Although I asked my parents and students for brief testimonials, I found that they often had a lot more to say than I thought they would. Some of the virtues they named in the program reflect important issue in homeschooling, so I wanted to make sure prospective parents could hear people just like them explaining what it is that they've found to be so special about HistoryAtOurHouse.
Kim M., Connecticut:
I signed my daughter up for Mr. Powell's history program because I wanted to my daughter to be taught by someone who is an expert in history. Elisa enjoyed participating in the teleconferences. Mr. Powell went out of his way to ask each student questions gaging their understanding and to keep them engaged. Along with the teleconferences, there were class notes, pictures, maps, time-lines, regular review sessions, prepared tests, vocabulary and geography exercises, and reading suggestions.
I find this history program more cohesive than other approaches I could have taken as a homeschooler. Rather than look at history through narrow windows of "The Greatest Conquerors," or biographies of great leaders, or isolated great conflicts, Mr. Powell is able to show how major events come about and what they mean--oftentimes referring back to a previous event to note a comparison or similarity. Offering this level of program in terms of ancient, European and American histories meant a perspective that is the most pertinent to the types of ideas that I expected my elementary-age child to understand. The limited geographical range of the history was simultaneously more expansive than I expected and as systematic as necessary. I appreciated that the flow of the narrative was consistent and was not interrupted by talks of other countries that did not apply to what was then studied.
There were benefits for me as well. I enjoyed being able to tailor the work to the level I felt was appropriate. Because my daughter was engaged in the teleconference, that freed up my own time. There was one less course that had to have a curriculum ordered or activity sheets prepared. I found no need for crafts and coloring pages to make history interesting.
My daughter has said that she has a passion for history, thanks to Mr. Powell.
Stephen B., Massachusetts:
"As a homeschooling parent, I have a first-hand appreciation for Mr. Powell's remarkable grasp of history and his ability to condense a huge amount of material by focusing on what is true and important. My eight year old daughter just completed her first year of Mr. Powell's Lower Elementary class in European History. Not only did she make great progress but she absolutely loves it and is looking forward to next year! I had been my daughter's history teacher at home the previous two years, and I must admit that try as I might, I simply can't compete with the quality of Mr. Powell's material. (In fact, I have been so pleased with it, I have enrolled Mr. Powell's adult classes starting this summer.)"
Bobby S., California:
"We just completed Mr. Powell's Upper Elementary course in European History. Mr. Powell presented his subject in riveting, story form, and supported and enhanced his lectures with written notes, maps, tests, and historically significant art, which he sent via email. He was absolutely terrific with the kids - he truly has a fabulous way of encouraging and motivating the students to enjoy participating in the live lectures, and thereby making it fun for them to learn. With Mr. Powell's course, History became my daughter's favorite subject. We intend to continue with all of Mr. Powell's history courses that are geared for students."
