Homeschool History With Netflix

There is something special about video that helps bring a subject to life. That’s why I love to use video streaming services, like Netflix, as a supplemental resource in our curriculum. It’s super helpful to have such a wealth of educational entertainment at my fingertips.

Admittedly, there can be a stigma attached to using video. As parents, we’re often warned about the danger of too much screen time. However, I feel that with moderation and supervision screen time can be an asset in our homeschools.

When children feel connected to a subject matter it’s more easily absorbed. Video helps keep the attention and focus of visual and auditory learners. And the sounds, movements, and visuals can bring a topic to life like no other medium.

Especially history! Netflix has great history options for most ages no matter what era of history you’re studying. We often do homeschool history with Netflix.

(disclaimer: parents, be sure to pre-screen videos and use your best judgement to decide what videos are appropriate for your individual children)

HOMESCHOOL HISTORY WITH NETFLIX: PRIMARY GRADES

• The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show
• Justin Time
• Justin Time Go
• Egypt
• The Truth Behind: The Ark
• The Truth Behind: Atlantis
• The Truth Behind: Dead Sea Scrolls
• The Wheelchair President
• Secrets of Her Majesty’s Secret Service
• The World’s Worst Disasters
• The Great Human Odyssey
• Queen of Katwe
• World War Two: 1941 and the Man of Steel
• The World’s War: Forgotten Soldiers of the Empire
• Cuba: The Forgotten Revolution
• Vikings Unearthed
• Ken Burns: The West
• Secrets of Great British Castles

HOMESCHOOL HISTORY WITH NETFLIX: SECONDARY GRADES

• Ken Burns: The Civil War
• Pioneers of African-American Cinema
• The Russian Revolution
• Last Days in Vietnam
• 41 on 41
• The War
• Los Ninos de Heroes de Chapultepec
• D-Day
• Jackie: A Tale of Two Sisters
• Legacy: The Origins of Civilization
• Genius of the Ancient World
• Secrets of Ancient Rome
• Hiroshima
• Return to the USS Atlanta: Defender of Guadalcanal
• Little Dieter Needs to Fly
• American Experience: The Big Burn
• India’s Frontier Railways

What would you add to this list? Is there a series or documentary that helped your children absorb a history subject? It’s important for learning to be fun, especially in the primary grades. And “edutainment” shows like Mr. Peabody and Sherman really helped to build an overarching foundational awareness of historical subjects without much work and NO complaining. Score!