
Recite a quote, the Preamble to the Constitution, or a summary of Washington’s life.
Draw George Washington on a dollar bill, quarter, or just his face.
Write 3–5 sentences (or more for older kids) about why he is called the “Father of Our Country.”
Bake a simple “Washington cake” (colonial-era recipe, or just decorate cupcakes with little American flags).
Roleplay Debate: Pretend to be George Washington explaining why America needs independence. Use your costume, see the tutorial below.

MORE AMERICAN HISTORY ACTIVITIES

Finally, look at how to make this cute as it can be founding fathers costume.

HOW TO MAKE A GEORGE WASHINGTON DIY FOUNDING FATHER COSTUME

You will need:

Blue long-sleeve t-shirt
White craft felt
Yellow craft felt
Cotton balls
Toddlers pull up, pantyhose, or a shower cap
Black ribbon
Scissors
Hot glue gun/glue sticks

JACKET

Fold the shirt down the center, creating a nice crease that makes it easy to cut a straight line by pressing it in with an iron.

Cut an oval from yellow felt, adjust to your child’s size.

You want it big enough to cover the top of the shoulder and hang off the end for epaulettes.

Repeat with a second piece.

Cut fringe around 3 sides.

Place on the shoulders of the shirt, smoothing out the wrinkles and making sure of the size.

Hot glue along the shoulder, and across the arm seam so that it hangs down.

From the remaining scraps of yellow, cut circles about the size of a quarter.

FOUNDING FATHER COSTUME

Use hot glue to attach down either side of the “coat” opening.

I had a white scrap of velvety fabric that I cut long strips on either side to tie around the neck.

If you use felt you can cut out a ruffled shape or two and either hot glue string to tie around the neck or attach to the coat with glue.

HAT

Cut a simple tricorn shape out of the full length of two pieces of black felt and trace them with a gold paint pen or hot glue yellow or gold ribbon along the edge.

For most kids, especially over the wig, this will not be wide enough to fit.

Cut a couple of black strips and hot glue to each end of the hat to join them and make the opening wider.

Cut most of the front portion of a pull-up (stretchy toddler diaper) away to create room for the face.

This works really well for smaller elementary students, but you can use all the next steps on it, a shower cap, or pantyhose stretched over a dummy head to create a wig cap.

Apply hot glue to cotton balls and completely cover the back side.

Add a strip of material at the bottom to create his little pony tail (they do not still well to each other) to give the cotton ball something to stick to.

Flip it over and cover the rest, squeezing them in tightly so there are no gaps when it stretches over the head.

Finally, tie off the little ponytail with a scrap of ribbon.

How cute is this?

Now not only read about history but your child can bring his history lessons to life through this fun dress up.

Free Scotland Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

August 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have another fun and free lapbook. I have a Scotland lapbook for kids who love hands-on learning. Also, look at my page Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning for more lapbook ideas.

Whether your child is just beginning to explore world cultures or diving deep into European history, a lapbook offers a hands-on way to learn that’s both educational and fun.

Besides, you can fold many topics into your Scotland lapbook like geography, history, culture, music and legends.

Free Scotland Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

From castles and kilts to the Loch Ness Monster and bagpipes, Scotland offers an exciting mix of myth and fact that is fun to learn about.

For example, there are ways to go deep with this lapbook or take as long as your children want to.

Include in history about William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Jacobite uprisings and in geography find Scottish cities, lochs, and mountain ranges.

And for art create tartan patterns or sketch castles. Too, language arts can include reading Scottish legends or write a short story set in Edinburgh.

MORE HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES ABOUT SCOTLAND

How Big Is Scotland & How To Make A Kilt Craft

BOOKS ABOUT SCOTLAND FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about Scotland.

6 Books About Scotland

Add books about Scotland to your homeschool unit study. I have books for multiple ages.

Scotland's Story

I wish you would write Scotland's Story for littler children like me, ' asked a young friend of H.E. Marshall, causing the celebrated author to give Scotland the same treatment as previously dedicated to the England in Our Island Story.

Starting with the legend of Prince Gathelus and ending with King George the IV this book features many tales, including those of Macbeth, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the Stewart kings.

The George MacDonald Scottish Collection: Four Tales From His Homeland by the Grandfather of Modern Fantasy

George MacDonald was a Scottish author who never forgot his roots. All his best writing recalls his beloved homeland, and demonstrates, through myth or realism, the beauties of the place that reared him. In this collection, four of these Caledonian tales (two fairy tales and two "realistic" ones) open the door to MacDonald's Scotland, and show him, like Burns, Scott, and Stevenson, to be one of his country's true national treasures.

A Short History of Scotland: A Classic (Annotated) Edition of Andrew Lang Novel

This 1911 work by one of the most well-known newspapermen and writers of the time is a lyrical and engrossing account of the peoples and places of the Sceptered Isle's northern reaches, from its Celtic and Pictish tribal origins through Roman occupation and the Jacobite uprising of the 18th century. Author Andrew Lang delves into the decadence and corruption of medieval kings, bringing to life the intrigues and conspiracies that have shaped the true history of a much-fabled nation with a sly, dry wit that will enthrall today's readers.This book includes an author biography as well as a table of contents that is linked to each chapter (Kindle edition). We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high-quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

We Met Our Cousins (The Cousins Series)

John and Antonia live in London. They are clean. They are tidy. They have firm ideas on how to behave. Then they are sent to spend the holidays with their cousins at Roid House in the Scottish Highlands. Angus and Morag do not keep clean. They are not tidy, and they run wild. After initial horror on both sides, the cousins start to like each other, and they spend their time riding and sailing, and solving the odd mystery on the side.Joanna Cannan was an astute observer of children, and the reactions of the children to each other and the world about them are brilliantly observed.

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales

Slithering stoorworms, mischievious brownies, fierce kelpies and magical selkies -- these are the creatures of Scottish folklore.

Award-winning children's author Theresa Breslin has collected the best-loved tales from all over Scotland. Retelling each in its own individual style, she presents funny tales, moving tales and enchanting fairy tales. Soar with the goshawk, dive with selkies and battle with the stoorworm, as each story is brought to life with exquisite illustrations by Scottish fine artist Kate Leiper, which brim with otherworldly beauty.

A wonderful gift, this is a truly stunning book to be treasured for a lifetime and will be enjoyed by parents and grandparents as well as children.

Image for The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Kings & Queens: The Most Comprehensive Visual Encyclopedia of Every King and Queen of Britain, from Saxon Times through the Tudors and Stuarts to Today

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Kings & Queens: The Most Comprehensive Visual Encyclopedia of Every King and Queen of Britain, from Saxon Times through the Tudors and Stuarts to Today

In this beautifully illustrated and fully updated edition, Charles Phillips charts the complete history of the royal families of Britain. Beginning in the earliest times with the legend of King Arthur, Eric Bloodaxe and the real-life history of Macbeth, he describes the lives and legends of the kings and queens of Britain, their consorts and children, and the pretenders, usurpers and regents who played a role in the making of the United Kingdom. Fact boxes highlight the essential events of each reign, as well as maps, charts and family trees. Over 500 fine art paintings, sculptures, engravings, artefacts, photographs, maps and illustrations reveal the heritage and pageantry of royal Britain. A valuable reference book for any historian, this guide will fascinate every reader interested in one of the longest-running monarchies in the world.

Next, look at more best homeschool lapbooks.

MORE LAPBOOKS

Next, look at what is included in this fun lapbook.

WHAT TOPICS OR MINBOOKS ARE IN THE SCOTLAND LAPBOOK

Explore Scotland
Quick Facts About Scotland
Scotland’s Famous Places
Things You’ll See in Scotland
Where in the World is Scotland

HOW TO GET THE FREE SCOTLAND LAPBOOK

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

August 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Teaching American history living books brings the past to life in a way that dry textbooks never can.

Also, you’ll love my free Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.

Rather than memorizing dates and facts, children encounter real people, gripping stories, and moral dilemmas.

By grounding your American history studies in living books, your homeschool will foster curiosity, empathy, and a lasting love of history.

Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

Whether you choose to go in chronological order or follow your child’s interests, these titles can anchor your year in story-rich exploration.

Below I’m guiding you through the major periods of American history with recommended living books for each.

Many of these books are perfect for reading aloud or independent reading in upper elementary through high school.

Then I’m sharing a mini woven basket craft that you can make with just a few supplies as a nod to the Penobscot Indians. They were in the region where The Sign of The Beaver was set in Maine

5 PENOBSCOT INDIANS FACTS

Penobscot comes from Panawahpskek, which means “the place where the rocks open out.” This was the name of an important Penobscot village.
Historically, Penobscot men were the ones that hunted and waged war, while women farmed, cooked, and cared for children. Both genders took part in storytelling, art, music, and traditional medicine. While chiefs were traditionally male, in modern tribes, women can now also be chief.
The Penobscot people sustained themselves by fishing in the Penobscot River, hunting deer and moose, cultivating corn and beans, gathering berries, and producing maple syrup from tree sap.
The Penobscot were part of the Wabanaki Confederacy, which was formed to protect against attack by the Iroquois, and also included the Algonquian peoples the Abenaki, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, and Passamaquoddy.
They lived in cone-shaped huts, and teepees which they moved to different locations during the different seasons.

A favorite resource of mine for gathering wonderful living books is Beautiful Feet Books, from gorgeous picture books to riveting chapter books.

AMERICAN HISTORY LIVING BOOKS

Pre-Colonial and Native American Cultures (before 1492)

Age of Exploration and Colonization (1492–1763)

American Revolution (1763–1789)

The Early Republic and Westward Expansion (1789–1850)

Civil War Era (1850–1877)

Reconstruction and the Gilded Age (1877–1900)

Dragon’s Gate by Laurence Yep
Locomotive by Brian Floca

Progressive Era and World War I (1900–1920)

The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression (1920–1939)

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Bright April by Marguerite de Angeli
Sweet Home Alaska

World War II (1939–1945)

Post-War America and the Cold War (1945–1980s)

Modern America (1990s–Present)

In addition to beautiful American history living books, hands-on activities turn a simple book into a study whether it’s a mini unit or you decide to dig deeper.

MORE AMERICAN HISTORY RESOURCES

One thing the Penobscot Indians were known for was their basket weaving.

The baskets were functional but they also used different colored materials like barks and glasses that created beautiful patterns.

PAPER BAG BASKET WEAVING

Of course, I thought a simple basket weaving craft would be perfect to go along with this book and not only make a cute craft but work on fine motor skills at the same time.

You will need:

3 brown paper bags
Scissors
Glue stick

Cut the top half the bag off, fold it over in half and press a firm crease all the way around.

Continue folding and creasing until the width is roughly 1”.

Cut one of the loops.

Glue between each layer, this gives you a sturdy handle for the basket, set aside for now.

Open up the second bag and cut 1” strips from the top to just the bottom edge of the bag.

Lay the bottom of the bag flat and spread out the strips.

Glue the handle inside the bag.

The final step before weaving is to take the third bag and cut 1” strips from it, you will want at least 8.

When opened they are one big loop, cut on just one end to make a long strip.

Begin weaving your basket by going over and under each of the cut strips of the main bag, raising the sides as you go, secure with glue at the start and end.

Start your next strip in a different corner each time to make it sturdier.

Repeat these 3 to 4 times around the basket.

Cut the strips so they are 1” above where you stop, fold each one over whatever side it ends on and glue it in place to finish the edge of the basket.

Allow it to dry.

While your basket won’t hold too much weight you can put a few light things in it like flowers or leaves.

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