Ancient History Class for Grades 6-8
Class Overview
This course is held on Tuesdays from 9:00-10:00
This engaging Ancient History class is designed specifically for students in grades 6–8. The goal of this course is to educate students while taking them on an exciting journey through world history from Creation to the Roman Empire. Using a dynamic, hands-on approach, we'll explore ancient civilizations, biblical history, and key events by integrating hands-on projects, lively discussions, thoughtful writing, and critical thinking activities. Students will sharpen their geography and map skills through interactive mapping adventures, timeline work, and location-based studies of ancient cultures across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. The course emphasizes active participation, helping students move from being passive listeners to enthusiastic, skilled historians who can analyze sources, draw connections, and think deeply about the past.
Our main text is The World's Story 1: The Ancients – Creation to the Roman Empire by Angela O'Dell (published by Master Books), a full-color, engaging narrative that brings ancient history to life with a biblical worldview. Each student will need to purchase their own copy of this textbook.
To support learning and retention, students are expected to read the assigned course material every week and complete weekly assignments, which typically take 30 minutes to 1 hour to finish. These may include reading responses, short writings, map activities, or preparatory work for projects. A series of short-term and long-term projects will allow students to dive deeper into topics—such as building models of ancient structures, creating timelines, conducting research presentations, or collaborative historical simulations—to reinforce concepts and foster creativity. Quizzes and tests will be administered periodically to assess knowledge transfer, encourage review, and help deepen understanding of the material.
Students should have safe access to the internet in order to conduct research and complete assignments. An understanding of Google slides is also recommended.
This class aims to inspire a love for history while building essential skills in research, analysis, communication, and independent thinking. Get ready to discover how ancient events and people shaped our world today!
Required Materials (to be purchased by each student/parent):
The World's Story 1: The Ancients – Creation to the Roman Empire (Master Books, student textbook)
Composition notebook
Tracing paper
Colored pencils
mechanical pencils (please no sharpeners!)
Water bottle
Material Fee: $25 (for printed materials, class project materials)
Contact:
Kyla Festerly
619-277-8481