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AMERICAN CIVICS |
Introducing our American Civics Series
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Choose Your American Civics Books
American Civics Videos
We're creating an American Civics video series to accompany our civics books!
So far, we've launched six videos for Books 1 and Book 2, and the first two videos for Book 3.
A monthly subscription costs $2.99, while yearly subscriptions are $29.99.
A sample video is available below.
Our American Civics videos are also included in subscription to The Dolphin Society.
So far, we've launched six videos for Books 1 and Book 2, and the first two videos for Book 3.
A monthly subscription costs $2.99, while yearly subscriptions are $29.99.
A sample video is available below.
Our American Civics videos are also included in subscription to The Dolphin Society.
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Lesson One
Classical Historian's American Civics curriculum has kid-friendly animated lessons. Enjoy our first lesson below for free and let us know what you think! Please share with family and friends.
Book II Videos - Sneak Peak
A Crisis of Ignorance
Americans used to be confident. They knew that, while imperfect, their nation set a high standard for other countries to follow. Many sought to make it even better through peaceful means.
Those days are long gone. Starting in the 1960s, Americans stopped teaching their children about the things that made their country special: the rule of law, liberty, and a culture of tolerance that had no match in the ethno-states of Europe. Entire generations were raised with no appreciation for their own heritage.
There may be no people in the history of the world that has done so little to inform its youth about the value of their traditions, beliefs, and institutions. It should be no surprise, then, that so many young Americans feel no connection to the society that sustains them.
A people that has been cut off from its past has no way to navigate the present. And when people are lost, they are easily controlled, manipulated, and oppressed.
Those days are long gone. Starting in the 1960s, Americans stopped teaching their children about the things that made their country special: the rule of law, liberty, and a culture of tolerance that had no match in the ethno-states of Europe. Entire generations were raised with no appreciation for their own heritage.
There may be no people in the history of the world that has done so little to inform its youth about the value of their traditions, beliefs, and institutions. It should be no surprise, then, that so many young Americans feel no connection to the society that sustains them.
A people that has been cut off from its past has no way to navigate the present. And when people are lost, they are easily controlled, manipulated, and oppressed.
The Answer is Education
John Adams wrote that, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” In a free republic, civics knowledge is not optional. It is a prerequisite for self-government.
Our American Civics curriculum for grades K-5 explains what every citizen needs to know. Our civics textbooks cover topics including:
Many Americans have never been given the chance to learn civics. We want to change that.
Our American Civics curriculum for grades K-5 explains what every citizen needs to know. Our civics textbooks cover topics including:
- What does it mean to be an American?
- What is America’s heritage?
- What is the importance of the Declaration of Independence?
- How does the US government work according to the Constitution?
- How should a citizen behave in a free republic?
Many Americans have never been given the chance to learn civics. We want to change that.
American Civics: More Than Mere Knowledge
Citizenship is a serious responsibility. To exercise that responsibility, people have to both know about their country, and care for it.
We created our civics books and video series to help educators nurture patriotism in their students. Our materials make it clear that America is a force for good in the world.
Perhaps more importantly, our civics textbooks teach students about the virtues citizens need to practice self-government.
We created our civics books and video series to help educators nurture patriotism in their students. Our materials make it clear that America is a force for good in the world.
Perhaps more importantly, our civics textbooks teach students about the virtues citizens need to practice self-government.
Civics Textbooks That Teach Virtue
Some people think freedom means “doing whatever you want to do.” But consider this:
To speak English freely, you have to learn the rules of English grammar.
To play the drums freely, you have to master rhythm.
To live free of guilt, you have to master your desires.
We live free when we live in harmony with the beautiful order of creation. When we violate that order, we lose our freedom.
In the classical tradition, freedom and virtue are closely linked. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato pointed out that when people lack virtue, they become slaves to their passions.
That’s why our civics books emphasize the importance of virtue. With lessons on American heroes and their virtues, we inspire students to practice the self-control that makes self-government possible.
To speak English freely, you have to learn the rules of English grammar.
To play the drums freely, you have to master rhythm.
To live free of guilt, you have to master your desires.
We live free when we live in harmony with the beautiful order of creation. When we violate that order, we lose our freedom.
In the classical tradition, freedom and virtue are closely linked. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato pointed out that when people lack virtue, they become slaves to their passions.
That’s why our civics books emphasize the importance of virtue. With lessons on American heroes and their virtues, we inspire students to practice the self-control that makes self-government possible.
American Civics FAQ
Is Book One designed to work with first grade, and Book Two with second grade?
Our entire American Civics curriculum is designed for elementary school students. Each book is age-appropriate for grades K–5. While each of our civics books stands alone, we do recommend starting with Book One and working through the series in order.
What if I'm teaching students of differing ages?
Our civics textbooks have activities for students of varying ages and abilities. For the youngest students, teachers can read the text out loud and have the kids color in the pages. Meanwhile, the older students can answer the questions at the end of each chapter. Finally, the oldest kids can take the keywords at the end of the book, rewrite each lesson, and give a weekly presentation on what they've learned.
Is this American Civics curriculum designed for a full school year?
Yes. However, to ensure that students retain the information they've learned, we recommend returning to these lessons throughout elementary school.
Our entire American Civics curriculum is designed for elementary school students. Each book is age-appropriate for grades K–5. While each of our civics books stands alone, we do recommend starting with Book One and working through the series in order.
What if I'm teaching students of differing ages?
Our civics textbooks have activities for students of varying ages and abilities. For the youngest students, teachers can read the text out loud and have the kids color in the pages. Meanwhile, the older students can answer the questions at the end of each chapter. Finally, the oldest kids can take the keywords at the end of the book, rewrite each lesson, and give a weekly presentation on what they've learned.
Is this American Civics curriculum designed for a full school year?
Yes. However, to ensure that students retain the information they've learned, we recommend returning to these lessons throughout elementary school.
American Civics Curriculum Overview
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Book One: Introduction
Part 1: Law and Morality Part 2: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Heritage Part 3: Founding of the USA Book Two: The Three Branches of Government Part 1: Legislative Branch Part 2: Executive Branch Part 3: Judicial Branch Book Three: The Bill of Rights and Amendments Part 1: Bill of Rights and Amendments 1-5 Part 2: Amendments 6-10 Part 3: Amendments Book Four: How a Law is Made Part 1: How a Law is Made Part 2: Heroes and Virtues |
Book Five: American Reforms Part 1 Slavery Part 2 Civil Rights Book Six: Patriotism Part 1: Important Documents Part 2: Dates Part 3: Folklore Book Seven: American Songs Part 1: Patriotic Part 2: Folk Part 3: Fun |
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