Homeschooler History Obsessions Poll Results

Few school history programs treat all eras of history equally, and most public school curriculum give inordinate importance to the modern era (leaving students in ignorance of everything that came before 1850). Homeschoolers tend to emphasize different periods of history than the public schools do, and our most recent poll asked the question: "What period of history are homeschoolers most fascinated with?"

Choices were: the Reformation, the Pilgrims, the American War for Independence, and the American War between the States. Visitors and followers of this blog gave a decided 52% of the vote to the American War between the States (generally known outside of homeschooling circles as the Civil War).

As a homeschool graduate myself, I have to concur with the outcome of this poll. States' rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the blue and the gray--these occupied far more of our homsechool history time than anything in the twentieth century. One of the ways we learned about the Civil War was through historical fiction, and I remember my late elementary school days were filled with Rifles for Watie (Harold Keith), Across Five Aprils (Irene Hunt), and Turn Homeward, Hannalee (Patricia Beatty).

Since graduating from high school, I've read very little Civil War historical fiction. Do you have any suggestions for historical fiction reads that capture the essence of that era?

Twins' Names Poll Results

In the last two weeks many of you have responded to the poll about what would be the WORST historical names we could inflict on our twin boys (due in November). The "winners" are Robespierre and Lafayette, with 40% of the vote, although Alaric and Attila were a close second with 38%. To set your mind at rest, let me assure that you that none of the names from this poll are in the running for the actual babies' names. Yes, we do have names picked out for them, and no, we're not telling what they are until the babies are born.

Check out our new poll about "Homeschooler History Obsessions" over on the right side of this page. Weigh in with your opinion on which period of history homeschoolers are most fascinated with.

Robin Hood Poll Results

The poll results are in.

Which Robin Hood movie best captures the true spirit of the Middle Ages? Is it Russell Crowe's 2010 blockbuster? Kevin Costner's 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves? Disney's 1971 animated version? Or Errol Flynn's 1938 The Adventures of Robin Hood?

Tied for first place, both garnering 39% of the vote, are Disney's animated Robin Hood and Errol Flynn's The Adventures of Robin Hood. Interestingly, both of these movies offer a brighter and more chivalric version of the story as opposed to the gritty realism in Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner's films. The readers of this blog aren't convinced that a dirtier, coarser, bloodier version of the story is the way things really were.

Thanks for participating in this poll. Look to the right side of this page to find the new poll about historical baby names for our expected twins.