As we study Early American History in Volume 3, Chapter 7, I’ve found that my timeline book is coming in quite handy:

Today, for instance, we started covering James Madison. Mr Madison was president from 1809 to 1817. Upon checking The Timetables of History, I found that Rip Van Winkle was written in 1809. I looked the story up in my Collier Junior Classics Vol 5 (Stories That Never Grow Old) and began reading it to my children today. They had a different way of writing back then–lots of detail and many words no longer used in everyday language. We also listened to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 5, and learned that Louis Braille and Abraham Lincoln were both born in 1809.

History doesn’t have to be dry, boring dates that mean nothing to your children. Bring it alive with information your child can relate to!

(If you are looking for a set of Junior Classics, be sure to check antique stores in your area. Also, a search of eBay.com for “Junior Classics” turns up many sets averaging around $25.)