We are currently using HOAW and DD (10th) is very enthusiastic about it. IMO (like SOTW) it does seem to flow like a narrative, but it is very comprehensive so quite a jump from the first series. The book does include descriptive geography as well as maps, but as you mentioned, "nothing is laid out" for testing etc. However, I've simply printed out blank maps and allowed DD to pour over the detailed maps in the book (of the dynasty/country we are studying) as well as research a bit. She then fills in topography, rivers, important ancient cities, and interesting facts (to her). For instance, when studying Egypt she mentioned the length of the Nile, its source, and the fact that it flows south to north. Pretty basic, but I may give .5 credit for combined 4 yrs of this, or perhaps add some "traditional" geography for a full credit. Because we are combining this with David Quine's WVWWI, which includes literature, we are not studying every Dynasty in HOAW. So far we've covered Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia, and are into the Myceaneans along with the Illiad. We have read for fun (we love this book) about India, China, the Hittites, and Minoans but I didn't test on those. I suggest reading through a chapter or two to get a feel for it.:)

I believe that Texas requires two years of the same foreign language for public schoolers. However, my understanding is that TX Home schools are considered private schools, therefore must complete courses in Good Citizenship, math, reading, spelling, and grammar. So as far as state requirements, you would be okay to drop foreign language. FYI http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Texas.pdf I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago as DS was resistant to a 3rd year of the same foreign language. In his case, the college of his choice very much liked to see a 3rd year of foreign language (Business major). So I would check with the CC or college to see what is required for your ds major and if there is no foreign language requirement, I would really really push Science, and other requirements for TX Home schoolers. FWIW my ds senior year academics were like "pulling teeth" or giving birth...it was so difficult because he was ready to move on and very tired of Homeschooling. DH and I kept emphasizing that we understood this, but in order to move on to college, he really needed to accept that he could not give up his last year of High School. Wishing you the best!

Prayers for healing, and peace.

:iagree:

DD is watching The Hunt for Red October with her dad.

It felt amazing, and tonight at 78 isn't bad either. Unfortunately around here the air is still filled with the smell of smoke.

I am so so sorry and will be praying earnestly for your family. My heart goes out to them. It has been just terrible here in the Central Texas/Austin area. We seem to have fires in every direction and the air smells of smoke. We have been advised to be ready should we need to evacuate. :grouphug:

You really got me! I secretly love to hear about others hs academic accomplishments and I was hyped to hear about this. Not that this accomplishment isn't something to be proud of.:D

When I hear someone say that they would never use such and such curriculum I still kind of envy their confidence. After 13 years of homeschooling I have yet to say this, as I've never been 100% sure of our curriculum choices.

Schooling 6 days a week (and 1 1/2 hrs on Sunday) has worked well for one of my children. Honestly, I don't think that we could manage it any other way as she has dyslexia and needs frequent breaks, so she actually enjoys this type of scheduling. Unfortunately, in the past, I have been the one who became a little burned out, so I began to plan more to where DD could be "self guided" during the weekend. Mainly this meant that I would not schedule labs or discussions on the weekend and Sundays only included electives, such as Art or Economics. HTH :)

Yes, although modified. DD worked on "Gilgamesh" paper and Algebra for a few hours, but is now headed out to our local Home Depot to pick out paint for her room.

This is a re-post from a member of our church. "-It is a sad day for Austin....we are experiencing fires all over the city. We need a miracle in the form of rain. Please keep us in your prayers and especially the hundreds of people who have lost their homes. The winds are up again today."

:iagree:

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. When my dad passed away I grieved for at least two years also, and then it took many more years to work through all of the feelings even though the intense grief was gone. IMO it's good to keep busy, but do allow yourself time to reflect, as I think it's so important to work through the memories, feelings etc. and come to a place of rest. It will get better with time.:grouphug:

I do not have much to add as most of the advice offered is what has been working for us. We began History of the Ancient World around a month ago and those key word outline summaries have really helped DD assimilate the information. The dreaded timeline (she used to love timelines) seems to help as well as mapping. We are finishing up The Epic of Gilgamesh- which has been so interesting when one reads along about Sumer in HOTAW - and DD will be writing a paper on Gilgamesh beginning next week. So in my experience, these are they type of things that have helped make history meaningful to my high school kids. HTH Faith