• Develops literacy, vocabulary!
• Explores an important period in European history!
• Explores the rise of Russia!
• Hands-on activities make history relevant to the student!
• Develops critical thinking skills!
• Develops study in a self-determined manner!
• Lesson plans are complete and ready to use!  Start now!

I've been homeschooling since the very beginning and my kids (13, 10, 7, and 2) have never seen the inside of a school. But they have seen every type of curriculum under the sun as I would frantically flit from one thing to the other in search of that elusive "something" we could all be equally passionate about. I have used STEPS for various courses over the years but the last 2 days we were able to have our very first All-Steps School Days (minus the math, of course).

What I know for sure in this short time is: this is something special. The kids say it's the most interesting school has ever been for them (my 13yo especially would become very frustrated by the "pointless" questions and projects other programs would ask of him), and I've been enjoying the lively conversation that Steps is sparking between my school-aged kids and myself. I am so glad I took the plunge and converted entirely to Steps curriculum. What a relief to have finally found "it". STEPS is absolutely perfect for us.

And you can add this: I woke up this morning (next day) to find my 10 and 13 yo boys already up and working through their next lessons independently. Big smiles here!  S.R., Homeschooling Mother of 4
_____
History for Step 3 students, ages 9-10 who read fairly well, and older students still developing literacy.  

European nations are born and spread their influence throughout the globe. The birth of much of the modern world, as England, Spain and France battle for world supremacy. Russia slowly awakens to become a world player. A parade of Kings and Queens, wars and discoveries.

Focused around the first Newberry Prize award-winning children's book, Van Loon's The Story of Mankind , those sections of Van Loon's book required for study are included in the course.

The course specializes, as do all STEPS courses, in developing the students understandings and ability to think and form their own ideas and opinions. Additionally, as with all our history courses, this one is structured to increase the student's vocabulary and understanding of geography, as well as of history.

19 lesson, plus 3 tests and answer guides.

Concepts covered in this course include:

• The growth in England of the rights of the people.
• Henry VIII and Elizabeth I turn England into a great power.
• The birth of the Anglican Church.
• The Spanish Armada.
• The English Renaissance.
• Shakepeare.
• The Stuarts, Cromwell, other English leaders.
• The growth of a business and working class in England and Europe.
• Louis XIV, absolute kings.
• The Peace of Wetsphalia.
• The modernization and rise of Russia.
• The Tarter Invasion and Genghis Kahn
• Wars between Russia and Sweden
• The rise of Prussia
• Frederick the Great
• The Mercantile System
• The growth of nationalism and national wealth in Europe