Let me share with you how I came to think of Notgrass History and Our star-studded story, the core American history curriculum from Notgrass History. In the summer of 2022, my dear friend and I went to The Big Homeschool Convention in Ontario, CA.
Friends, my mind was blown.
We sat in on presentations by Pam Barnhill, Andrew Pudewaand my personal favorite, Sarah Mackenzie. I left insanely inspired.
Which was a fun surprise – considering when she asked me to go with her, my only intention was to hang out by the hotel pool and rely on the notes she made when we met for dinner.
I’m a mom of 4 – thought I’d take the opportunities on offer!
But thank God I didn’t.
Because according to the incredible speakers’ presentations, it was our most fruitful year yet.
We have been homeschooling for a little over 6 years. Once I stopped harboring the all-too-common paralysis of wondering if I would actually teach the four miracles entrusted to me. the only thing, I always thought I was an eclectic homeschooler; sticking to your goal of keeping them curious and engaged in ways tailored to them.
I am not saying that I have abandoned these philosophies. But as summer drew to a close and our first day on the 7Thursday4Thursdayand 1Holy the years rolled around, I was a well-researched, uber-prepared hip homeschool mom—all our proverbial ducks were in a row!
I was set on subjects.
I was pleased with the ratio of book and creative “work”.
And then it was given to me History of Notgrass curriculum, Our star-studded storyfor our 4Thursday grader.
History of Notgrass – Designed to connect
When I was about to dive in, of the two ideologies that stuck out to me most about the Notgrass History company was how they valued the bond between parent and child, stating that it was “…designed to connect with your child in a meaningful way,” and how, “we believe you are in charge of your child’s education.“
In terms of behavior is communication, I’ve been delving deeply into neuroscience lately. It has been proven time and time again that children’s brains are not ready to learn without first experiencing meaningful connections. When a real connection occurs during school work, the child’s brain releases dopamine, which acts as a motivator and encourages more time spent and attention.
At Notgrass History, they basically make juice worth squeezing.
Not only was it so thoughtfully written, I was able to ask our 10-year-old to start reading her lesson while I prepared her brothers’ work, but it also inspired verbal collaboration as she completed end-of-lesson activities like building a LEGO Noah’s Ark or making one of George Washington’s favorite breakfasts, cornmeal pancakes!
Being one of our four children, she was excited to spend some extra time with me.
While the content alone made me swoon, Our star-studded story he wholeheartedly believes we’re in charge. Our! I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly encountered syllabuses that were intimidating me – can you imagine trying to pass that on to a child with a still developing brain?
Heavy pass!
When we are able to have more influence over how we present the curriculum to best meet our children’s needs, the brain works best for optimal retention. Generally speaking, when we use a curriculum that isn’t quite right, things can go a little bananas.
When a child’s still-maturing brain senses a threat, the amygdala triggers a code red, shutting down logical thinking and making learning nearly impossible.
But not here!
Learning and harmonious lesson planning in the history curriculum with a wonderful balance of work and creativity created deeply enjoyable school days.
Homeschooling these incredible people allows us to honor where each of our children is compared to none. This philosophy is as important to Notgrass History as it is to us.
Benefits of American History Notgrass Our star-studded story
I didn’t fall in love with history until the last few years.
It was something that had never been on my radar.
Until recently, observing behavior as a communication point of view, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the personal beliefs I held “Everyone is the way they are for a reason.
This is exactly what history dictates.
Notgrass History explains, “American history is about people.” It’s not to like it or not, but learning for future generations; it is a study of “problems overcome, victories celebrated, people to help, and faith to be shared.”
As Maya Angelou noted, “…when you know better, do better.”
I adored the insightful conversations we had about the lives of Aboriginal people, Vikings, explorers, pioneers and so much more. The combination of reading lessons with activities touched our girl more deeply – it made these different groups real to her. She said she felt like she had entered history.
But for 15 minutes.
Did I mention one of the biggest benefits of this American history curriculum?
There are 90 lessons divided into 30 lessons that only take 10-15 minutes to read – the rest is at your discretion.
This time spent with our sweet girl was marked by interesting content, a deeper connection for the two of us, and her feeling as if she had stepped into other points in time, all around bringing glory to God.
Not sure how it gets any better!
Why I Love Notgrass History and Our star-studded story
I like it the most because it is based on faith.
A certain family motto we stick to is “our job is to get you to heaven, not to Harvard.”
I made that up myself. Tell others.
There will most likely be gaps. Regardless of the teaching method.
But if I may continue to show our 4Thursday comparators to Jesus while she learns history and connects more deeply while (hopefully) inciting her to a greater love of learning – I think I’ll just get the worry of potential flaws out of my noggin; they can’t live there rent free!
And that’s not what Notgrass History wants from us; they want curiosity-enhanced neural networks to be found in an engaging and child/family-led history curriculum.
They delivered.
Big.
These same curiosity-enhanced neural networks are at different stages of development in terms of abstract thinking at the age for which this curriculum is designed, 1Holy-4Thursday comparators. But because it turns on the dopamine faucet brilliantly, creative thinking is enabled and end-of-chapter activities are easier to see through to the end.
This is an inspiring American History Core Curriculum! Suffice to say, our previous history curriculums have been relegated to garage storage bags.
11/10 stars. Totally recommend!
And now I can’t wait to try more Notgrass History products!
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If you are also interested in the history of Notgrass…
From the beginning, trying out this curriculum was the most fun. It really inspired a deeper connection with the material we are studying and helps my kids make connections with the content. So if you’re like us and want to see what else they have to offer, check them out here!
You can read our other Notgrass History reviews from other homeschooling parents.
