Using Historical Fiction in Your Homeschool with Pursuing Gold

This article is in collaboration with Cynthia L Simmons.

Study the Civil War

Historical fiction is an excellent way to teach your children. Former homeschool mother of five and Bible teacher Cynthia L Simmons knows the value of making history come alive! She is a Bible teacher certified writing and media coach while also writing for Leading Hearts Magazine. She has a fondness for history and offering the elegance of God’s wisdom to others. 

Pursuing Gold: History and Critical Thinking Curriculum is the perfect resource for digging deeper into the Civil War. It is the companion to Cynthia L. Simmons’ novel, Pursuing Gold. The History and Critical Thinking Curriculum shares impressive details about the Civil War and the finances of the Civil War Times. 

With questions such as “What impact did the telegraph have on communication?” and “What indications did McDonald give that he liked the comforts of life?” the study guide encourages readers to interact and think critically about the novel.

Topics covered in this curriculum include morse code, medicine, botany. In addition, there are activities for hands-on, project-based learners. Whatever learning style your child may have, there are plenty of resources to encourage them to explore the many topics covered.

In addition, the guide includes photos, historical tidbits, and activities.  The Appendices include more ways to expand the learning experience.  Appendix 3 is the Teacher’s Manual with sections for Teaching Kids to Think, Teaching a Sense of Time, and a Character Study. Other Appendices include Managing your Money and History of Money.

Cynthia designed Pursuing Gold: History and Critical Thinking Curriculum for students to read one chapter of the book and then work through the corresponding chapter of the companion study.

Historical Fiction with Pursuing Gold

Pursuing Gold is the story of  Peter Chandler. His father is dead; his business partner is incapacitated. The bank that he inherits leadership of is in a terrible crisis. He joins Mary Beth to fight to keep C&R Bank alive with the Civil War raging around them. When counterfeit money is found with Peter’s forged signature, they are racing to find the culprit before the bank fails. So these friends are off to pursue gold and their Heavenly Father for hope and peace! This book is over 300 pages of adventure and intrigue. It is also Book 1 of 3 in the Southern Gold Series. 

Cynthia writes that the hope she has for every Christian mom is that her materials would cause them to become obsessed with impacting the next generation to pass along the faith. 

Click any of the links below to learn more about Pursuing Gold!