For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also

Sep. 19, 2006

History Blues

As I now have a significant amount of free time, due to my surgery, I have been thinking a lot about our homeschool curriculum choices. I figure since I am not doing school with the kids at least I can think about it! History has always been my favorite subject, I almost majored in it in college, but for some reason I have not been able to complete a full year of any history program with the kids. I have been through many of them; BJU, Prairie Primer, American Girl (before they started supporting abortion), Weaver, Light and the Glory and we have dabbled in others. Anyway, sometime last year I came across Mystery of History- which we use and like, in fact I have even convinced many friends to use it as well. But I have a small problem.... sometime last year my nonhomeschooling neighbor asked me what the kids were doing for history and I explained to him the classical model of education that I was attempting to follow and how we were starting at Creation and going forward. He was starting at me like I was crazy this whole time and finally he said, "you mean you are teaching your kids ancient history while you currently live in one of the best places in the country to study the Civil War?" As a side note, we are a military family and move every two years so we don't spend a lot of time in one area. Ever since he said this to me I have wondered if I am doing the right thing, I have missed opportunities for my kids to visit battlefields, museums, and other things. Now we are moving again as we finish up the first volume of MOH. It is almost time to start a new history series and I wonder.... we are moving close to Williamsburg, VA..... so do I ditch Vol 2 of MOH and focus on Colonial America or do I just keep going with the other stuff? I don't like to be wishy washy, but I am torn.... Any ideas are highly appreciated!

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Comments

Sep. 20, 2006 - You could do both.

Posted by ThreeLittleLadies

Why not do ancient history twice a week, and colonial history twice a week? It would really be cool to be able to do all those field trips while you are there....

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Sep. 23, 2006 - I agree

Posted by Anonymous

I think the above poster has a great idea. You could even compare the two periods in history and how the people lived and dressed and ate, etc. Compare the technology and life expectancy. What was life like for children at each time...

Williamsburg is a great place.

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Sep. 25, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by eyecorn

I agree, do both. If you think the kids might get confused with 2 time periods...use a timeline. I use that blank timeline book . I really don't have the wall space for a big timeline. Anyways, they can "see" that the ancient history events came before the civil war events.

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Sep. 26, 2006 - Hi there

Posted by Bahamahomeschooler

I use Story of the World which goes in the 4 year cycle. I like it because what ever is going on we keep in track and focus on the history as it happened. You can always do a unit study on the area of intrest. we do that on vacation (when visiting something we try to do a study on it) and I do an extra unit study during the summer. It is a fun break from the norm so the kids don't even think it is school.

Oh by the way, a friend of mine here has started a blog smallwonders. She is here with her dh who is working for the US embassy in Nassau, Bahamas. Her dh is gone a lot and it would be nice for her to see that there are others like her and still homeschooling. Thanks

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Oct. 4, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by CountryMomof4

I'm so glad your surgery went well. How long are you "off your feet"? Oh don't do what I did... I felt sorry for myself and started eating boxes of crackers. I emerged from my six weeks 10 pounds heavier...OUCH. Thanks to low impact aerobic videos, I'm almost back to normal, but it wasn't fun.
History, I hear ya. I have found that curriculum just doesn't do it for us. We really just seize the opportunities when they come and something much better comes of it than pouring facts into my children's head in chronological order.... retention and delight in learning. I say learn about the Civil War! It's all about the field trips! ~K

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Oct. 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by smlltwnmmmy

Hi! Just checking in to see how your back is and how the school year is going for you! Looks like you're busy since you haven't updated in a while, and I'm sure you've been enjoying having your hubby home as well! I hope all is good for you! :0) Brandi

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This is the story of my life as I try to manage six young children and serve one military husband.