Welcome to the very first post in the brand new “Teaching History Helps” series!
Whether you are gearing up for the new school year and looking to add some fun to your history study, halfway through your homeschooling year and needing a little boost to your history curriculum, or if you are just feeling like history is one of those boring subjects that can’t possibly be FUN, these teaching history helps posts are JUST FOR YOU!!

What are these posts about?
If you have followed Fields of Daisies for very long, you know I am passionate about learning history, and helping you teach it in the most engaging, hands-on, and FUN way possible!!
Ok… and FREE.
You know I am committed to that too.  Homeschooling usually requires a financial sacrifice for families, and I am always trying to be mindful of that.  This website started from my years of homeschooling on the go.  In planes, in cars, and in foreign places.   I wasn’t able to have my beloved bookshelves along for all of the adventures, so I began searching for creative ways to teach many subjects together, using a few really good books and the internet.   MOST of the history helpers posts in the series are links to free resources I have found.  A few of the posts in the series will include movies, books, and some game recommendations that are not free, but worth the money!  And if your fabulous bookshelves are on the adventure where you are in your homeschooling journey right now, BUY ALL THE BOOKS!   😀

The first post in the series is my Top 10 History Podcasts For Kids!  
I am SUPER excited about this one.  I don’t know why it has taken me so long to get on the podcast bus, but now I’m hooked!  Most of them are short in length which makes them great for car schooling when you’re traveling, on the road to and from appointments, quiet time in the afternoons, or even around the breakfast table when you need a moment to drink your coffee!!  You’re welcome! 😀

Here’s what is in the series so far!

+Top 10 History PODCASTS
+Top 10 History SONGS
+Top 10 History TIMELINES
+Top 10 History AUDIOBOOKS
+Top 10 History MOVIES
+Top 10 History BOOKS  (This is the ULTIMATE History Book List!)
+Top 10 History GAMES
+Top 10 History HANDS-ON Activities
+Top 10 History PRINTABLES
+Top 10 History FIELD TRIPS

And a bonus…
+Top 10 History for the HOLIDAYS
+Top 10 AMAZING Homeschooling Resources At The Library

These podcasts are all really good and are listed in no particular order!
HERE WE GO! 

TOP 10 History Podcasts For Kids !

Podcast #1-  The Past and The Curious
This entertaining Podcast is a lot like my 21 Fascinating Facts Series.  It is FULL of the odd, amazing, funny, and all around amusing people, places, and events that make history so interesting!  Most, but not all, of these podcasts focus on details from American History.  You can listen directly from these links, or on Apple Podcasts.

Here are just a few of my favorite Past & Curious Podcast picks below:

–Episode 26:  Lily May, Clara, and Leon
(It’s the 1930’s!  Break out your dancing shoes!  Can you guess by the first names who the people named in this episode might be?  This is such a fun episode and PERFECT to add to the Free Great Depression (Kit) Unit Study! )

–Episode 42:  Bears!
(This fun history podcast tells two stories of some famous bears… one was Teddy Roosevelt’s, and the other belongs in the journals of Lewis & Clark!  Add this podcast to Free Modern American History Curriculum, Week 1, or  the Free Native America (AG Kaya) Unit Study, Week 3)

–Episode 4: Mail Tales
(This podcast tells the story of the beginning of the US mail… including the Pony Express and what came next!  It would be a good addition to the Free Civil War (Addy) Unit Study, or Free Early American History Curriculum, Week 7)
 
 –Episode 57:  On Horseback!
(This episode is all about critical thinking… SUPER important when studying history actually!   It begins with the story of Sibyl Ludington and ends with a cowboy, Charley Willis, and his song.  Find out how the two tie together!   Add this episode to the Free Colonial America (Felicity) Unit Study, Week 3; or  to the Free Early American History Curriculum, Week 6)

–Episode 48:  Great Moments in Communication!
(The story of communication… including of course, the very interesting life of Alexander Graham Bell!  Great to listen to this podcast if you’re using the Free Pioneer America (Kirsten) Unit Study, Week 3 Science;  or the Free Modern American History Curriculum, Week 1- Day 2)

–

Podcast #2-  Real Cool History For Kids!

This might be my favorite in the whole list!  The author’s desire to connect with her listeners is apparent as soon as each podcasts starts…AND best of all this podcast presents history with a solid Biblical worldview!  This podcast covers both Ancient World History  and  American History.  You can listen to these podcasts on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Here’s a few of my favorite Real Cool History For Kids Podcasts, and suggestions for Fields of Daisies’ units you can use them with!

*Ancient History Podcast Picks:

–Episode 7:  The King’s Weird Dream
(This episode is all about the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar and a very mysterious dream he had.  Perfect history starter for Free Ancient Civilizations Curriculum, Week 2! )

–Episode 45:  Roman Gladiators and Soldiers
(This episode is all about Ancient Rome and it’s gutsy gladiators!  Being a gladiator wasn’t so glamorous though!  If this podcast piques your kiddos interest, you can check out the Free Ancient Rome Curriculum series.

–Episode 41: Pharaohs & Pyramids 
(This podcast is all about… you guessed it, Ancient Egypt!  Who doesn’t love a good mummy tale?!?  Even better when it’s TRUE!   And of course, this one goes along with the Free Ancient Egypt study)

*American History Podcast Picks:

–Episode 44: Children of the Early 1900’s
(Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live at America’s Turn of the Century?  This episode is about 4 different children living during this exciting time in history!   If you want to learn more, check out my Free Turn of the Century Unit Study!

–Episode 40:  A Day That Will Live In Infamy
(Of course you can guess that this is an episode all about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  A day to teach our children to remember!   You can find a whole section on Pearl Harbor in the Free Modern American History series, Week 4.

–Episode 8:  A Chariot And a Woman Named Moses
(Ask your children if they ever have heard of a woman named Moses!  I bet that will get the curiosity flowing!  After listening you can read more about Harriet Tubman in this Free Civil War (Addy) Unit Study)

Podcast #3-  Bedtime History Stories

Though the title of this History Podcast series has a cute name that might make you think they aren’t very meaty, these stories are quite detailed!  I love that each podcast comes with the text version on the page so that you can preview the episode before your kiddos listen!  The series is done by a history loving dad of 5, and his tone is very pleasant and laid back… thus “Bedtime” History!

*Ancient History Podcast Picks-

+The Iliad and The Trojan War
(Classic literature and history…the BEST combo!  Keep the learning going with the Free Ancient Greek History series)

+The History of Charlemagne for Kids
(Find out why King Charlemagne was such a beloved king.  This particular podcast also has a video to go along with it on YouTube!  You can learn more about King Charlemagne in theFree Middle Ages History series, Week 2)

*American History Podcast Picks-

+History of Native Americans in North America
(If you’re studying Native Americans this year, you’ll love this podcast!  It would make either a great introduction to this study or a review at any point.  Packed with all kinds of interesting tidbits!   Pair it with the Free Native American (Kaya) Unit Study!

+History of the September 11th Attacks/ 9/11 History
(A very difficult subject to teach in history, but of extreme importance.  It’s hard to find appropriate, but clear resources to help explain this day to children.  Bedtime History has handled it with perfect balance!  You can learn more in the Free Modern American History Curriculum, Week 8)

Podcast #4-  BBC Homeschool History

BBC has got some great history resources… including Homeschool History Podcasts!  These podcasts are created by the same people who make the Horrible Histories series.  This heads up will either delight you, or make you want to skip these altogether.  😀    The accent and wacky humor might make these a little difficult for younger kids, so I’d recommend these for your older ones.

*Check out a few of my favorite Podcast picks below-

+Leonardo DaVinci
(Silly and surprising facts about one true Renaissance man!   Press on with the Free Middle Ages/Renaissance History Curriculum, Week 10)

+William Shakespeare
(Ok so I know that’s 2 Middle Ages History podcasts in a row, but this one is funny!  Pairs with Week 10)

+The First Emperor of China
(Do you know who the first Emperor of China was?  This is an area of history that I am not very familiar with.  I cover it in a brief overview of the Free Ancient Egypt (Ancient China) Curriculum series, Week 4)

Podcast #5-  History Storytime

This series of history podcasts could not be any cuter!  I absolutely LOVE these!  World history as told by Sophie, Ellie, and their Daddy.  Surprisingly complete history stories, with text intros, that are totally adorable… with the added “off with their heads” and “gross” bits from Sophie and Ellie.

*A few of my favorite picks from History Storytime Podcasts-

+The War of the Roses
(A very sweet telling of the not so sweet history behind the War of the Roses!  You can read more in Free Middle Ages/Renaissance History Curriculum, Week 8)

+The Vikings Discovery of America
(Find out who the Vikings were and what they have to do with American History… as told by Sophie and Ellie of course!  Learn more about the Vikings in the Free Early American History Curriculum series, Week 1)

+Romulus, Remus, and the Founding of Rome
(This would make a GREAT introduction to your Ancient Rome study!!)

+American History:  Rosa Parks
(Interesting to hear American History from a different perspective.  Rosa Parks is a name that is an inspiration to people everywhere and worthy of recognition.   You can learn more about Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement in the Free Modern American History Curriculum series, Week 6)

Podcast #6-  The Explorers Podcast

This series is a little bit different than the others we’ve covered so far.  As the name of these podcasts points out, it’s all about The Explorers throughout history!  People you’ve heard of like Cabot, Magellan, and maybe some you’re not as familiar with like Pytheas and Bly!  Each explorer has a full page of information and other suggested resources!  These would make great launching points for People of History reports to add into your history timelines!

*Try some of these podcast picks from The Explorers Podcast, and then jump over to the Free Early American History Curriculum series to learn more-

+Erik the Red

+Apollo 11

+Lewis and Clark

+Christopher Columbus

Podcast #7- This Day In History

These super short podcasts are a fun way to squeeze in just a little bit of history each day of the year!  Find out what happened TODAY, and if you want to know more you can also go to the corresponding This Day In History post on The History Channel website.  If you have an echo/Alexa, it will read these to you daily!  These would be a great way to stir some curiosity in your kids!

If you enjoy “This Day In History”, you might also like the “History This Week” Podcasts also from the History Channel. They are more in depth and run about 30 minutes.   They are very well done!  You can also listen here on Spotify.

**Remember to always preview these as these particular podcasts are NOT made specifically for children!

+The Games to Win Ancient Rome
(Julius Caesar is dead!  What will happen to Rome?  Who are your friends?  And who are your enemies?  All the excitement and intrigue of this story plus TONS of other details (like why July is called July).   This podcast pairs perfectly with the Free Ancient Rome Curriculum, Week 1).

+The Titanic’s First And Last Voyage
(It’s such a sad and fascinating story.  Find out some things about the Titanic’s voyage that I bet you didn’t already know!  Use this podcast with the Free Modern American History, Week 1)

+Jackie Robinson Tries Out For Majors
(Do your kids love BASEBALL?  Well that’s a great start for studying history!  You could really run with that idea!  Jackie Robinson is more than a baseball player though.  Find out why!   This podcast would also be good for the Free Modern American History Curriculum, Week 6  )

Podcast #8-  Anytime News Podcasts 

+Abraham Lincoln’s Daring Escape
(The story of Lincoln’s whistles top trip and the day he almost DIDN’T become president!   Great addition to The FREE Civil War (Addy) Unit Study!)

+Ups & Downs:  Charles Dow
(I never knew much about Charles Dow, and now I wonder why not!  So interesting!  Great intro to talk about the stock market, Black Friday, andThe Great Depression   or  life at the Turn of the Century)

Podcast #9- Brains On!  Forever Ago

You’re going to love these podcasts all about ‘secret histories’ from forever ago!!  Kids will love these bits of hilarious history.   Wonder who invented the Rubik’s Cube?  Who was the very first lifeguard?  Or maybe how the first umbrella was thought of?   These podcasts are TOTALLY geared for kids… even the Littles would like these.

+Ice Cream Flavors: From Whale Poo To Vanilla
(Sperm Whale Intestine and Poo Ice Cream ?!?!  Yeah.  Kids like gross.   BUT this is such an interesting history!!!   Forward to about the 6 minute mark to get an idea of where this podcast is going 😀   It would be a super good Fascinating Fact to add to the Free Middle Ages History Curriculum and serve up with a big old scoop of ice-cream!   I’ll take plain vanilla please!!!)

+Shoes: How French Royalty Became the Fashion Police
(What would you do if you had to go about your entire day today without SHOES?!?   Learn all about the history behind shoes!)

Podcast #10-  Truth Seekers

And I had to include a Bible story podcast, because after all the Bible is the most ACCURATE and unbiased history text we have!
I think you’ll really like ‘Truth Seekers’.   It is fast paced enough to keep your older kiddos interest, but simple enough for your Littles to follow along with too.   I really appreciate the style of these podcasts. They present the Scriptures in a way that tells the real accounts without making them into cute stories that don’t seem true.
Also… I have just recently gone through the Free Ancient World History Curriculum posts in the entire series and added in many people, places, and events alongside of the traditional ones we learn about in history books. It was INCREDIBLE to see how these thing overlapped!
I came out with a better understanding of both history and the Scriptures.   You can find Timelines in each part of the series even if you aren’t using the free curriculum 🙂

+Abraham of Ur
(God called out to a man from a city called Ur.  His name was Abram (later Abraham).   Hear the amazing account of Abraham in this podcast, then how his-story all comes together to tell the bigger story of God’s People in Week 3 of the  Free Ancient Civilizations and Old Testament Curriculum!)

+Daniel and the Lions
(This is the story of Daniel and King Darius… there is SO much to learn from this story!  If you want to know more about who King Darius was, or what was happening in the world when Daniel lived, you can find it in theFree Ancient Civilizations and Old Testament Curriculum (Week 2), and the  Free Ancient Greece Curriculum, in the Bible section)

+The Story of Esther 
(She was born for “such a time as this”.  What a good story that shows how often we see in history, “nothing new under the sun”!   Our children were born on purpose for this time in history.  Let’s teach them Truth and remind them of all the good plans God has just for THEM!   You can learn more about the time that Esther lived in the Free Ancient Greece Curriculum, see Bible section)

Podcast #11-  History’s Not Boring Podcast

I realize this is a TOP 10 list, but I had to add this wonderful resource I just learned about!
The History’s Not Boring Podcast has tons of episodes covering people, places, and events from Ancient Civilizations, Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, British History, American History, Explorers, history in Science, Holidays, and even FOOD HISTORY!
Believe it or not, these aren’t the only topics covered either!
Seriously, this website pretty much covers any topic you are likely studying in history!

AND… be still my organized heart!
You will appreciate how well they have ordered the episodes and made it very easy to find what you are looking for.
It is very quick and easy to find which episodes fit with your lesson for the week, add a link to your planner, and you’re good to go!
I found the easiest place to search by topic was in the “LEARN” section!
If you click on “learn” for the podcast you are interested in,  you will find a fun introduction to that podcast, and a list of the main topics covered in it.
Most of the learn sections also include extra information presented in a kid friendly way with clear graphics and fun facts your children will love!
The Lewis & Clark Adventure episode  and  the Who Was Abraham Lincoln?  are good examples of the extra learn sections
.
They also include a mini quiz at the end of each episode which is fun for kids who like a challenge!

Here are a few episodes to get you started-

+The Rosetta Stone: Egypt’s Secret Code Key

+What Is The Festival Of Lights?  Hanukkah

Happy Living, Loving, Learning… and LISTENING friends!

I’d love to hear from you!  Leave a comment and share with us what YOUR family’s favorite podcasts are !

**TOP 10 Teaching History Helps Series**

+Top 10 History PODCASTS
+Top 10 History SONGS
+Top 10 History TIMELINES
+Top 10 History AUDIOBOOKS
+Top 10 History MOVIES
+Top 10 History BOOKS  (This is the ULTIMATE History Book List!)
+Top 10 History GAMES
+Top 10 History HANDS-ON
+Top 10 History PRINTABLES
+Top 10 History FIELD TRIPS

And a bonus…
+Top 10 History for the HOLIDAYS
+Top 10 AMAZING Homeschooling Resources At The Library