Apr. 4, 2008 - Thoughts on History
Dear Hubby and I are currently wrestling with what to use for history next year. We've liked Story of the World these last two years. My only thought was, with Little Monkey formally coming in on things next year, and Peanut following in a couple years after that, it just seems like things are going to get more and more difficult, especially trying to keep up with getting age-appropriate activities/books/etc. planned out. Our boys are very hands on. They learn by doing. They completely enjoy our science times because I strive to make it very hands on. They're chomping at the bit for science to begin next year knowing that it will be very experiment heavy (chemistry).
The Story of the World has an activity book which has been a must for us. It usually gives us some direction with extra reading materials provides some maps, and there are activities listed for each chapter. The problem is that many times the activities either aren't to our interest (we're focusing on different things for that time period), or aren't to my boys interest. The internet is my helper here. I can generally go online and find activities that we'll all enjoy, it's just quite time consuming.
We're considering switching to Tapestry of Grace. I wouldn't even call it considering. It's more like we're weighing our options. TOG's mighty pricey, but extremely comprehensive. At the homeschool convention last weekend, we were able to sit down with the worlds thickest binder and look thru the actual planner for Year Two. Just trying to get yourself together after seeing the massive binder . . . and it's just the first nine weeks worth . . . was a feat. Now, for those who know me know that a good binder can make me drool. I would thouroghly enjoy getting this big daddy together :) But the important thing is: will it save us time and effort? We just don't know yet. We're trying to slog thru the websites free trial pages. It's difficult to tell right now if it would be a good fit for us or not. One thing we discovered on their website is fantastic links for each level, whether you're a TOG user or not. Just that link page alone may swing us into staying with SOTW and using that for helps!
Does anyone have comments/suggestions about TOG vs. Story of the World? Sorry for the rambling post here. I'm just trying to unscramble the thoughts rumbling around in my head again 
Comments
Apr. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Dell
Story of the World is an optional spine to use within TOG. I love TOG (and use SOTW within it) because I knew I was starting to tread water pulling everything together on my own to supplement with living books and activities. I knew as the children and age spread of students increased it would get even more challenging for my over-taxed brain to pull it all together on my own. We've only been doing TOG officially for 5 weeks, but I absolutely love it!
Saying a quick prayer that you'll find the best match for your family. Whether it is Tapestry or something else. Isn't it a blessing to have so many great options!
Apr. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by boysrus
I don't know how old your children are, but SOTW is a good book (I've only read vol 1) but in my humble opinion Tapestry gives you so much more "meat". With Tapestry there is SO MUCH material to work with. With SOTW I felt like it just wasn't enough and then I had to find supplements on my own. Even if you just do the bare bones of Tapestry there are plenty of other choices (additional reading, activities, geography, etc.) if you feel like you want to dig deeper. Yes, it is certainly pricer but is used again. Can you tell I just love Tapestry! I tried lots of different curriculums and Tapestry finally works for all of us. There is no perfect curriculum that works for everyone, but Tapestry has been wonderful for us. Have a great day, Dee
|
|
This site owned by Enter name here |
|
|
|
