History DVDs? - Page 2

[Fillyjonk]

I'm just thinking this through. I don't think history per se IS that violent, any more than learning about the world today is that violent. For the majority of history, most people lived out their lives fairly peacefully and peaceably. I suppose it depends on what you consider "history" to be-the big, world changing events, or people just getting on and quietly living their lives as best they could. Really, to my mind, both are history-but for younger kids, I certainly put the emphasis on the latter, as a prelude to the former.

Right now, a majority of my kids history comes through the Minimus Latin books, which are around 50% history 50% latin. Really, very little violence in them. There are related issues, eg slavery, that are hinted at and certainly need raising and discussing, but that isn't a huge issue with my 8 year old, its possible to discuss these things and the related injustice without going into enormous, graphic detail. I do feel that my privileged western kids do not get to be sheltered from all injustice lest it damage their sensitive souls...but at 8 and 6, they can know and feel how incredibly wrong slavery was without graphic detail.

Does it have to be a dvd? I ask because my kids have enjoyed the audio book of Story of the World (I know there are issues around religion, but honestly, we are extremely secular and it works fine for us). I know some people really get on with History At Our House. Certainly SOTW is not violent, its all about people living their lives, I assume HAOH is similar?

[Mizelenius]

Does not have to be a DVD--- would prefer it because logistically it's easier ATM (have a newborn in the house). 

I have heard SOTW recommended often, so I will check that out! 

I see your point about history and violence.  I guess so much of change has been caused (wrong word-- not caused-- maybe motivated?) by violence that the 2 go hand-in-hand, it seems.

And yes, I agree about the graphic detail.  I guess that sums up what I want to stay away from!  As I said, I knew a lot early on in life and it did me no good.  It would have been fine for my parents (well, really, it was just one that told me a lot) to have waited. 

Originally Posted by Fillyjonk 

I'm just thinking this through. I don't think history per se IS that violent, any more than learning about the world today is that violent. For the majority of history, most people lived out their lives fairly peacefully and peaceably. I suppose it depends on what you consider "history" to be-the big, world changing events, or people just getting on and quietly living their lives as best they could. Really, to my mind, both are history-but for younger kids, I certainly put the emphasis on the latter, as a prelude to the former.

Right now, a majority of my kids history comes through the Minimus Latin books, which are around 50% history 50% latin. Really, very little violence in them. There are related issues, eg slavery, that are hinted at and certainly need raising and discussing, but that isn't a huge issue with my 8 year old, its possible to discuss these things and the related injustice without going into enormous, graphic detail. I do feel that my privileged western kids do not get to be sheltered from all injustice lest it damage their sensitive souls...but at 8 and 6, they can know and feel how incredibly wrong slavery was without graphic detail.

Does it have to be a dvd? I ask because my kids have enjoyed the audio book of Story of the World (I know there are issues around religion, but honestly, we are extremely secular and it works fine for us). I know some people really get on with History At Our House. Certainly SOTW is not violent, its all about people living their lives, I assume HAOH is similar?

[moominmamma]

Originally Posted by Mizelenius 

Does not have to be a DVD--- would prefer it because logistically it's easier ATM (have a newborn in the house). 

Would the audiobook version not work as well as a DVD?

Miranda

[Mizelenius]

Originally Posted by moominmamma 

Would the audiobook version not work as well as a DVD?

Miranda

I missed that there is an audiobook!

[VeggieLovinMama]

Mizelenius, I like your point about trying to make sure our children develope a love for the earth before taking responsibility for it. When it comes to Eco science I totally agree. It's hard to separate the "negative" endangered species talk from the other stuff because it seems every documentary talks about it.  Luckily my boys aren't perturbed by it but I still like the idea of keeping the overwhelming "save the earth" stuff at a distance until a firm love and inderstanding of our planet has been entrenched. 

Moominmama I agree, every child is different and how we approach the more heavy topics has to be adjusted accordingly. I would never press a child to the point of distress but discomfort at a moderate level I think is okay and even healthy. We shouldn't be be emotionally detached from our history. There's nothing wrong with experiencing feelings other than bliss and happiness all the time. This provides a more tangible learning experience and compassion for how others may have felt. Of course there are limits and each child is unique in what they can handle. The child should lead the discussion and only be told what they want to know and what they are asking about. It's a delicate balance!

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by VaDoula 

My kids have enjoyed Animated Hero Classics from the library, they also have them on amazon.  

Our library doesn't seem to have these so I just ordered one from ebay. If my son likes it, I'll buy more. Thanks for the idea.