Each time line packet by Time Lines Etc. has a distinctive summary called "History in Action." These activities can empower our sons and daughters in a number of ways. When our youngest son, Porter, was only seven he learned that this knowledge could be valuable. Here is the story:

Often children who attend public school do not understand their homeschooled counterparts. They mistakenly believe that children who don't go to school with them are not as knowledgeable. One of the boys in the neighborhood discovered something my son didn't know. "You aren't smart," Michael said, "because you are home schooled."

When Porter told me about the conversation, I explained that everyone knows different things. "For example," I said, "what happened first the Alamo or the Civil War?" He thought for a moment and gave me the correct answer. "Next time you see Michael, ask him if he knows which came first." Porter did, Michael didn't, and thus mutual respect between the two youngsters was established.

How did Porter know that the Battle of the Alamo preceded the Civil War? He had been singing the "US History in Action" for over a year. All he had to do was mentally review the words and "wallah" he knew the answer.

The History in Action activities use rhyming phrases and hand actions to help students learn and remember the sequence of significant events and people featured in that packet. These activities provide an easy-to-learn framework for important information. Once students have this foundation in place, will be able to link additional events with the ones they already know! They will also know they will know more than most adults about the major events of history .

While each 'History in Action" is complete in itself, the activities may also be linked together. Students may begin with Ancient Civilizations, continue with the Middle Ages and conclude with United States History. Imagine watching your children as they summarize the history of the world. Using hand actions for each phrase, they begin with ancient civilizations, "Cuneiform style, along the Nile.... " They conclude with a reference to current events.  In approximately three minutes they have mentioned over one hundred key historical events in chronological order and had fun doing it!

Similarly, they can summarize the major people and events of the Bible by doing the History in Action for the Old Testament followed by the New Testament which ends with, "Read John's story. Heavenly glory!"