Did your heart race as you watched the debates?  Are you wondering how to teach social studies to your kids in this politically polarized age? Do you feel like you need to brush up on your American history so you can see how we got here?

Me, too.  Here’s my game plan: Take kids to Monticello to pique their curiosity (done). Review American history myself and then read a book on the US Presidents with my children, taking time to make flash cards of each president.  Using the flash cards, the kids will make a timeline of American history.

Wow, Elena, a timeline.  So creative of you.

Here’s why I think I want to start with a timeline.  I need perspective.  May I suggest that we as a nation may also need perspective?  In Daniel 2:21, we read that “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”  I am not in charge.  The political parties are not in charge. You are not in charge. Yes, of course, we will do our part to elect the person we think is the best qualified to lead our nation, and that starts with educating ourselves and exercising our right to vote.  And then we wait.  As Corrie ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an known God.”

But I am afraid.  I need to make a timeline, man, to see how our nation has survived through many disasters, world events, inept leaders, and unexpected turns of events.

If you’re not religious, the following reference books are not religious either, so you win as well.

I am currently reading the book called Thomas Jefferson for Kids by Brandon Marie Miller.
In my opinion, this book is for middle and high school students (read: me) with lines such

Anxious men faced one another, arguing, pleading, tempers flaring. John Dickinson of Pennsylvania spoke eloquently for the more conservative members. “Shall we destroy, in a moment of anger” the bonds and loyalties “cemented and tested by time?” he asked.

It’s psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, and humor all in one book.  We learn that the people we call our founding fathers were not only magnificent, but also men with painful foibles.

With my kids, I am going to read and use as reference Don’t Know Much About the Presidents by Kenneth C. Davis.

You can find it here on Amazon

After making a timeline of American History, I will put it up on the wall of our den as a reminder of the perseverance of our country and Who is really in charge.

peace and love,

Elena

P.S. Let’s pray for our country, our leaders, and both of the candidates running.   Despite what I may think of a particular candidate, we are all loved by God.