[Ordinary Parent's Guide...Reading editions]

Hello,

I'm interested in learning more about the Ordinary Parent's Guide. I'm looking over the sample pages of the new edition and the student book. Can someone tell me whether the original edition is the same, just all in one book or are there notable differences? I like the idea of just having one book. So far we have used Teach Your Child... 100 Easy Lessons. What I like most about it is that it is one book, not a teacher book and a separate student book.

[Elemental Science editions]

Hello,

I'm looking at used copies of Elemental Science books. Does anyone have familiarity with what changes they made from edition to edition? Specifically, I'm wondering what required books were listed in the original vs updated editions of Chemistry for the Grammar Stage, any notable difference in the contents or organization?  I borrowed an updated edition from a friend. Looking to buy a used copy for myself. Sometimes I see what I think is the original edition for sale, but don't know how it's different from the updated edition that I have seen. (I know the updated is not the current edition, but I'm not buying brand new, and I liked what I saw in the updated edition anyway lol.)

[History questions (for multiple kids)]

4 hours ago, ScoutTN said:

Together! Even with only 2 kids. I chose a spine, added library picture books and usually a literature read aloud. We did some hands-on element or project about every other month. As my kids got older, I added some writing each week. I did have a binder for each kid for each grade and those had a history section.

 

Thanks. What kinds of things did you have them put in their history section in the elementary grades/grammar stage? 

[History questions (for multiple kids)]

12 hours ago, barnwife said:

We have 5 kids, currently 12, 10, 9, 5, and 2. History is done together. At some point, I will add some independent history work for our oldest. Right now, I choose a spine. We read and discuss it. We do the same for science. It's read as part of our morning time. So, no, we don't do notebooks, nor do we do a book of centuries. We do have various timelines (not made by us).

Keeping track of individual work for language and maths is enough for me with 4 kids schooling and a toddler in the mix. I am not adding to that unless I have too. I am sure there are families that do so, but I have no desire.

I might feel differently if we had a smaller number of children or if ours didn't seem engaged or to be retaining stuff. However, I am constantly surprised by what our kids know, so things are getting through. 

Thanks. Yeah, it also occurred to me to think ahead to when the next (and next etc) kids start schooling. All together I have 4, #5 on the way, it's just the older 2 who are schooling right now. So 3rd grader is on medieval this year (did ancient last year, and u.s. in 1st because I thought I had to). 1st grader we just decided to start on ancient. But I'm second guessing that now.

It helps you also mentioned science. I had intended to probably do them together, but introducing a variety of sciences, rather than picking just field for the year. Now they are learning about animals and earth science concurrently (that just happened lol)

[History questions (for multiple kids)]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post, so I hope it's in the right place. I have a 1st and a 3rd grader. I've been reading The Well-trained Mind book, and am trying to use some of the ideas.

1. If you have multiple kids, do you have them all on the same history period at once, or each going through their own history cycle (like Ancient 1st grade, Medieval 2nd, etc). Or some combination? I have a friend who just goes through the cycle, and the kids start with whatever period they are on when they start school. I wonder if it would be more straightforward this way, instead of keeping track of "his history" and "her history". Or at least doing that until a certain grade? (I like the idea of starting at the beginning and going in sequence, but for the early elementary years, does it matter very strongly where they start?)

2. Do you do history notebooks with your kids? What ages? How? Binders so you can insert anything you want, or an actual (marble or spiral) notebook?

2.a. Does anyone make a "book of centuries" (I think it's a Charlotte Mason thing. I found the idea intriguing but haven't tried it.)