Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Curriculum Review: Notgrass Exploring Government


 Thank you to Notgrass History for providing product for review purposes.








Motivating high school students can be tricky at times. With my two teens they want to be done school and have lots of free time to pursue their own interests. My oldest likes to work outside with the garden and his chickens, while his brother will be often found reading or playing a game. I'm good with them having activities that bring them joy but school comes first.



This is our 6th year homeschooling and I feel like we've found a groove that really works for us. One reason is the maturity that is blossoming with age in our kids. Another and I think perhaps the biggest reason is that we've found curriculum that they enjoy. They look forward to the subjects they love and there is no hassling them to get done the work. I noticed the change last year when we decided on Notgrass American History as their main 'core' for school. Notgrass high school courses are unique because they include work for History, English and Bible.

For our 2017-18 year we will have two students working on Notgrass Exploring Government for the first half of the year. This course is one semester and when the full schedule is followed will cover a 1/2 credit in Government as well as a 1/2 credit in English. It does include bible but not a full credit. (We plan on supplementing with a devotional and additional bible reading.)


What do you get



The curriculum package includes: 


  • Exploring Government Textbook - this is the main lesson book
  • We Hold These Truths - this book includes many of the additional readings including famous speeches and the entire Constitution


Student Review Pack: 


  • Student Review Book - review questions and literary analysis
  • Quiz and Answer Book - quiz for each unit and exam for every 5
  • Answer Key


Literature Set:


  • Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough (Units 1-4)
  • The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge by Calvin Coolidge (Units 5-6)
  • Born Again by Charles Colson (Units 7-11)
  • God and Ronald Reagan by Paul Kengor (Units 12-15)


A Day In Action



A typical day using this course would have my student starting with their schedule ( a free printable on the site) to see what lesson they are on. On the first day of the week they will usually have a introductory page that has all the books needed listed and all the projects to choose from. The boys know they are to choose their project and begin working on it everyday to finish on Day 5. Each day has a lesson they must read and do any  additional activities listed. (Mainly review questions, reading literature and work on project.)

My students have learned to pace themselves because it takes time to work on the projects. They also have to keep track of the literature reading so that they finish the book on time. They are definitely learning time management.


What we love about these books is that they are filled with wonderful information. The pages all include high quality colored pictures that are engaging. They are most excited about diving into the Constitution because we've had many discussions relating to politics and current events, lately. I know this study will help them to understand more of what is going on in their world.



 Notgrass History offers courses from 5 grade through 12. Be sure to visit their site to learn more!



ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising.

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