Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 23

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Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 23 covers the Peace of Versailles and the rise of Joseph Stalin. The kids did not enjoy the injustice that occurred in the aftermath of World War I or the atrocities of Stalin. I emphasized that communism or socialism do not help the working class, although the chapter made that plain.

Kitten in Book Box

Our kitten likes the Story of the World, too.

It did not help that we adopted a kitten this week, either. It is two months old and has come to us from another homeschooling family. Our children have named him Smoky because we live in the Smoky Mountains. He is mostly black with white paws like socks and a bit of white around the chest and face. Saying that he is adorable would be an understatement. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 22

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Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 22 deals with Ireland’s Easter Uprising and India’s Nationalism. Michael Collins and Mohandas Gandhi feature prominently in their respective stories. We learn the beginnings of the IRA or the Irish Republican Army. For me, as a child of the 80s, when the IRA was very active in their terrorist attacks, this chapter was very interesting.

The Salt March

The Salt March

Another important lesson in this chapter was about the Sikh religion. Also, the comparison between Sikhs and Muslims. We are Christian and we believe in teaching our children what other people believe in order to respect their beliefs and practices. Of course, we believe in freedom of religion. Also, we believe in being respectful of other people’s convictions according to their own consciences. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 21

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Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 21 covers the Russian Revolution and the end of the Great War or World War I. I lived under communism for the first 15 years of my life. Therefore, I take great interest in how our history curriculum covers this topic. As usual, Susan Wise Bauer’s portrayal of historic facts impressed me.

Faberge eggs - crafts

Faberge eggs – crafts

My children have heard me talk about living under communism before. Through this chapter, they understood more about the causes that brought about such a terrrible scourge upon the world. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 18

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Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 18 took us to Persia and then to the Balkans. Well, since I grew up in Eastern Europe, I took a special interest in this chapter. Again and again, Ms. Bauer amazes me with her ability to summarize complex historical facts into a readable story for elementary age students.

Story of the World

Romanian paper weaving craft kit

For our craft, I pulled out a set of weaving cards from Romania. I think my sister brought this over the last time she came to visit, which is a few years back. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 17

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Story of the World vol. 4 chapter 17 covers China’s troubles. From the Boxer Rebellion to the Czar and the Japanese Admiral who end up fighting over bits and pieces of China, we travel to the East again.

Balloon torpedo craft supplies

Balloon torpedo craft supplies

This is an intricate chapter. I am glad I decided not to complete the outline of the stories in volume 4. Even I would not be able to do it without going back and forth several times between the book and the worksheet. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 16

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Story of the World vol. 4 chapter 16 deals only with the United States. The title? The Expanding United States. The first story gave a historical account of the wagons of pioneers moving West on the Oregon Trail. The second story introduced the children to stocks, philanthropists and outlaws.

Watching a YouTube video about the Stock Market

Watching a YouTube video about the Stock Market

A couple of years ago, we read the seven volumes of Little House on the Prairie. The kids remember that story now. Therefore, this literature title came in handy as we learned more about the adventure of crossing a continent. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 15

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Story of the World Vol. 4 Chapter 15 covers Small Countries with Large Invaders, as the title suggests. The first story talks about how Korea became a battleground between Japan and China. While there, Queen Min of Korea gets her own special coverage.

Coloring the Korean flag

Coloring the Korean flag

The second story covers the Spanish-American War which happened in Cuba and the Philippines, too. Children get introduced to some notable names: Jose Rizal, William Hearst, Joseph Pulitzer, Theodore Roosevelt and more. Needless to say, lots of good stuff in this chapter. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 14

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Story of the World vol. 4 Chapter 14 covers many things. To start off, the title is “Two Czars and Two Emperors.” The two czars obviously ruled in Russia: Alexander III and his son, Nikolai. They also happen to be the next-to-last and the last czar of Russia respectively.

Coloring the American flag

Coloring the American flag

We learn about the terrible plight of the peasants and the even worse situation of the Jews who live in Russia at the time. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 13

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Although it is summer break for us, the kids keep asking for more history. We need to finish volume 4 anyway before the new school year starts back up, so I am glad to oblige.

Khachkar craft - Armenian carved "stone" bas relief

Khachkar craft – Armenian carved “stone” bas relief

Chapter 13 deals with the old-fashioned emperor of Brazil and Abdulhamid II, one of the last sultans of the Ottoman Turks. Ms. Bauer manages to explain causes and effects of historic facts very well. Continue reading »


Story of the World, Vol. 4, Chapter 10

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Story of the World volume 4 chapter 10 covered another war in South America, The War of the Pacific, and the building of the Suez Canal in Egypt. We are all over the place in this volume, but I like it. It keeps us on our toes and teaches the kids some geography.

Suez Canal Boats Activity

Boats in the Suez Canal, saving 6,000 miles on their way to Asia

My eight-year-old likes justice. Whenever we read about countries fighting over land, she wants to intervene and give everybody what they want. Why fight? Let us get these people organized and settled down once and for all. Her dedication to justice amuses me. Continue reading »