Dear parents, teachers, and students,

            Recently a number of authors have written biographies about the Founding Fathers of the US and movie producers have made films that have caused the resurgence of interest in American history. As parents and teachers endeavor to create interest in history courses, it is the purpose of this website to offer learning objectives, teaching ideas, and discussion suggestions that will enhance and stimulate the student. Further, use of these ideas and objectives along with A Patriot's History of the United States will provide an honest review of American history.

            History is more than facts to be memorized and regurgitated on a test. Reading and learning about American history better equips the student to navigate his/her own life, recognize history in the making, and make sense of the past as it is related to the present. Details in history are able to come alive when a history lesson is more than reading a chapter in a textbook. History is about us. Our students need to make American history their own and find avenues to pursue that will keep what they learn alive.

            The textbook has been divided into sections as study guides. It is suggested that parents and teachers review chapters prior to a lesson as this textbook approaches United States history from a positive viewpoint, unlike many textbooks available today. The textbook is written for college students, therefore, additional time may be needed to identify and define vocabulary and terminology unfamiliar to secondary students. The textbook also uses timelines in each chapter, which will be helpful, but, also, useful as a baseline for a student to begin and add to his/her own timeline. For further research and investigation, a student will find cited references in the NOTES section beginning on page 827.

            Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The people are the ultimate guardians of their own liberty…History by apprising them of the past will enable them to judge the future; it will avail them to the experience of other times and other nations; it will qualify them as judges of the actions and designs of men….” May it be your resolve as parents or teachers to contribute to the gaining of knowledge for your student or students by utilizing A Patriot’s History of the United States as a guide and tool to awaken and stimulate interest in United States History.

Sincerely,

Toni Morrill, M.Ed.