The Story of the World Volume 1 Expanded Edition
A captivating, story-based history curriculum that turns world events into epic adventures—perfect for curious kids who’d rather time travel than memorize dates.
$21.95
Quantity:
2026 First-Grade Curriculum Kit
The Story of the World Volume 1 Expanded Edition
Ancient history covers thousands of years, dozens of civilizations, and enough rulers, inventions, wars, and empires to make anyone's head spin. This Expanded Edition turns that complexity into story-driven history covering world events from 5000 BC through 400 AD.
Students explore early nomads, Egyptian pharaohs, Greek culture, Chinese dynasties, Roman rulers, and the civilizations, people, and events that shaped the ancient world through narrative lessons designed to help children understand how history connects.
Designed primarily for grades 1–6, Volume 1 serves as the starting point for Susan Wise Bauer’s four-volume world history series.
Expanded Edition updates include:
- Ten new mini-biographies featuring historical figures such as Spartacus, Draco and Solon, Zhang Heng, and Shammuramat
- Expanded illustrations and updated maps
- New content covering China, Korea, the Silk Road, King Herod, Masada, and more
- Improved formatting that more clearly distinguishes myths, historical narrative, and ancient texts
Families can read aloud together, assign independent reading, or combine the text with the optional workbook, audiobook, student workbook + instructor guide set, and test book for a more complete history program.
The Story of the World is not faith-based but introduces important historical figures, cultures, and religions throughout world history. Families who prefer additional worldview discussions can easily expand conversations as topics arise.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this product below:
New Features in The Story of the World: Volume 1 – 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition (Main Text):
The same engaging storytelling and readability that children loveTwo new chapters on East Asian historyAdditional material in the existing chapters on key historical events, including:The rise of the Roman RepublicThe beginning of the Han dynastyThe Silk RoadThe rule of Herod the Great and the siege of Masada
Ten new biographies of fascinating historical figures (Spartacus, Zhang Heng, and more)Twenty new illustrations and mapsUpdated pronunciation guideNew chapter order for better chronological flowClearer formatting, distinguishing ancient texts, myths, and stories from historical narrative
And for customers who want to turn The Story of the World into a full History & Geography curriculum:
Instructor Guide (formerly the front half of the Activity Book):
Now fully organized into lessons for easier planningParent scripts for narration, review, and mapping exercisesSample answers for narration prompts and review questionsUpdated and expanded reading recommendation lists, combining the best of the classics with the best of what's been published in the past 25 years40+ brand-new activitiesSpecially designed group activitiesCross-curricular challenges connecting history to science, math, writing, and moreSuggested memory work and field trip ideasLow-prep, no-prep, and movement activities
Student Workbook (formerly the back half of the Activity Book):
Dedicated student pagesPuzzles, game boards, craft templates, and other interactive activity pagesSuggested memory work activitiesMap exercises to teach the geography of our worldNew coloring pages
What This Means for You:
We believe the 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition will be a bestseller, just as the classic edition has been. You'll want to plan ahead for stocking it in early 2026.
Please Note:
The new edition is not compatible with the older (2001/2006) editions, or with their activity books or MP3 audiobooks.
