Why a boys' course on American heroes?

Is anyone else as worried about our nation's future as I am?  With the fear, ignorance, hate and destruction going on all around us we really need men and women who can discern truth from lies and stand for what is right.  In a world where evil is absolutely being called good and good is being called evil, we need heroes-- warriors who will fight for the truth and for what is good and beautiful.

The trouble is, many people don't even know what constitutes a real hero anymore.  Our education institutions have controlled the narrative for so long that true heroes who could act as a guide for our children have been forgotten or, still worse, maligned.  

Much as I'd like to, I can't fix the world.  I've decided to focus on what is within my control.  I taught U.S. History for five years and have designed a course that will cover our nation's history from Columbus to present (our nation's true history and why America really is exceptional.)  My boys and I will study at least one hero each week (for two hours.)  My hope is that they will come to emulate these men and their heroic characteristics.

I am also a huge believer in the ideas espoused by Dr. Leonard Sax (see the "Helpful Resources"), which is why this course will be especially designed for boys (aged 4-8 or so.)  For example, rough play and competition will be encouraged, we will focus on male role models and we will be keeping it separate- for boys only.  This, by no means, is meant to exclude girls.  It is meant to give the boys a fighting chance to succeed (if this is an idea you find disagreeable I highly recommend reading Leonard Sax's book Boys Adrift.) 

Here are two videos from PragerU that also endorse these same ideas:

War on Boys

Make Men Masculine Again

Any who wish to follow along with our schedule but focus on (or simply add) heroines can consult the list of "Books about Heroines" found in the margin, as well as this adapted scope and sequence page.  

We would love to share our experience with anyone that might find it helpful.  If you do join us, keep me posted on how it goes or if you have suggestions for activities or additional resources.

I should add a couple disclaimers.  This is a free course, it will be my first year teaching it and I'll have a newborn as I teach it so please be patient with me if and when things aren't exactly "professional."

We'll begin at the first of September with Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration.