As Gus and Jeb Kendrick explored Athens, they were excited to find the spot where democracy started thousands of years ago in Ancient Greece. Something to remember when we celebrate freedom in our country. Here’s the video plus books and DVDs we used while we studied up on Ancient Greece and democracy.
ALL LEVELS
Books
Ancient Greece by Anne Pearson
DK Eyewitness Books are such a wonderful way to learn about any topic-since it’s heavy on photos and illustrations and the captions and sidebars are packed with information. This comes with a poster about Ancient Greece that we kept on the wall in our school room.
Spend the Day in Ancient Greece by Linda Honan
The book follows a fictional family through a day in their life, and brings in fascinating details about Ancient Greek culture and life, from Greek coins to the alphabet to the theater.
D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar d’Aulaire
A fabulous introduction to all the great Greek gods and goddesses. Easy to read aloud but kids will also love reading it themselves, because it’s full of whimsical illustrations.
DVDs
Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
We watched many documentaries about Ancient Greece and this was our favorite. History is brought to life better here, I think, because the documentary focuses on important figures in Greek history. Warning for all you Spartan lovers-which includes Gus and Jeb-the Spartans are kind of ignored here, which is a bummer.
Greece: Secrets of the Past
This was originally made as an IMAX film, so you know there are going to be sweeping aerial shots that make your stomach turn. The scenery is certainly impressive as is the camera work. We also liked how the documentary recreated some famous sites, like the Parthenon, so you get a feeling of being there in the glory days.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UP
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
If only all learning could be this fun. Kids eat up this series and get a solid foundation in Greek mythology at the same time. Brilliant.
100 Characters From Classic Mythology by Malcolm Day
Once kids are introduced to the great stories of Greek mythology, they can learn more about the characters. This book gives detailed information on major players in the myths, complete with a family tree for each one.
Cleisthenes: Founder of Athenian Democracy by Sarah Parton
This is for kids who really want to know more about the birth of democracy. Cleisthenes is credited with making many of the reforms that produced democratic systems in Ancient Greece.
The Life and Times of Pericles by Jim Whiting
Another book for kids about how one of Athen’s most famous citizens guided democracy along through the Golden Age, championing among other things the freedom of expression.
Ancient Greece
