Exploring American History

History / Bible / Literature A
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S-AC2R5
Retail Price $599.28 Special Price $509.39

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$249 FREE

Age Range: 6-8
Grade Range: 1-3
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YOUNG ADVENTURERS: DISCOVER AMERICA'S HISTORY

Sonlight A is a delightful, age-appropriate first-grade American History program, done in Sonlight's signature style. In this 36-week program, you'll give your students their first taste of American history. This program will inspire a love of learning as you explore America's unique history.

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Take up to one year to use your curriculum. If you don’t love it, return it! Complete details here.

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Young adventurers: Discover America's history

The History / Bible / Literature program Sonlighters have been wishing for—a delightful, age-appropriate first-grade American History program, done in Sonlight's signature style. Available in 4- or 5-Day!

In this 36-week program, you'll give your students their first taste of American history.

Sonlight A shares the stories of key events and important people in American history. You'll encounter key statesmen and meet the four presidents on Mount Rushmore. You'll cover the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, "The Star-Spangled Banner" (the song and the flag itself), and much more.

You won't find another program like this on the market. It's unique. And fascinating and fun!

In Sonlight A, you'll:

  • Inspire a love of learning as you explore America's unique history.
  • Read stories of the men and women, artists and presidents, plus a computer programmer, an enslaved potter, a determined dog, a joyful puppeteer—more than three score short biographies.
  • Feast on more than two dozen of the best children's books on the planet, carefully selected from the tens of thousands published each year.
  • Guide your children confidently each day: you get lesson plans, teaching tips and materials for the entire year.
  • Purchase this History / Bible / Literature package and you'll get free shipping (lower 48), a one-year guarantee and other perks.

Estimated daily time for Exploring American History plus your other subjects: Student: 1.5-2 hrs | Parent: 1-1.5 hrs

Overview of the Bible

The Bible portion of the program includes an album of memory songs and The One Year Bible for Children, an excellent overview of the stories of the Scriptures.

The included Sing the Word CD helps you hide God's Word in your heart with memorization exercises. This CD (also includes the digital version), scheduled in the Sonlight A Instructor's Guide, wonderfully complements the rest of the Bible curriculum included in Exploring American History.

Overview of the History

In Sonlight A, our new History spine ties the year's studies together. The sixty chapters in the two-volume Heroes and Happenings introduces children to a wide range of people and events from American History. Some of them are well known, like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Some are far more obscure, like Dave the Potter, an enslaved African American who inscribed rhymes on his pots at a time when the enslaved were forbidden from learning to read, or Temple Grandin, the autistic professor who transformed how people manage cattle.

Besides this foundational two-volume text, the 4-Day History program includes timeline figures and seven additional books (and the 5-Day program adds three more!). Enjoy a deeper dive into the Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, the time of the Pilgrims, and more.

You'll learn the stories of key events and important people in American history. In these enthralling books, lavish with illustrations and maps, You'll read a bit from the four big wars (Revolutionary, Civil, WWI, WWII), and the four presidents on Mount Rushmore. You'll cover the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the American flag, "The Star-Spangled Banner," and the Statue of Liberty.

You'll learn about events in almost every one of the 50 states. You'll learn about people from a range of religions and ethnicities, with diverse skin colors and contributions.

As a complete program, this history program is stunning.

Overview of the Literature

The Read-Alouds this year are stellar. These books naturally lead to conversations – about faith, about character, about relationships. These books present worthy heroes who display courage and honesty, who work hard, who love their families, and who do the right thing.

There are a range of fiction books. You'll read one set in the Appalachian Mountains, one in a lighthouse at Christmas, and one in the streets of Paris.

And there is a wonderful variety of fascinating nonfiction: a biography of Johnny Appleseed, born in New England in 1774. There is one book on nurses who served in Appalachia in the 1920s, and one set in France during WWII.

Grade 2 Readers

The Grade 2 Readers package is ideal for children who have progressed to reading long-vowel, 5- and 6-letter words with moderate fluency. By the end of the program they will have progressed to reading chapter books.

The Beginner's Bible, with full-color illustrations and simple text, takes up a good portion of the academic year.

The 17 additional titles (!) are a truly amazing collection of early readers.

There are some funny stories (Mouse Tales, Amelia Bedelia). Some history (Titanic: Lost and Found, Pompeii: Buried Alive! and Hill of Fire). Some historical fiction (Wagon Wheels, The Big Balloon Race, The Sword in the Tree). And three of the beautiful Frog and Toad books, funny and poignant. (Oh! And a detective story, which somehow matches the tone of Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon, but written for young children! Incredible!)

This is a witty, charming, interesting collection for early readers.

Click here to learn more about Readers.

Instructor's Guide
Bible
  • One Year Bible for Children
    Read through the Bible in one year with this Children's Bible story book and devotional for young children. Complete with beautiful illustrations. Gilbert Beers.
    Retail: $17.99
  • Sing the Word! Teach Me Your Paths CD
    A great mnemonic aid: the entire set of 28 Scripture verses in the Bible K Memory program (plus a bonus track!) set to diverse musical styles. Beautifully arranged for children's voices using orchestral...
    Retail: $15.99
History
  • Mary on Horseback
    There are no hospitals or doctors in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1920s, so Mary Breckinridge, founds the Frontier Nursing Service to help those in need.
    Retail: $6.99
  • Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend
    The real Johnny Appleseed was born John Chapman in 1774, in a small Massachusetts village. Discover his story through this wise and witty work. Learn how the apple tree-planting folk hero helped open...
    Retail: $8.99
  • Timeline Figures A
    All the Timeline Figures needed for Sonlight First Grade American History on self-adhesive heavy card stock. Just cut them out, color and stick them in your Timeline Book. Figures include Thomas Jefferson,...
    Retail: $14.00
  • Granny Han's Breakfast
    When Granny Han went to her cupboard one morning, her cupboard was bare! Granny prayed for her food anyway, and before she knew it, a large and wonderful breakfast appeared before her eyes.
    Retail: $5.99
  • Heroes and Happenings Vol. 1
    Introduce your kindergarten student to American History with this age-appropriate kindergarten history book. Volume 1. Amy Lykosh.
    Retail: $26.00
  • Heroes and Happenings Vol. 2
    Learn about people and events throughout American History with this age-appropriate kindergarten history book. Volume 2. Amy Lykosh.
    Retail: $26.00
  • Abandoned on the Wild Frontier
    Young Peter is left alone on the frontier when his father is killed and his mother is kidnapped. The story of his life with a circuit-rider evangelist and his on-going search for his mother. Dave and...
    Retail: $7.99
  • Maps and Globes
    An excellent introduction to maps and map reading for kindergarten. Large, full-color illustrations. Includes activities. Knowlton and Barton.
    Retail: $8.99
  • George vs. George
    There are two sides to every story! This wonderfully illustrated book shows both sides of the American Revolution through the eyes of George Washington and King George III. Rosalyn Schanzer.
    Retail: $6.95
  • How We Crossed the West
    Beautifully rendered folk-style illustrations help bring to life the story of Lewis and Clark. Descriptive text is taken from their historical journals. Rosalyn Schanzer.
    Retail: $7.95
  • The Very First Americans
    Learn all about the first Americans. Watercolor paintings depict the clothing, dwellings, art, tools, and other Native American artifacts. Ashrose and Waldman.
    Retail: $5.99
  • The Amazing Impossible Erie Canal
    The story of DeWitt Clinton, a young politician who has a dream to build a canal to connect the Hudson River with the Great Lakes. You won't want to miss this trip! Cheryl Harness.
    Retail: $7.99
  • Three Young Pilgrims
    Based on the true story of the Allerton family. Experience life aboard the Mayflower followed by the first winter in the New World. Detailed paintings bring the pilgrim's first months to life, including...
    Retail: $7.99
  • The New York Colony
    A True Book: Thirteen Colonies series allows readers to experience what makes each of America's colonies distinctive and exceptional.
    Retail: $6.95
  • Your Life as a Settler in Colonial America
    Describes the life of a settler in Colonial America, addressing work ethic and expectations, education, food, hygiene, dress, and slavery.
    Retail: $8.95
  • Civil War on Sunday
    Cannon fire! That's what Jack and Annie hear when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the time of the American Civil War.
    Retail: $6.99
Read-Alouds
  • The Light at Tern Rock
    Ronnie loves living in the lighthouse, but the days go by, and the keeper doesn't return. A simple but pleasurable Christmas story for all ages.
    Retail: $7.99
  • The Apple & the Arrow
    Newbery Honor. The legend of William Tell as told by his 12-year-old son.
    Retail: $9.99
  • The Hundred Dresses
    Two normally sensitive girls repent of "making fun" of the poor girl in their class who says she has a hundred dresses.
    Retail: $8.99
  • Twenty and Ten
    Twenty school children hide ten Jewish children from the Nazis occupying France during World War II.
    Retail: $6.99
  • In Grandma's Attic
    Stories of a remarkable grandmother's childhood in midwest North America over 100 years ago. Bring the past alive as only a born storyteller could.
    Retail: $6.99
  • The Family Under the Bridge
    Set in Paris, the story of an old hobo whose heart and life become entangled with a fatherless family in search of a home. Included in Sonlight A, this story begins with homelessness and ends with coming...
    Retail: $7.99
  • Here's a Penny
    Wherever Penny goes, he's sure to find adventure. He loses his overalls in a very sticky situation and searches for his new kittens only to find them dressed up in doll clothes.
    Retail: $7.99
  • Adventures with Waffles
    This adventure book is outstanding. A year in the life of two neighbors in Norway and their laugh-out-loud adventures. Cheery, sweet, good family story. Touches on grief, remembering, restoration. What...
    Retail: $7.99
  • Astrid the Unstoppable
    A wonderful tale about friendship with no age boundaries.
    Retail: $7.99
  • The Ordinary Princess
    Along with Wit, Charm, Health, and Courage, Princess Amy of Phantasmorania receives a special fairy christening gift: Ordinariness.
    Retail: $7.99
  • The Berenstain Bears' Dollars and Sense
    A simple introduction to budgeting and the value of a dollar.
    Retail: $5.99
  • The Kitchen Madonna
    A young boy learns how to give of himself and show kindness to another.
    Retail: $16.95
  • Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
    Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle knows how to cure children of bad habits including selfishness, talking back, and never wanting to go to bed! Whimsical.
    Retail: $6.99
  • Sled Dog School
    Focused on themes of friendship and problem-solving, this story highlights the special relationship between a handler and a working dog. Creativity and following your passion saves the day in this engaging...
    Retail: $7.99
  • Cool Beans
    Perfect for transitioning from graphic novels to traditional books, this funny and action-packed title follows Tucker MacBean on his quest to make art--and himself--seem cool. A wonderful story about...
    Retail: $7.99
  • Book Uncle and Me
    Originally published in India, this book is about voting, friendship, and the love of books. When nine-year-old Yasmin suddenly loses her only source of free reading material, she and her family, friends,...
    Retail: $9.99
  • The Bill Martin Jr Big Book of Poetry
    This full-color treasury contains nearly 200 poems with original illustrations by award-winning artists. Grouped by theme, this varied anthology contains an impressive number of old favorites and newer...
    Retail: $24.99
  • Room One: A Mystery or Two
    A young boy living in rural western Nebraska investigates the connection between a mysterious face in the window of an empty house and the possible closing of the one-room school he attends.
    Retail: $7.99
  • Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet
    Frankie Sparks is a third grader who uses her love for science and math to help her solve problems she comes across in her daily life.
    Retail: $5.99
Readers
  • Frog and Toad are Friends
    Five more easy-to-read stories in this delightful series.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Frog and Toad Together
    Frog and Toad are back with more silly adventures.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Owl at Home
    Five easy-to-read stories about an owl who's not so wise after all.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Hill of Fire
    Exciting, true story of a volcano that erupted in a Mexican farmer's field.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Pompeii: Buried Alive!
    Famous volcanic explosion "freezes" an ancient Italian city in volcanic ash.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Titanic: Lost and Found
    The ship so big "even God can't sink it" is lost on its first--and last--voyage.
    Retail: $5.99
  • Wagon Wheels
    A black family moves west after being freed in the Civil War.
    Retail: $4.99
  • The Big Balloon Race
    A suspense-filled, true story of a small girl who helps her mother fly in a hot air balloon race in the 1880s.
    Retail: $5.99
  • Mouse Tales
    Delightful book about a father mouse who puts his offspring to bed by telling them each a "mouse tale."
    Retail: $4.99
  • The Beginner's Bible
    Ninety-five beginner Bible stories from Scripture in easy-to-read language.
    Retail: $18.99
  • Daniel's Duck
    Daniel enters a carved duck in the county fair.
    Retail: $5.99
  • Nate the Great
    Great adventure of a boy detective and his dog.
    Retail: $6.99
  • The Fire Cat
    A bad, bored cat finds that serving others is more fun than hurting them.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Greg's Microscope
    An accurate, entertaining look at the wonders of nature as seen through a microscope.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Frog and Toad All Year
    Five delightful stories of two wonderful friends.
    Retail: $4.99
  • Amelia Bedelia
    What library would be complete without at least one book about this unbelievable housemaid who takes everything absolutely too literally?
    Retail: $4.99
  • Surprises
    Thirty-eight poems that are sure to please.
    Retail: $4.99
  • The Sword in the Tree
    Lord Weldon's son and wife, displaced by a wicked uncle, appeal to King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table to see justice done.
    Retail: $5.99
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100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

Take up to one year to use your curriculum. If you don’t love it, return it! Complete details here.

Have a Question?

Contact Customer Service

Available 7am-5pm MT Mon-Fri.

1-800-903-1675