A History of the United States and Its People

Name: A History of the United States and Its People
Brand: Lost Classics Book Company

by Lost Classics Book Company

Social_studiesGrades 6–8

About This Curriculum

A topical approach to American history from Columbus through the Civil War era, featuring biographical stories, study questions, and teaching aids designed to make both teaching and learning accessible and engaging.

What makes it unique: Unique topical organization that helps students see cause and effect clearly, combined with traditional values and non-revisionist approach to American history

A History of the United States and Its People: Traditional Topical Approach

A reprinted 1890s American history textbook by Edward Eggleston covering Columbus through the Civil War using a topical rather than strictly chronological organization. The curriculum features biographical stories, detailed illustrations, and extensive study questions designed for grades 6-8.

Best for

Homeschooling families and traditional educators seeking a literature-based approach to American history for middle grade students who prefer topical organization over strict chronology

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 1 concern · 3 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum supports direct instruction through clear chapter organization and detailed study materials. The structured approach with manageable chapter lengths and comprehensive study questions facilitates teacher-led instruction.

Reviews note 'text for each chapter generally runs no more than five pages, so the reading is very manageable' and includes 'lengthy set of Questions for Study' plus additional instructional supports

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum lacks formal teacher training materials but provides extensive teaching aids and support materials. However, there is no answer key, requiring teachers to read the text to determine answers.

Reviews note 'There is no answer key, so a parent or teacher would need to read the text to determine answers' but mention various teaching aids like 'blackboard illustrations' and study topics

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes some retrieval practice through recall questions and periodic review materials. However, the approach appears limited to end-of-chapter questions rather than systematic spaced review.

Reviews mention 'Questions for Study are primarily recall questions' and 'topical outline of a preceding group of chapters that is intended to help with reviewing material from earlier chapters'

Geographic KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum includes geographic elements through maps and geographic activities. Reviews mention maps as part of the illustrations and specific geography activities in the study materials.

Reviews mention 'numerous interestingly detailed, hand-drawn illustrations, portraits, and maps' and 'geography activities' included in chapter materials

Chronological KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum provides chronological coverage but organizes content topically rather than strictly chronologically. While it covers events from Columbus through the Civil War systematically, the topical organization may make it harder for students to develop a clear timeline of events.

Reviews note it is 'generally chronological in order, but it doesn't try to cover all events happening at any given time within the same chapter' and uses 'topical approach rather than strictly chronological organization'

Primary SourcesInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence from reviews to determine the curriculum's use of primary source documents. Reviews focus on the textbook's narrative approach and study questions but do not mention primary sources.

No mention of primary source documents in either review

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of explicit vocabulary instruction is mentioned in the reviews. The focus appears to be on narrative content and comprehension questions rather than systematic vocabulary development.

Reviews discuss study questions and content but make no mention of vocabulary instruction or academic terminology development

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, homeschoolchristian.com