World history is the study of human civilization from ancient times to the present, typically covering ancient civilizations, medieval periods, early modern eras, and contemporary global events across cultures and continents.
What is World History in Homeschooling?
World history encompasses the story of human civilization from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt through classical Greece and Rome, the medieval world, the Renaissance and Reformation, and into modern times. Unlike American history's narrower focus, world history examines developments across all continents and cultures, exploring how civilizations rose, interacted, and shaped today's world. Homeschool world history often integrates geography, art, music, and philosophy alongside political and military events, providing a comprehensive understanding of human experience.
Key Takeaways
- High school world history typically earns 1.0 credit toward graduation requirements
- Three main approaches: chronological (timeline order), thematic (organized by topics), and classical (4-year cycle)
- Elementary focuses on stories and engagement; high school emphasizes analysis and primary sources
- Many curricula allow teaching all ages together, adjusting depth by level
- Living books and hands-on activities make history come alive beyond textbook reading
Approaches to Teaching World History
Grade Level Expectations
Elementary world history focuses on engaging stories, basic timelines, and developing a love for the subject. Middle school introduces more structured study, critical thinking, and beginning source analysis. High school world history becomes credit-bearing with comprehensive surveys, extended research, and preparation for college-level work. Many families successfully teach world history to all ages simultaneously—everyone studies the same era while working at their own depth level.
Popular Curriculum Options
Story of the World offers engaging narrative history for elementary through middle school in the classical tradition. Notgrass History provides comprehensive high school courses earning credits in history, English, and Bible. Beautiful Feet Books takes a Charlotte Mason approach with literature-based study guides. Sonlight combines living books with hands-on activities. Mystery of History and The Good and the Beautiful offer Christian perspectives. For secular options, consider History Odyssey, Curiosity Chronicles, or The Nomadic Professor.
Bringing History Alive
Textbook reading alone rarely inspires. Effective world history study includes timelines that visualize when events happened relative to each other. Mapping activities show where empires spread and trade routes traveled. Primary sources—letters, documents, artifacts—connect students with real historical voices. Hands-on projects like building model structures, cooking period recipes, or recreating historical art make learning memorable. Many families find that documentary films, historical fiction, and virtual museum tours deepen engagement.
The Bottom Line
World history provides essential context for understanding today's global landscape. The approach that works best depends on your family's learning style, worldview, and goals. Classical education's four-year cycle builds cumulative knowledge. Literature-based approaches foster love of learning. Rigorous academic programs prepare students for college history courses. Whatever path you choose, supplement textbook knowledge with living books, primary sources, and hands-on experiences that make history meaningful rather than a list of dates to memorize.
