History Learning Activities

Are the 1950s the most iconic decade of the twentieth century in terms of pop culture? One would have thought so, but I found this decade the most challenging to do! I was really surprised. What comes to mind for you from the 1950s that we still refer to today? Slang that still pops up?*****Please remember the inclusion of a link, show, movie, artist, etc. is NOT an endorsement. I included some things I am personally opposed to, but believe it is important to understand their relevancy. Some of the items included can make great launching … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – 1950s

The last decade of the twentieth century brought us some memorable pop culture references that still carry on today. Whether it was The Carlton on "Dancing with the Stars" or people still saying "Make it so," the 90s are with us yet today. Enjoy some fun videos with your kids!*****Please remember the inclusion of a link, show, movie, artist, etc. is NOT an endorsement. I included some things I am personally opposed to, but believe it is important to understand their relevancy. Some of the items included can make great launching points for … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – 1990s

The 1940s were consumed in large part with World War 2. While there were certainly pop culture elements that emerged and remain even today in our regular conversation, there seems to be much less than other decades. This includes the 1930s suggesting that it isn't that the 1940s were so long ago as much as there simply wasn't as much pop culture to enjoy and carry forward. What has carried forward, however, is very well known.*****Please remember the inclusion of a link, show, movie, artist, etc. is NOT an endorsement. I included some … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – 1940s

The 1960s were an, um, interesting decade. I confess I'm not much of a fan of the pop culture of the 60s, but since they gave us The Brady Bunch and The Sound of Music... we'll call it good! Enjoy!*****Please remember the inclusion of a link, show, movie, artist, etc. is NOT an endorsement. I included some things I am personally opposed to, but believe it is important to understand their relevancy. Some of the items included can make great launching points for discussion.***** The Twilight ZoneBond. James Bond.What we've got here … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – 1960s

The 1970s were an interesting decade. Not as rebellious as the 1960s, but not as hip as the 1980s. It was the decade we celebrated America's Bicentennial with painted barns and fire hydrants across the country. It was the decade of the BeeGees with 10 number one hits, disco, and latchkey kids. Pet rocks, Charlie's Angels, Sean Cassidy, and the Osmonds. Good times!So what do we still reference today from the 1970s? More than you might realize!*****Please remember the inclusion of a link, show, movie, artist, etc. is NOT an endorsement. I … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – 1970s

The 1920s were the bees knees! So pour yourself some noodle-juice and don't be a wet blanket as we take a peek at two decades! Ever talked about the big cheese at work? Thank the folks from the 1920s. But before you make tracks, don't forget the 1930s brought us some interesting pop culture references still in use today. Don't think so? We're not just bumping gums here. It might blow your wig to check out some of the clips below, a couple of which are cute as a bug's ear. Enjoy!Series intro with links to all decades: Pop Culture Literacy in … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – 1920s and 1930s

Ah, the 1980s. My years in high school and college spanned the 1980s so I have a soft spot in my heart for them. David and I will both admit to spending more time educating Caroline on the finer points of pop culture in the 1980s than probably any other decade since it probably was the most interesting decade in terms of pop culture. (No duh!)Here are some highlights I've compiled to make sure she's like totally gnarly with what happened in the years of Reagan, Michael Jackson, and bow-heads (me!) as we continue our series of Pop Culture … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – 1980s

We are not big consumers of pop culture. I can't tell you the last time I followed a television show on a major network unless you include Downton Abbey and Victoria on PBS. I don't listen to any current popular musicians. That said, David and I want Caroline to have at least a basic level of pop culture literacy so she will not be in the dark when people make allusions to pop culture, especially pop culture from the past. Recognizing Pop Culture References So over the past couple of years, we've had what I originally called "Cultural … [Read more...] about Pop Culture Literacy in Your Homeschool – A Series