When you start homeschooling, history can feel like one of the hardest subjects to “get right.” There’s so much to cover, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need lots of textbooks, all the timelines and every singe living book. Ever written..
But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
In many ways, we Irish homeschoolers are in a lovely position. We’re literally surrounded by history—both in our landscape and in our Catholic culture—and with the right approach, it can become one of the most enjoyable parts of your homeschool week!
Here are a few ideas to get you started!, drawn from what works well for many Irish families.
Start with our Irish Story: Not necessarily a textbook
One of the simplest shifts you can make is to move away from dry textbooks and towards story-based learning.
Children remember stories. They connect with people, places, and events when they’re brought to life through narrative.
Using well-written Living Books—be they biographies, historical stories, or simply fiction written during that time period—helps history feel real rather than abstract. These kinds of books tend to stay with children far longer than facts learned for a worksheet or a dry textbook.
Learn Together as a Family
One of the great advantages of homeschooling is that you don’t need to separate everyone by age.
Many families find it much easier (and more enjoyable) to:
- Study the same stuff together
- Read aloud as a group
- Let younger children listen in while older ones explore more deeply
This shared approach not only saves time, it also gives a chance for family and sibling bonding.
Follow a Simple Historical Timeline
Instead of jumping around randomly, it helps to move through history in a clear, chronological way.
A simple four-stage cycle works well and is in use by many curriculum providers:
- Ancient history
- The early Church and Middle Ages
- The reformation and early modern history
- Modern history (including Irish Independence and other world events)
This kind of structure helps children see how everything connects, rather than learning isolated bits of information.
Keep Ireland at the Centre
While world history is important, Irish children benefit hugely from seeing how Ireland fits into the bigger picture.
That might look like:
- Learning about Irish saints and scholars
- Exploring events like the Famine, the Land War and 1916
- Reading literature and poetry rooted in Irish life
When children see their own country reflected in what they’re learning, history becomes much more meaningful.
Let Subjects Overlap Naturally
History doesn’t need to stand alone.
In fact, it works best when it’s woven together with other subjects:
- Literature from the same time period
- Poetry and storytelling
- Art and music connected to the era
- Even science topics studied alongside historical developments
This kind of approach helps children build connections and see learning as one whole, rather than separate boxes.
Making It Memorable
History comes alive when it’s experienced.
You might:
- Visit local historical sites in your area–OPW sites are great for this!
- Listen to dramatised audiobooks
- Act out scenes or retell stories
- Spend time discussing what you’ve read together
Even small things—like a good conversation after a read-aloud—can make a lasting impression.
Don’t Feel You Have to Do Everything
It’s worth saying: you don’t need to cover every singly historical event or century. We want children who will continue to learn even as adults–children who love learning, instead of children who are bogged down from getting every single thing done. It’s okay to not finish the checklist!
A slower, richer approach—where children really engage with what they’re learning—is often far more valuable than rushing through everything.
Keep it simple…Choose good books…Learn together.
And let history unfold naturally in your home.
Some Specific Recommendations
Here are some book recommendations for history in general:
The Story of the World (Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3): popular Classical history of the World. Not Catholic, but Christian.
The Story of Civilization (Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3): Catholic World history for Primary, but homeschooling father and popular writer, Phillip Campbell
Phillip Campbell
The Story of the Church and The Story of Mary: also by Phillip Campbell. Beautiful books, for upper Primary and lower Secondary students
The Saga of Ireland: is a wonderful look at our own Irish history.
Christ the King Lord of History: A Catholic World History from Ancient to Modern Times: a wonderful look at world history, by gifted writer Anne Carroll.
Story of the Church: Her Founding, Mission and Progress: a look at the Church’s place in World history, written by a team of Religious.
Seven Lies About Catholic History: by Diane Moczar: a fast-paced look at some of the most pervasive lies throughout Catholic history.
Recommendations for specific time periods are coming soon!