Guest Author - Meg Grooms
A Child's History of the World is a little-known classic piece of children's literature written by Virgil M. Hillyer, the first Head Master of the Calvert School. A Child's History of the World was written in 1924 and has been updated periodically through the years for use in the Calvert School and the Calvert Homeschool Program.
Calvert is widely known in the homeschool world as a long-time provider of quality, non-religious curriculum. A Child's History of the World, however, merges Hillyer's religious beliefs with the secular standpoint of today's Calvert School.
A Child's History of the World is usually recommended for the fourth grade in the Calvert program. It is written on an average fourth grade reading level, though some children may find the length of the book formidable. When purchased as part of the Calvert program you will receive a workbook with corresponding activities. The workbook is impressive, providing quick review exercised in a format that is friendly to emerging and reluctant writers.
A Child's History of the World starts with the beginning of the universe, supporting the "big bang theory" without calling it such. As the story progresses your child will read about the origins of life on earth, in a sort of mix between Creationism and Evolution. Hillyer writes about a "God who made it all" yet the information leans towards the Evolution standpoint. A Child's History of the World supports the "Old Earth" belief that the planet has been around and developing for millions of years.
Six hundred three pages later your child will have been given an overview oif world history throughout the Cold War of the 1980s (I read the 1997 version.) Historical topics are covered succincntly enough to present information but avoid overwhelming the child with dates and facts.
A Child's History of the World" is written in a narrative style, the author sharing stories with the readers. This style of writing prevents boredom and prevents the material from becoming tedious, though at times my fourth-grader commented tat the author seemed to be "talking down" to her.
If you are looking to introduce your child to world history but don't want to bog her down with facts and dates, A Child's History of the World may be just the book you are looking for.
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