A Guide to Studying Missouri History Through Literature

Students Build Their Own Missouri Notebook

Map work and writing helps to solidify what students learn.

Mount photos and postcards from field trips, artwork and other embellishments to make this a one-of-a-kind book your students will enjoy and be proud of.

Who? Written by a Homeschooling Mom

I am a homeschooling mother and a several years ago, I wanted to study Missouri History with my children, so I set out to find a Missouri History course. I only found a few things that were “textbook-ish”, but that was not my favorite way to teach history. So, I decided to put together my own course. I spent months reading about Missouri History, and scouring books at the library, and I finally put together a study guide for our use.

After my family spent a year of enjoyable study on the state of Missouri, I realized that other homeschooling families might enjoy this course, too. So, I spent the next year putting revising and expanding my “skeleton” course into book form. It is called A Guide to Studying Missouri History Through Literature. As the title indicates, it is simply a guide to events, people, places, and books, which a family may use to study Missouri’s history. Admittedly, I am not a scholar, nor a Missouri History expert… just a homeschooling mother who wanted to use living books to teach her kids about this state’s rich heritage. I’m sharing it in hopes that others will find it useful and enjoyable also.

Why? Why Study Missouri History?

I had several reasons for my decision to study our state’s history. One being that there are numerous historical Missouri events that impacted the course of our entire nation. I believe that students will find all of these historical events more fascinating when they are studying them from the viewpoint of their “backyard”. In addition, terrific field trips are easy to incorporate (and field trip information is included in the guide) because of their locality, which is an added bonus. I also feel that it was simply useful to be familiar with one’s state history (cultural literacy). As someone who has lived in Missouri most of my life, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Missouri’s rich history. I hope that other homeschooling parents and their students will find that this course whets their appetite for learning more about their “Show-Me State”.

What? What Events and People Will We Study?

We will begin by studying the geography of Missouri. Then, we will learn about the explorations that led to the discovery of America, which in turn, led to the discovery of the interior rivers and lands, including Missouri. You’ll learn about early explorations, the early Missouri settlers, and the controversy surrounding Missouri’s application for statehood. You’ll learn about the Louisiana Purchase and the Civil War. You'll learn how Missouri became the jumping-off point for many of the famous trails used during the time of Westward Expansion. You’ll learn about the founder of St. Louis, Daniel Boone, George Washington Carver, Laura Ingalls Wilder and others. There is so much more! And, if the guide doesn’t cover something you think should be covered….no problem! You can easily add it by simply finding a good book on the subject and adding a new section to your Missouri Notebook. The guide also gives you helpful web sites and field trip suggestions.

How Much?

This is a soft-cover comb-bound book and sells for $16.75 plus shipping and tax.