Teaching History the Way It Actually Happened

Mary Ellen and Ginny have wanted to bring you Historian Jerry D. Lenaburg since the debut of their podcast. They knew he was the most qualified historian to make a case for why homeschoolers must teach history the way it happened. It's not hyperbole to say that our future depends on it. A pleasure to listen to, Mr. Lenaburg is a 1987 graduate of the US Naval Academy with a BS in history, an MS in technology management, and an MA in military studies. A naval flight officer from 1987 to 1998, veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he has written extensively on military and national security topics, and has taught home school history for over 15 years. Why is it so important to teach history the way it actually happened? The Nation’s History Report Card - A National Disaster How our nation’s children scored. How did we get here? What have we been teaching? Can we get back on track?  Why historical inaccuracy undermines forming good citizens. The two-part litmus test for choosing history textbooks:    1. The Ronald Reagan test    2. The Founding Fathers’ treatment Lenaburg recommends Teaching Real History:– Teach the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. In today's brick-and-mortar schools, he observes that there are two ways to teach American History. 1 - Either America is inherently good, but we've had some bumps, or 2 - America is evil, racist, xenophobic, oppresses minorities, and unworthy of respect. There's no in-between these days and whatever model is taught, will form young people’s view of American history, America today, and their role as informed citizens. The Founding Fathers The heroic, deified image of yesteryear. The contemporary narrative. The real person - human and interesting. Chronological Snobbery - CS Lewis says this is the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate of our age and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is, on that count, discredited. The importance of bringing perspective and balance to the conversation Warfare Slavery Revolution The Value of a History Major A History Major’s ability to synthesize data, cite sources, and reach sound conclusions is a skill set that stands on its own or broadens opportunities in other career choices. Speaking Points: Is the U.S. Constitution broken? – Critics often have not read it.  Is Public School an Option? - AP Courses offer some promise. The first book Jerry Lenaburg recommends buying is a Barnes and Noble leather-bound copy of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, The Federalist Papers, and other related writings. At $25.00, you cannot beat it.Also recommended: Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story by Wilfred M. McClay Recommendation to students on writing: "So the two things that I try to get all my students to do is, number one, I let them roam. I give them book reports. I'll have them do a biography. I might pick something that interests you because you'll study history more if you find something that interests you. And yes, one of my students wanted to do the history of video games. I said, have at it, Dude. I want a 10-page paper in Chicago style, appropriately sourced, and with a bibliography and footnotes. Have at it! That gets him interested in something, and he's learning how to write a paper, and it probably goes back a lot further than we think. It was a fascinating paper." Other tips: Writing is hard, but the red pen will make you better. You've got to practice; mechanics, grammar, style, and the purpose of writing. Going out into the world, successful people know how to communicate. Links: Common Sense Barrage – Blogspot Books mentioned: The American Heritage Series – Google for used copies. The Great Battle series  Johnny Tremain Killer Angels Jeff Shara Laura Ingalls Wilder – Little House in the Big Woods