chapter-by-chapter guide
E. H. Gombrich’s A Little History of the World is a fantastic option for a succinct introduction to World History. The book is written in an engaging conversational style that works very well as a read-aloud. Supplement with the resources recommended on these pages to build a rich, year-long study of World History from Ancient Times to the Modern Era. Follow the links below to find great picture books, short videos, and other resources to complement each chapter.
How to do it. At a pace of one chapter per week, the study is completed in 40 weeks. The chapters are brief and can generally be read in one sitting. A weekly plan could look like this: On Monday, read aloud the assigned chapter of A Little History of the World. On Tuesday and Wednesday, dive deeper with some (not all!) of our recommended picture books, short videos, and hands-on activities. On Friday, wrap up the week’s study with a brief discussion of what you’ve learned. Some students may enjoy keeping a history journal, building a timeline, or filling a sketchpad with maps and pictures. Others are happier to dwell in the learning experience without documenting it. As you finish the week, look ahead to pick the resources you will use for the next week.
Why don’t you just recommend specific books and videos? Each chapter links to a page on the Best Homeschool Resources website. From that page, you can select supplemental resources to round out your studies. Specific books are not listed on this page for two reasons: First, you should feel free to choose resources based on your child’s age and interests and availability. Second, our resource pages are always being updated with the best new books and videos. It makes more sense
weekly plan
week 1
Read Little History Ch. 1, “Once Upon A Time.”
In Geology: Earth’s History, explore Earth’s formation and geologic history.
In Evolution, learn how life evolved on Earth.
week 2
Read Little History Ch. 2, “The Greatest Inventors of All Time.”
In Evolution: Humans, learn about the ancestors of modern humans.
In Prehistory, learn about the world of the early humans. Explore mammoths, cave art, and historical fiction.
week 3
Read Little History Ch. 3, “The Land by the Nile.”
In Ancient Egypt, explore pharaohs, mummies, pyramids, hieroglyphs, Egyptian myths, and life on the Nile.
week 4
Read Little History Ch. 4, “Sunday, Monday...”
In Ancient Mesopotamia, find resources about life in the Fertile Crescent, the civilizations of the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, and child-friendly retellings of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
week 5
Read Little History Ch. 5, “The One and Only God.”
Read stories from the Old Testament.
middle ages
early modern era