The Story of the World Activity Book 2 - Hands-on Middle Ages Learning

In this review of The Story of the World: Activity Book 2, the reviewer finds a hands-on companion that makes medieval history approachable for young learners. Geared toward Grades 1-6, the book's single biggest asset is its variety of projects that turn reading into active learning: from coloring Viking warriors to making edible oases and crafting Aztec jewelry. Parents using it for homeschooling will appreciate that it pairs directly with the main textbook and audio materials to create a full year of history study.

Key Features

• Map and geography activities: Simple map exercises help children visualize the movement of peoples and the location of historical events, reinforcing spatial thinking about the Middle Ages.
• Hands-on crafts and projects: Instructions for crafts like Moorish turbans and Aztec jewelry let students explore material culture and build a tactile connection to the era.
• Cooking and edible projects: Food-based activities such as making an edible oasis provide memorable, multi-sensory lessons that engage reluctant learners.
• Integrated review material: Games, puzzles, and review questions make it easy to check comprehension and revisit key topics covered in the textbook.
• Cross-references and reading lists: Extensive book lists and cross-references to illustrated encyclopedias give parents a path to expand topics that spark a child's curiosity.

Who It's For

This activity book is best for homeschooling families and classrooms working with elementary-aged children in Grades 1-6 who want an active, project-based approach to medieval history. It pairs well with the corresponding textbook and audiobook to form a complete curriculum year focused on the Middle Ages.

Readers seeking a standalone, text-heavy history resource or high school level depth should look elsewhere, since the content and projects are designed for younger students and rely on the textbook and audio components for fuller narrative coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide variety of activities keeps children engaged across learning styles, from coloring pages to science experiments.
• Practical homeschool support with review questions and cross-references to encyclopedias and book lists.
• Clear, child-friendly projects that parents and kids can complete together, reinforcing historical concepts through making.

Cons

• Designed to be used alongside the main textbook and audiobook, so it is not a complete standalone curriculum.

Specifications

Title	The Story of the World: Activity Book 2
Subject	The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance
Author / Brand	Susan Wise Bauer
Format	Activity book with maps, coloring pages, games, projects
Size	8.5 in x 11 in
Grade recommendation	Grades 1-6
Includes	Map activities, crafts, cooking projects, puzzles, review questions, book lists

Our Verdict

For families and teachers wanting a tactile, project-driven supplement to a medieval history course, this activity book offers strong value and a full year of hands-on lessons when combined with the textbook and audio materials. Its varied activities make learning memorable and support multiple learning styles, making it a worthwhile addition for elementary-level history study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be used alone?
The activity book is intended to complement the textbook and audiobook; used alone it provides activities but not the complete narrative.

What age is it best for?
Recommended for Grades 1-6, with projects sized and paced for elementary students.

What kinds of activities are included?
Includes map work, coloring pages, crafts, cooking projects, games, puzzles, review questions, and book lists for further reading.