Homeschooling with Netflix {American History}
Homeschooling with Netflix
I am doing a series on Homeschooling with Netflix.
I will cover American History, Ancient History, Literature turned Movie, Math and Money, Health Class, Nat Geo, Science, Christian Viewing, and Documentaries.
These are movies on American History that I have used when Homeschooling with Netflix that we have watched and enjoyed.
I included the Netflix commentary, as well as our own, because some of these were watched ages ago.
Colonial & Revolution Era
The Crossing
“A stirring dramatization of George Washington’s surprise attack on the British Army’s German mercenaries at Trenton during the American Revolution, based on the book by Howard Fast” (purchase here)
Johnny Tremain
“When an injury bars him from pursuing his trade, Revolutionary War-era silversmith’s apprentice Johnny Tremain (Hal Stalmaster) finds a new life in the ranks of the Sons of Liberty army, taking part in the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s legendary ride.”
(A little dated, and the kids thought it was a little cheesy. That said, they watched it in it’s entirety and liked it.)
Purchase the audio book or DVD on Amazon
Civil War
Gettysburg:The movie
“The fiercest battle fought on American soil comes to the screen in a realistic production that painstakingly re-creates the events of three fateful days in July 1863 — from the actual battle locations to the uniforms and boots” Purchase the DVD on Amazon
Glory
“Loosely based on the letters of Union commander Col. Robert G. Shaw, this Academy Award-winning drama follows the first group of African-Americans to serve in combat during the Civil War — and shows how they helped turn the tide of the war.”
(We love all things Civil War.) Amazon Netflix
Lincoln
“Director Steven Spielberg takes on the towering legacy of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his stewardship of the Union during the Civil War years. The biographical saga also reveals the conflicts within Lincoln’s cabinet regarding the war and abolition.”
(Lincoln is our favorite President. This was a great movie.) (Amazon)
(Netflix)
WWII
Memphis Belle
“A U.S. bomber plane’s crew is ordered to hit a heavily defended German city. Capt. Dearborn (Matthew Modine) leads his men into battle while their commander and a public relations officer (John Lithgow) await the squad’s return in this film based on a real World War II mission. Amid friction between the captain and his co-pilot (Tate Donovan), a scandal erupts when a medical officer’s dishonesty is exposed.”
(Very engaging. Especially when the realized my dad was in the Air Force at the end of WWII)
Paper Clips
This is from 2004, but the age of this documentary doesn’t take away from the impact. A must see for your middle schooler to high schooler. “As a part of their study of the Holocaust, the children of the Whitwell, TN Middle School try to collect 6 million paper clips representing the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis.”
Netflix
Amazon
Recent History
Dear America: Letter’s Home from Vietnam
“Set to a 1960s soundtrack and accompanied by authentic news footage, still photos and home movies, these readings create an honest snapshot of a tumultuous time.”
(This was PG13. We really enjoy Dear America stories. Great listening on road trips. This didn’t disappoint.)
The Help
“In 1960s Jackson, Miss., aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Aibileen Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. When other long-silent black servants begin opening up to Eugenia, the disapproving conservative Southern town soon gets swept up in the turbulence of changing times.”
(Another PG13. I have watched it a few times and still get angry at how the country was then.)
Remember the Titans
“The year is 1971, and the people of Alexandria, Va., are none too pleased when African American Herman Boone is given the nod to head a newly integrated football team. As the season progresses, however, their contentious attitudes begin to change.”
(Another great watch for recent history.)
You can’t go wrong with Ken Burns Documentaries either.
What movies would you add to this list?
Netflix: American History
Netflix: Math & Money
Netflix: Christian Viewing
Netflix: Nat Geo
Netflix Science
Netflix: Ancient History
Netflix: Documentaries
Netflix: Literature turned Movie
https://mamakautz.com/homeschooling-with-netflix-american-history/https://mamakautz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/AmericanHistory.jpghttps://mamakautz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/AmericanHistory-300x300.jpgHomeschoolingHomeschooling,Homeschooling with Netflix,netflix,netflix homeschoolHomeschooling with Netflix I am doing a series on Homeschooling with Netflix. I will cover American History, Ancient History, Literature turned Movie, Math and Money, Health Class, Nat Geo, Science, Christian Viewing, and Documentaries. These are movies on American History that I have used when Homeschooling with Netflix that we have watched...Mama Kautz mamakautz@gmail.comAdministratorMama Kautz - The Essential Prepper
I LOVE this thank you for sharing it. I will be following along with my daughter.
This was very helpful for more than just homeschooling too, thank you! My students needed movies to watch for the Civil War, and they loved Lincoln!
Tora, tora, tora! is long but fascinating. It tells about the attack on Pearl Harbor from both Japanese and American perspectives.
Will have to add that to my list thanks Heidi!
Dear America: The Winter of Red Snow…about the winter at Valley Forge.
LOVE Dear America! Thank you!
Thanks for this post! It is brilliant and I am attempting to homeschool my dyslexic son with some alternative ideas…this is perfect. I noticed you are planning to cover other time periods in history. When do you think you will be posting world history ;)?
Thanks again!
Amy
I will be posting weekly, on Wednesday’s. Ancient History is August 21st.
Thought your comment about Johnny Tremain was funny. My kids liked the movie better than the book, because one of the characters in the book dies. He doesn’t in the movie! Also, there is a Facebook group about homeschooling with Netflix. A lot of other streaming resources are discussed, too, but there are a lot of ideas there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/153434258146309/
Thank u for the list!!!
You may have convinced me to get Netflix! I’m itching to do the American Revolution – with the musical 1776.
we are waiting on ordered curriculum, so my husband and I put together quick and easy lessons on the US Presidents. The History Channel has the series the American Presidents (several discs) but worth it for you high schooler or older middle schooler.
Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for this list! What a great start! Last year we would read a classic book, say A Little Princess and then watch the movie as a treat. It was fun to compare the books to the movies! This year I wanted to focus more on lessons with Netflix and this is just the start we needed! Thanks!
Oh, I love this, and need to read it again! you have the basics laid out so clearly! Great job,