Oh how I love studying history!
Reading historical fiction has always been my favorite way to learn about people, other cultures and events of the past. So, you can imagine my delight when I discovered The Precious People curriculum. I was over the top excited to introduce Ancient History to my girls in a gentle and relational manner using art studies, poetry, readings, copy-work, recipes, and books….so many amazing books!
I love the easy open and go format for me as the teacher, and how at the same time it is easily adaptable for the different ages of my children.
It was especially enjoyable learning about Jewish traditions and holidays, while celebrating them together throughout the year. Our family found many of the Jewish traditions and customs added meaning and depth to our faith and we plan to continue to celebrate them each year.
The book selections in The Precious People are what really make the curriculum come alive. Although we enjoyed all the books on the list, here are a few of our favorites:
All of a Kind Family – This book is a real treasure house of information. I was in awe of how the author inserted so many details into the story. You will learn all about Jewish feasts, customs, and daily life while reading this lovely and engaging story about a Jewish family with 5 siblings who reside in New York City. My kids could not get enough of this series and we ended up purchasing them all!
Herodotus and the Road to Medicine – This was a very simple and gentle way to connect with the culture of ancient Greece and the world at that time. I think it is best enjoyed with a map of the ancient world close at hand.
A Single Shard – I have read and love many of Linda Sue Parks books, they are all engaging and enable you to not only understand, but to feel the culture of that time.
It’s A Jungle Out There – This book took us on an exciting and incredible journey through the lives of missionaries in the tropical rainforests of Peru. We ended up on an adventure of our own studying about the rainforests in detail.
God’s Troubadour – I’m not sure who liked this book better, me or my girls…The life of St. Francis of Assisi is one of my favorites! He has been an inspiration to our family and has piqued our interest in the love of nature.
Mimosa, A True Story – A lovely and uplifting story. Through the life of Amy Carmichael you witness a very real and selfless devotion to God and to serving others. I have read a few books on Amy Carmichael and this one is by far my favorite.
We loved the Hands on History! Resource books. My kids enjoyed the clear and detailed pictures and the illustrated activities made doing projects a cinch.
Picture books are always a highlight for us. We look forward to reading them in our morning basket. I’m always amazed at what you can learn (even as an adult) through the simplicity of a good picture storybook. It is so hard to pick only a few favorites, we loved them all!
The Story of Esther – A beautiful telling of the Story of Esther.
On Rosh Hoshanah and Yom Kipper – This book really captures the essence of the celebrations and the illustrations are whimsical and lovely.
On Sukkot and Simchat Torah – We all enjoyed the art, and the lyrical way the story is told.
The Story of Hannukkah – Any book written by David A. Adler is a great addition, but this is truly a gem. It’s found a permanent home in our beloved holiday book collection.
The Longest Night – This one of the most beautiful and joyful discriptions of the Passover I have ever read.
The Egyption Cinderella – This book has been in our library for a long time. I discovered it years ago with my older kids and was excited to share it with my younger ones. A very charming version of Cinderella.
Drawing From Memory – I could write an entire book about the things I love about Allen Say’s Books… My kids always enjoy reading them!
Deep in the Saharah – A warm and lovely glance into the muslim culture through the eyes of a child.
Patrick Patron Saint of Ireland – Another author we love! As with all his books this one is lovely and informative. The perspective that Tomie dePaola gives in his books is priceless.
The Saint and His Bees – My girls absolutely loved this book and wanted to learn everything they could about keeping bees after reading it!
Roses in Snow – A charming tale paired with beautiful illustrations.
Finders Keepers – The vivid illustrations draw you into this beautifully written story. It’s a very positive introduction to multicultural awareness.
The Saint Cards (by Jennifer Pepito) were one of my favorite additions to the curriculum. My girls enjoyed learning about a new saint each week.
We added a few books from the “Independent Booklist” provided and even found a few more to add to our studies. At the time my daughter was not old enough for Mara, Daughter of the Nile, so I decided to read it on my own and I absolutely loved it! It’s on my daughters reading list for this year!
All of A Kind Family Hanukkah - We found this gem and added it in during the holidays.
Milk and Honey, A Year of Jewish Holidays by Jane Yolen. This was another book we found and loved. The stories, songs, poetry and information added much to our celebrations of the Jewish holidays.
Our family treasured every minute of The Precious People and I am excited to cycle through it again!