We used TOG for over five years - excellent, rigorous high school curriculum for history and literature.

I am not familiar with the other two history curricula, but am with TOG. We love it! For my teens - one avid book worm and the other an avid math geek - learned strong independent study skills. For most, TOG teaches and encourages children and teen students to think, to organize time, to orally discuss, to write and read many classics, and to discover God's incredible HIStory (not to mention outstanding literature selections and geography). The world view studies for the high school population alone is fantastic. Time doesn't permit us to utilize all the curriculum available, but have stayed the course with the weekly geography, history, world view, some art, and literature assignments. The revised TOG recommends outstanding history core readings that I purchased used online. Students often read from the core books for several weeks (+5 or more). I didn't utilize the local public library much which saved me time. I do assign the questions and readings every Monday - sometimes I tweak them to accommodate our family's busy schedule. Then, every Friday morning we sit in the family room or at the kitchen table and discuss. TOG provides wonderful teacher notes for me to lead enriching discussions. If you stay the course your children learn history and literature analysis tools very effectively. My one teen passed a early civilization CLEP exam last June quite easily having studied TOG year 2 (reviewed some of year 1). Well, this is just one more take for you. Wishing you much success!

I just found an interesting web site that may be helpful: http://www.historians.org/pubs/free/careers/index.htm It is the American Historical Association, the Professional Assoc. for All Historians.

Hi, I second the TOG recommendation! Tapestry of Grace prepared my son well for college in terms of reading primary history books, researching, writing and preparing for oral discussion with mom once a week. He is NOT a history major, pursuing engineering. But he learned a lot of wonderful, enriching history! My sixteen year-old daughter loves to study history (TOG rhetoric stage) and excels at it. For now she plans to pursue a history degree in college. I suggest TOG - all four years. It is a very flexible study program. Read it over and tweak it to your children's learning styles. This past fall my daughter and I sat down with a college professor (college visit) to discuss the history program. You should have seen the prof's eyes open wide when she rattled off the history books she read, many were primary sources. They had a wonderful conversation. Learning how to read and research are very important skills for any major, but especially history. TOG fit our needs perfectly. You may also want to encourage your child to compete in the National History Day program. This is a wonderful, national venue available to home school students as well as public school ones. Check the web site out: http://www.nhd.org/ As your child progresses I also suggest CLEP testing. There are four CLEP tests available (US History I, II and Civilization I and II). Your child can pass a CLEP test in history and receive college credit. Blessings, Denise

I also chuckled reading your post. About three years ago my teen age son (age 15) announced his interest in mechanical engineering as well. And yes, I saw it coming with his keen sense to build with Legos. Gotta love Legos. Hmm... I think his kinetic skills emerged before taking his first step! Take a deep breath, there is a plethora of excellent math and science curricula available. And from reading the posts there is a lot of support too! I learned the importance of being honest in assessing my academic skills when teaching my teenage children. I felt confident teaching geometry and algebra II with my son, but pre-calculus and calculus ... forget it. So, I found help. For my son's math needs we found an excellent math tutor nearby who actually teaches upper math to many homeschool teens. Her math knowledge far exceeded mine. She prepared him well, much better than I ever could have. I loved how she held him accountable. The text for pre-calculus was a local high school text (you may want to ask your school for one) while Saxon was used for calculus. Oh, we also implemented Forester too. As you already surmise, it is prudent to provide the best math curriculum that fits his learning needs. I am not familiar with MUS, but if this fits his learning style then use it. I also found an excellent chemistry and physics teacher for my son. A retired electrical engineer with a teaching degree taught my son alone with five other home school teens every week. Excellent instruction! Get creative. There are so many talented people available to step in to prepare your son. Another suggestion you may wish to consider is investigating engineer summer camps at a college. The summer before his junior year my son attended one week of engineering camp at Cedarville University (Ohio). He flew there on his own, learned about three major engineering fields, met with several professors each day, participated in fun labs, and decided right there this was the school he wanted to attend. This camp really opened his eyes to the engineering profession and motivated him to work diligently with his studies the next two years of high school. My son just finished his first semester at Cedarville and survived! His calculus I professor challenged John, but learned so much. Thankfully he felt prepared and actually breezed through the chemistry for engineers class. If you are not able to send your son to an engineering camp then make appointments for your son to sit down with several engineers in your locale. By asking questions about their job responsibilities he will grow excited. I also suggest researching college requirements for engineering majors on-line, with your son. Reading the suggested four-year engineering tract opens your eyes as to how to prepare him. Lastly, be grateful for your wonderful son's engineering aptitude! Blessings!

I am researching books pertaining to the history and applications of our US Constitution to teach my high school daughter. A while ago I read a thread from this forum suggesting the following book, "The Making of America: The Substance and Meaning of the Constitution" by W. Cleon Skousen. Amazon reviewers raved this hefty read (888 pages), but would love to read your reviews. Anyone ever read this book and if so, have you implemented in your home studies? Thank you so much.

I personally have not taught government from Notgrass, but would consider the following two books: A Familiar Exposition of The Constitution of the United Statesby Joseph Story and The Making of America: The Substance and Meaning of the Constitution by Cleon Skousen.

I was able to borrow Michael Farris' text, "Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens" from a fellow homeschool mom. The one semester course introduces the historical overview of the Constitution and then proceeds to teach how to read Supreme court cases. Approximately twenty-six Supreme court cases are described and discussed. I like Mr. Farris' premise for the course, to enlighten students about the origin and purpose of the United States Constitution. Here is an excerpt from Mr. Farris' introduction: In short, after this course you will be an enlightened citizen. And I firmly believe that a determined group of enlightened citizens can work through the political processes given us by the Founders, challenging and modifying the Supreme Court to return this nation to the intentions and spirit of our founding. We can win this battle, but not without the right principles and not without the required knowledge. Originally this course was designed for high school students in homeshcooling. But it has become obvious in the intervening years that every citizen of this nation needs to become an enlightened citizen. It is my goal to have tens of thousands of teens and adults take this course. A small army of those who believe in freedom, are instructed in the truth, and are willing to work hard can reclaim this nation in the spirit of the American founding.

We enjoy learning biology with Bob Jones Biology text and lab manual.

Thanks.

I am considering Michael Farris' class, Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens (HSLDA), for my high school daughter. http://conlaw.hslda.org/cms/ Any thoughts and opinions on this on-line course? Thanks! Merry Christmas to all.

Great thread Laura! I read the same book review in the Wall Street Journal and tried to order it on Barnes and Nobel and Amazon - all sold out. I then ordered a copy from the following site, http://www.NRBookService.com/products/SearchResults.asp The book coat is $17.95. Blessings, Denise

My bright teenage daughter will be entering her senior year of high school next fall (gulp). I am already searching for one or two courses encompassing literature and writing for the fall 2011. Last year my daughter took an on-line AP Composition course and this year the AP Literature. What's next? She is a prolific reader and enjoys writing, especially the research process. One thought is to seek a literature course at a local community college, but I ask my fellow homeschool parents for a stimulating on-line suggestion. Any recommendations for taking a long distance college course? THANKS!

Here is Tapestry of Grace's link for primary books used in Year 1, Dialectic Stage (grades 6-8): https://www.lampstandbookshelf.com/ZC/index.php?main_page=resources&step=2&year=1&units=all&LD=on&subjects=all&type=primary At the top of the page you can select any of the four years of curriculum and so forth to narrow your search. If you click on "Shop for Books" you will be directed to TOG's Bookstore. This link provides an informative write-up on each book along with the weeks used in the curriculum. Personally, I am able to borrow most of the books from my local public library or buy used on-line. I have been teaching my children TOG for over five years and absolutely LOVE it! Incredible curriculum that really teaches children how to think, not memorize historical facts with little meaning. The literature and history book selections are fantastic backed with though provoking questions to encourage the student to analyze, write, and then orally discuss with mom or dad. Every week my students (now in the rhetoric stage) read excellent primary sources, answer questions, research and then sit down with me to discuss. In addition to reading outstanding books and improving their comprehension TOG has taught them how to manage their time. They have learned to organize their days effectively and are held responsible — valuable assets for college. Last month my oldest daughter and I visited a college and met with a history prof. The teacher was utterly amazed to learn about our home history studies and vast array of books read. This is all because of TOG, I am only implement. Of course, I learn along with my children since I never experienced this quality education when I was growing up. It is truly a privilege to home educate and I dearly appreciate Marcia Somerville's commitment and time writing Tapestry of Grace. Wishing you a successful journey educating your children! TOG Bookshelf: http://www.bookshelfcentral.com/index.php?main_page=resources&year=1&units=all&LD=on&subjects=all&type=BSC

Thank you so-o-o much for the insightful biography suggestions! If anyone cares to join in the thread please jump in. THANKS!

I am searching for high school reading level biographies of five to six Christian missionaries for a teen girls' club. Women and Men of Faith Series are a possibility, but perhaps you know of a publisher you prefer. Plus, there are a plethora of amazing missionaries to read about but I need a narrow offering. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Oh, any thoughts on a used on-line resource to purchase 8-10 copies each - used? THANKS!

Has anyone ever used the Barron's E Z Biology for CLEP Biology prep?

My daughter is studying biology from the Bob Jones Press high school text, 3rd edition. She would like to pass the CLEP biology next summer. In addition to the biology text do you recommend the REA for Biology as a helpful CLEP study guide? THANKS!

My family learns American history in tandem with the western world by way of Tapestry of Grace.

This semester I have the privilege of not only teaching high school history to my two children but several other inspiring teens. I am seeking your suggestions regarding videos to blend with the weekly reading assignments and class discusssion (we are beginning to study the fall of Rome and the Middle Ages). Due to time constraints I plan to only play about 10-15 minute clips of video. I found several on-line videos from the History Channel, but prefer less violent graphics. The Lerner-Anneberg Foundation offers free on-line educational videos (Wester Civilization lectures displaying over 2700 art pieces from the Metropolitan Museum of Art) but the half-hour lectures are, well, rather dry. Any suggestions/opinions/experiences would be very much appreciated!

Hello! The previous threads have woven a powerful testimony about TOG. In all the years I have been teaching my children I find TOG extremely flexible and fun. When my teens began seventh and ninth grades I switched to TOG becuase of one major reason - to prepare them to think. Planning has never been an issue for me because my children learned early on to write down their own reading assignments each week in their planner. They own their schedule and prefer me not to meddle with, "Have you read this... and finished this...". Regardless if you teach from TOG or Sonlight you are on the right path - unit study approach. Teaching many children at home lends itself nicely to studying the same time period. For years my two older children read different level literature books and answered appropriate-aged questions, but we always came together for discussion time. The younger one chimed in during the same discussion session as her older brother, gleaned from the material on her level. My older teen and I were often amazed at the younger child's keen insight. TOG shines brilliantly in the discussion forum, often lacking in home schools. No matter what the age I would encourage everyone coming together once a week to discuss literature and history - a valuable tool which involves preparing for such a forum, listening attentively, orally answering questions, and chiming in. With three years of TOG behind us my children (now teens) have learned how to schedule ALL their studies, to research answers to TOG Thinking Questions, to prepare and participate for the once-a-week discussion with mom. Monday mornings we briefly schedule all subjects, reading lists, jobs, music lessons, etc. Then I rarely hear from them concerning history, geography, and literature all week until discussion time on Friday. During the week there is plenty of time to assist in math, grammar, writing, and science subjects. TOG truly encourages children to self-study during the week, to analyze the material, and to formulate their thoughts. The key is to plan a once-a-week discussion. Your younger children will enjoy special time reading to you and listening to you read. I actually miss that special time since my children are now in high school (rhetoric stage). Yet, throughout the years their study habits/skills have broadened and matured. I now have more time to read the weekly "Teacher Notes" and am receiving a wonderful education myself! I have never used Sonlight, but have heard wonderful accolades. Several of my home school friends have switched from Sonlight to TOG this past year because they believed TOG provided the study and rhetoric skills. Very little planning for TOG is needed on my part because all the student questions, reading lists (which you can tweak), teacher notes, and discussion questions are laid out for me - simple! TOG even has a CD-Rom for applicable maps and one for tests. As for teaching an entire family with TOG or Sonlight I know of several families with younger and older children that successfully teach with TOG. One incredible mom I admire believes TOG has saved her home schooling sanity for the very reasons I mentioned above. Her older ones are quite self-sufficient in their daily studies freeing her up to assist the younger ones. There is no perfect curriculum. My prayer for you is that God will clearly open the door for you and your family to enjoy learning HIS magnificent story! Denise

Thanks for the input - very interesting! Anyone else hear the same? Denise

Thank you dearly Luann! Your input is very much appreciated. Home school moms are the BEST! God Bless, Denise

Lisa: I whole heartedly agree with the previous posts. Having home schooled my teens with Apologia and Bob Jones curriculums I saw differences. With that said I realize each child responds differently to various texts. A few years ago I switched from Apologia to BJU when my children entered the high school stage and saw their test grades fall precipitously in the first few chapters. Yes, it was alarming and disconcerting, but my teens learned how to study more effectively. Studying for BJU tests required note taking, self-quizzing, reviewing daily lessons, and so forth. All in all, they really enjoyed the straight-forward text and colorful pictures in the BJU Biology text (sorry, I have no experience with the BJU CHemistry). After the initial shock of the learning curve trial my kids studied more earnestly and grew to be stronger independent students. I would encourage you to stick with the Chemistry course and DVD lectures while coaching your chidren how to analyze and study more effectively. Remember at the beginning of each school year one hurdle to pass over was to figure how the professor teaches, what does he/she expect to earn the top grade, what do tests entail in terms of degree of difficulty and study time? Switching currculums, at least in my experience, is a similiar process. Best wishes, Denise

Hi Luann: Thank you dearly for responding! Would you please take a moment to define REA study guide? I am not familiar with this book. I have heard the CLEP for biology is rigorous. Thank you!