History is a subject that is taught across many grade levels and is vast in the subject matter.  When you think about it – everything is history. If it is not happening as we speak, it is in the past.  History tells us about past events, influential people, and events and even teaches us about cycles in events and behavior.  So, even with this importance, many students fail to grasp some of the most relevant parts of history in the United States and worldwide.  I did not retain most of the history I was taught in school until I became a parent and homeschool teacher.  That is why I was so excited to review The Wild World of History - U.S. History and World History (Since 1775) curriculums.  Both complete courses are based on the books of Larry Schweikart.  Mr. Schweikart is not just a history buff; he is a tenured college professor who taught history for over 20 years and has written 25 books on history and historical concepts. The first curriculum, American History, goes through the history of the United States from its founding to the present.

The second curriculum I used was World History, and this full-course traces world history in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States from 1775 to the present. Consumers can go to the Wild World of History website and select the course(s) they prefer.  Once they order a course, they will have access to a member's website area that has a "My Library" area with the courses purchased. Each entire course costs $189. These can be accessed at any time, and access is provided for a whole year.  A "try before you buy" option allows the consumer to view samples of the teacher's guide, student's guide, and samples of videos and tests. American History contains 35 video lessons, tests, and additional downloadable materials.   World History has over 25 video lessons. In addition, there are tests after every few sections to test for viewer's retention.  Downloads with each curriculum include a teacher's guide with answers, a student guide, tests, and answer keys.

We were able to use both curriculums with our entire family! When this program is advertised as a complete curriculum, that is precisely what is available to you as a homeschool educator or simply someone who wants to fortify their knowledge of history.  My husband and I were able to listen to and watch the video lessons and gain history details that greatly expanded on our existing knowledge.  Our daughters were able to experience details of history that are not always covered in textbooks and that rarely are linked in the way that this instructor is able to weave history segments together.   In our home classroom, we would start a program by going to the first lesson and watching the video (usually at least 30 minutes long) as if we were in a college classroom.  Larry Schweikart uses his vast knowledge to teach the class and gives the added curriculum bonuses of a student's guide (that requires student to fill in answers to questions on the course) and a teacher's guide (with answers and discussion prompts).  The teacher's guide even comes with learning objectives, and visual aids (prompts for extra videos and visuals).  The guides also have "higher learning" options to go above what was taught and gain additional knowledge of the topic.  As we would finish each class we would "mark as complete" and were prompted to go to the next session.  Each class had a teacher's and student's learning guide, not just each section!  That is a lot of information to cover and lots of help for the homeschool teacher.  Additionally, after every few sections we were able to download a comprehensive test (and as the homeschool educator I could download the test answers for easy grading).  As the teacher, I felt my daughters and I were able to learn together and have an objective measure of retention.

The pros of each of these full online curriculums are easy to recognize.  As a homeschool teacher, it is great to have a full curriculum that has each piece of the program set up for you.  This program is easy to use, and a teacher can assign lessons and see progress made by the student. "Watching the video" is tracked and course completion is tracked.  Additionally, student guides (with the teacher's guide/answers) allow the teacher to assign homework for the courses.   Then, objective testing is offered at the end of every few lessons.  This curriculum really does have everything there for you.  Another pro of this program is that both adults and students can learn history from a tenured professor.  We were able to participate in a college level course from home.  Lastly, and perhaps one of the most important pros for our family, is that Larry Schweikart teaches "Patriot's History".  That means, a positive emphasis is put on our freedom, Christian foundations, and religious freedom.  All parts of history are taught in this curriculum and relevant pieces are not left out with the ebb and flow of the political climate.  The cons of these curriculums are more difficult to identify.  One thing that I noted, however, was that, as a college professor, the instructor teaches primarily to a tween/teen and adult level audience.  This style of college teaching may be more difficult for a visual learner or younger learner. 

In summary, I would recommend both curriculums to brush up on American and World History for adults and as a primary learning tool for young minds.  Larry Schweikart's intensive study of history, years of teaching experience, and research in publishing his own well-known books give an enthusiasm and richness of detail to history that is comprehensive and engaging.  The support products within the curriculum also make teaching this course easy to follow and verify progress.  What a great way to learn and retain our past!

-Product review by Lynne Westbrook, The Old Schoolhouse®, September 2021