Liberty’s Kids: the best US history on YouTube
As a history teacher passionate about introducing children to accurate, inclusive curriculum that gets them excited about the past and inspired to change the future, I have a high bar when it comes to history programs. And among the hundreds of educational shows I’ve reviewed, Liberty's Kids stands out as one of the most engaging and historically rich series designed to make American history accessible and interesting to children. Developed with the intent to bring the American Revolution to life, this animated series combines educational rigor with entertainment, allowing children to witness key historical events through the eyes of young protagonists. Featuring 40 episodes, each filled with compelling narratives and historical facts, Liberty's Kids goes beyond mere dates and names. It immerses viewers in the complexities of the era, encouraging them to understand the cause and effect of historical events. Designed for children aged 7 to 14, it's an invaluable resource not only for families but also for teachers looking to enrich their classroom discussions. While the series is particularly popular among homeschooling families and history enthusiasts, it's also proven to be a hit with children who have different learning needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Free on YouTube, and only $10 per disc on Amazon, it’s quite the bargain!
Grades: Recommended for ages 8+
Cost: Free on YouTube, around $10 per disc on Amazon
The In-Depth Review of Liberty’s Kids
Finding a quality US history program can be challenging for parents because many shows either simplify history excessively or fail to engage children effectively, whereas Liberty's Kids offers an engaging, historically accurate, and balanced portrayal of the American Revolutionary War, making it easier for children to learn and retain information.
About Liberty’s Kids
"Liberty's Kids" is an educational animated television series originally aired on PBS Kids. The series was created to provide children with a comprehensive and engaging way to learn about the American Revolution. Through the adventures of its young characters, the series brings history to life with a mix of facts and entertaining storytelling. The show features notable historical figures and events, presenting them through the eyes of two young reporters working for Benjamin Franklin’s newspaper, The Philadelphia Gazette. The series has received acclaim for its educational value and its ability to engage young viewers with significant historical content.
How it Works
The series is structured around episodes that cover key events and figures from the American Revolution. Each episode runs for about 25 minutes, focusing on historical events and their impact through the narrative of the young characters who report on the occurrences for Franklin's newspaper. This unique perspective helps children understand the complexities of history in a relatable way.
What it covers
The Boston Tea Party
The forming of the Continental Congress
Major battles like the Battle of Bunker Hill
Key figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and King George III
The drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence
The end of the war with the Treaty of Paris
Who Liberty’s Kids is for
This series is ideal for children aged 7 to 12 who are beginning to learn about American history. It is particularly beneficial for visual learners who can better grasp concepts through animated storytelling. Teachers and parents looking for a supplemental educational tool will find "Liberty's Kids" especially valuable.
Why I recommend Liberty’s Kids for Teaching US History
"Liberty's Kids" excels in making history accessible and engaging for young learners. The use of animation and storytelling captures children's imagination and interest, making it easier for them to absorb and retain historical facts. The inclusion of different perspectives, such as those of American colonists and the British, provides a balanced view of history, fostering critical thinking and understanding among viewers.
What I Looked For and How Liberty's Kids Stacks Up
When evaluating history programs, I consider several critical aspects:
Secular: Liberty’s Kids maintains a secular approach, making it suitable for a diverse audience regardless of religious background.
Accurate: The program is committed to historical accuracy, providing facts that are meticulously checked by experts.
Decolonized: It offers a decolonized perspective, ensuring that historical narratives from marginalized communities are represented and respected.
Inclusive: The curriculum is inclusive, covering a broad range of cultures and histories, which helps foster a comprehensive understanding of global history.
Mastery-Based: It's designed to ensure mastery of historical knowledge through engaging educational techniques.
Fun and Engaging: Liberty’s Voices successfully combines educational rigor with entertaining content, making history enjoyable for kids.
Benefits and Drawbacks
What Parents Like
Engaging Storyline: Many parents appreciate the engaging and educational way the series presents the American Revolution, making it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Historical Accuracy: The show is praised for its accuracy in depicting historical events, which enriches children's learning and understanding.
Educational Value: Parents value the educational content, noting that their children learn significant historical facts and events through an entertaining medium.
Voice Acting: The inclusion of celebrity voices adds to the appeal and keeps the content lively and interesting.
Accessibility: Being available on platforms like YouTube makes it easy for children to watch the series.
What parents feel could be improved
Simplification of Complex Topics: Some parents feel that certain historical complexities and nuances are oversimplified or not fully explored.
Character Dynamics: A few reviews mentioned that the bickering among the main characters sometimes detracts from the educational content.
Perceived Bias: There are occasional criticisms about the portrayal of the British, with some viewers feeling it could foster a one-sided understanding of historical events.
Special Needs
ADHD : The vibrant animation and storytelling format are beneficial for children with attention deficits =helping to maintain their interest and engagement.
Tips from Parents on How to Get the Most Out of It
Supplemental Learning: Parents suggest using Liberty's Kids as a supplement to more traditional learning methods, reinforcing historical facts and events discussed in the series.
Discussion and Further Research: Engaging with children about the episodes they watch, discussing the historical events in detail, and encouraging further research can deepen their understanding and critical thinking.
Repetition for Retention: Re-watching episodes helps children solidify their understanding and recall of historical facts.
Select Reviews
“Liberty's Kids is a great show for kids just beginning to learn the American Revolution. It presents events, such as the Boston Tea Party, in easy to understand ways and with accurate information."
Withstanding the goofs listed, this film is a very helpful tool in my 8th grade U.S. History class."
"The vibrant animation and engaging storytelling are really beneficial for my child with ADHD; it holds his attention much better than traditional teaching methods."
“My children love watching Liberty Kids. I love it when my youngest come to me talking about the facts surrounding the Revolutionary War. My teenagers still enjoy watching it as well!"
"This series beats the heck out of my lecturing to my students. I teach U.S. History to 1877, and we are coming now to the American Revolution. I have shown the Boston Tea Party and the shot heard 'round the world videos to them, and they actually pay attention, rather than talk or fidget or sleep as they are sometimes prone to do when I'm talking."
Top Episodes
The Boston Tea Party - This is often mentioned as a favorite because it sets the stage for the series and effectively introduces the tensions leading up to the American Revolution.
The Midnight Ride - The depiction of Paul Revere's famous ride is noted for its exciting storytelling and engaging narrative.
Across the Delaware - This episode covers the iconic moment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River, which many find both educational and dramatically portrayed.
Sybil Ludington - Highlighted for its focus on a lesser-known historical figure, this episode is appreciated for expanding the narrative beyond well-known male figures.
Yorktown- This episode, covering the decisive battle of Yorktown, is often praised for its detailed and engaging portrayal of this critical moment in American history.
Updates or Additions
As of the latest updates, there have been no new episodes or series continuations of "Liberty's Kids." The series is available on various platforms like YouTube and DVD, allowing for continued access. Teachers and parents are encouraged to utilize these resources effectively to enhance their educational curriculums and activities.
Why Trust Me?
With over 20 years of experience teaching in diverse and challenging environments like NYC, Paris, SF, and conflict zones in the Middle East, my background in American Studies and history provides a solid foundation for evaluating educational content. My teaching extends across 18 subjects, enabling me to reach a wide variety of learning archetypes effectively. Additionally, my experience in the performing arts enriches my teaching methods, making history both accessible and engaging. I have also spent seven years within the secular homeschooling community, teaching students of all ages and coaching parents, which has deepened my passion and expertise in historical education.
How I vetted
I conducted a thorough review process by reading through hundreds of online reviews on various history programs, with a specific focus on Liberty's Kids. This helped gauge the series' reception and educational value as reported by a wide range of users. Additionally, I consulted with historians who are actively homeschooling their children, providing insights into the program's effectiveness and applicability in a home education setting.
Who is Liberty’s Kids an ideal fit for?
Liberty's Kids is ideal for elementary and middle school students who are beginning to explore the foundations of American history. The animated series is particularly well-suited for learners who engage best with visual and narrative formats, making historical events and figures accessible and relatable. It serves as an excellent tool for parents and educators looking to spark interest in history with engaging, story-based content.
Who is Liberty’s Kids Not a Fit for?
While Liberty's Kids provides an engaging introduction to American history, it may not be the best fit for older students or advanced learners seeking more in-depth analysis or critical perspectives on historical events. Students who may be sensitive to the realities of war, conflict, and injustice depicted in historical narratives, as these themes, while important, can be distressing.
Alternatives
For structured US history and Social Studies: Zinn Education Project provides a wealth of resources focusing on often-overlooked perspectives in American history, ideal for a more nuanced understanding.
For a full, world history curriculum: A better fit would be Curiosity Chronicles, which offers a gentle introduction to world history in a fully secular format.
A more in-depth option YouTube: Crash Course on YouTube offers more detailed and comprehensive explorations of world history, suitable for older students or those seeking a deeper understanding.
An edgy, amusing option for teens: Drunk History presents history with a comedic twist, suitable for older audiences who can appreciate the humor and still gain insights into historical events.
Do parents think it’s worth the money?
Regarding value, Liberty's Kids is generally considered worth the investment. It’s free on YouTube. The series is often priced around $10 to $15 for the complete DVD set, which includes all episodes—providing extensive coverage of the American Revolution at a reasonable cost. Parental feedback consistently praises the series for its educational value, particularly appreciating how it turns learning history into a fun and engaging experience for kids, thereby reinforcing its worthiness as a cost-effective educational tool.
How to get Liberty’s Kids
Liberty’s Kids is available on various platforms including DVD sets, streaming services like Amazon Prime, and digital purchases through platforms like iTunes.
Affilate Disclaimer
Please note that while my reviews are unbiased and based on extensive research and personal expertise, I may earn a commission from purchases made through links provided in this review. This does not influence the content of my reviews or the recommendations I make.
Sources
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