Hellp with choosing highschool history curriculum

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

We have been using MOH for our history so far. My son will be in 9th grade this fall, and I'd like to have a 4 year plan for history. Does any one know of a history/geography curriculum that plan out each quarter and week what lessons to cover and does not require too much preparation ahead of time and meets the highschool requirements. If the curriculum can incorporate literature that would be great. Thanks.

[sadiegirl]

I'm watching to see what pops up as well!!

We are going to start with the Ancients this year and I really want something that requires very little prep but has review questions and a way to know if they are retaining the material.

[Jeanine in TX]

Try looking at either History Odyssey (HO) or Tapestry of Grace (TOG).

[AnitaMS]

I'm looking for this too! It's so hard to find a good history program that's also interesting.

[jvenice]

:lurk5: :bigear:

[homeschoolally]

:lurk5:

We are hoping to use the community college for some of these credits, but need at-home ideas as well.

I agree that much of what I'm finding has more teacher prep than I'm looking for right now.

Thinkwell.com has an American Government class we are considering for one credit-

 

American Government

[Brigid in NC]

Tapestry of Grace integrates history and literature (it includes writing too, if you want to wrap all of your English together) over four years, with weekly assignments.

 

:001_smile:

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

I am not familiar with TOG at all. Can you give a brief intro? thanks.

[cbollin]

Another option to look at is My Father's World. Combines Bible, History, Literature. It's all planned out for the student to do most of the reading on their own. the final year is being "piloted" this year and will be on the market a year from now. Here's a link to look at the overview and first year sample

 

overview

http://mfwbooks.com/highschool.html

 

AHL (mfw's high school year 1)

http://mfwbooks.com/pdf/ahlsample.pdf

 

 

My oldest is doing it now and she likes working more on her own. I like that I just "check in" and do the Bible readings with her and have a weekly conference to really discuss things.

 

-crystal

[Brigid in NC]

I am not familiar with TOG at all. Can you give a brief intro? thanks.

 

Tapestry of Grace uses history as a spine, and then all geography, literature, and worldview is interconnected with that. The assignments are organized in four pillars - lower grammar, upper grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric. So a family can all be studying and discussing the same time period, but each student at his or her own level.

 

The curriculum is sold by year (Year 1,2,3,4 - which corresponds to ancients, medieval, renaissance, modern -- or something along those lines ), and is organized by week within each year. There is background reading for mom, and assignments for each age range. There are activities, worksheets, discussion questions for each level.

 

It's a fabulous curriculum. The older "models" are hard copy. I think the new versions are on DVDs. Not sure. I have the hard copies. I like some Years better than others, but it's really a terrific resource. I only have two kids, but if I had more, I'd find it even more appealing -- because it is intended for a family to be able to learn on the same history track -- and talk about it.

 

Hope this helps! :001_smile:

[Guest junkstyle]

Have you looked at History At Our House? We used this last year and loved it. We are going to us it again this year. Mr Powell is the instructor and you can either listen in to the class or download and listen. He really makes the history come alive and they have narratives that he has them turn in weekly. My dd just finished European history for 8th grade and learned so much.

 

Here is the link http://historyatourhouse.com/

[TXMary2]

We have been using MOH for our history so far. My son will be in 9th grade this fall, and I'd like to have a 4 year plan for history. Does any one know of a history/geography curriculum that plan out each quarter and week what lessons to cover and does not require too much preparation ahead of time and meets the highschool requirements. If the curriculum can incorporate literature that would be great. Thanks.

 

 

www.notgrass.com is pretty simple to follow and includes literature. It isn't great for geography, but a simple geography workbook could be done alongside it.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Do TOG and MFW both include spelling and grammar?

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

.. and how do you grade student's work using either TOG and MFW?

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

I just looked at the sample page on the link. I like how they write out the schedule for you. When you buy the curriculum, are the reading books included? Thanks.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Another option to look at is My Father's World. Combines Bible, History, Literature. It's all planned out for the student to do most of the reading on their own. the final year is being "piloted" this year and will be on the market a year from now. Here's a link to look at the overview and first year sample

 

overview

http://mfwbooks.com/highschool.html

 

AHL (mfw's high school year 1)

http://mfwbooks.com/pdf/ahlsample.pdf

 

 

My oldest is doing it now and she likes working more on her own. I like that I just "check in" and do the Bible readings with her and have a weekly conference to really discuss things.

 

-crystal

I just looked at the sample page on the link. I like how they write out the schedule for you. When you buy the curriculum, are the reading books included? Thanks.

[Lori in MS]

.. and how do you grade student's work using either TOG and MFW?

 

There is an explanation on how to grade the History,Bible and Lit sections in the TM of MFW.

[Lori in MS]

I just looked at the sample page on the link. I like how they write out the schedule for you. When you buy the curriculum, are the reading books included? Thanks.

 

Yes the reading books are included.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Have you looked at History At Our House? We used this last year and loved it. We are going to us it again this year. Mr Powell is the instructor and you can either listen in to the class or download and listen. He really makes the history come alive and they have narratives that he has them turn in weekly. My dd just finished European history for 8th grade and learned so much.

 

Here is the link http://historyatourhouse.com/

Thank you for the suggestion! I just went on the website and viewed/listened to the sample lecture. While we used MOH, my kids preferred me giving them the lecture (not just reading the text, but also with extra explanations and resources). We also bought the audio CD, they loved to listen to them in the car, but once they were at the lesson we haven't covered, they would ask me to stop the CD because they wanted me to give them the lesson first. I think they prefer a 'live' person. I also prefer history incorporating the Bible history.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

There is an explanation on how to grade the History,Bible and Lit sections in the TM of MFW.

Oh, yes, I did see that but forgot to mention it. Thanks.

[Donna A.]

There are additional *optional* book titles listed in the manual from MFW, but the books you see in the package on the website are scheduled.

 

Hand-holding for both parents and student is included. ;)

[ilovemy4kids]

My Father's World Ancient History and Linterature

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Tapestry of Grace uses history as a spine, and then all geography, literature, and worldview is interconnected with that. The assignments are organized in four pillars - lower grammar, upper grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric. So a family can all be studying and discussing the same time period, but each student at his or her own level.

 

The curriculum is sold by year (Year 1,2,3,4 - which corresponds to ancients, medieval, renaissance, modern -- or something along those lines ), and is organized by week within each year. There is background reading for mom, and assignments for each age range. There are activities, worksheets, discussion questions for each level.

 

It's a fabulous curriculum. The older "models" are hard copy. I think the new versions are on DVDs. Not sure. I have the hard copies. I like some Years better than others, but it's really a terrific resource. I only have two kids, but if I had more, I'd find it even more appealing -- because it is intended for a family to be able to learn on the same history track -- and talk about it.

 

Hope this helps! :001_smile:

I have run across TOG classic version and redesigned version on some blog. Am I correct that I should be getting the redesigned version (and that's what their store sells)?

 

Which one to purchase? Digital Edition or Print edition?

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Did I just say 'run' across? I must be tired. I meant 'come' across!

 

Just curious, what theology background (or denomination?) do the people put together either TOG and MFW have? Anyone knows?

[Donna A.]

Just curious, what theology background (or denomination?) do the people put together either TOG and MFW have? Anyone knows?

 

The folks at TOG are Reformed Christians. I don't know anything about their staff; I only know about the owners because I found a link to it somewhere on the website. I do know that they lean charismatic (ever heard of Sovereign Grace Ministries? C.J. Mahaney, Gregg Harris...), but I don't know anymore specific than that.

 

The folks at MFW are of various Christian denominations... the Christian Church, Vineyard, Baptist, non-denominational (IFCA), Lutheran... just to name a few that I know of. They don't put any specific denominational slant into the curriculum. For example, they teach about communion in the context of studying bread/yeast and Jesus as the Bread of Life, but don't tell you how you are to perform it or when. They teach that there will be "a new heaven and a new earth" by assigning a reading of Revelation 21 at one point, but don't tell you when or how it will come about. They teach that Jesus will come again, but don't tell you how or when. Those kinds of specifics are up to you, the parent.

 

So it's just the basic tenents of Christianity in general that MFW teaches. You do a LOT of Bible reading (large chunks of both the Old and New Testaments in elementary, and then a cover-to-cover reading of both in high school), church history, reading of missionary bios, and focus on the Gospel and service to Christ. You can find information about their missions focus (Bible translation) and missionary & discipleship training on their website.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

The folks at TOG are Reformed Christians. I don't know anything about their staff; I only know about the owners because I found a link to it somewhere on the website. I do know that they lean charismatic (ever heard of Sovereign Grace Ministries? C.J. Mahaney, Gregg Harris...), but I don't know anymore specific than that.

 

The folks at MFW are of various Christian denominations... the Christian Church, Vineyard, Baptist, non-denominational (IFCA), Lutheran... just to name a few that I know of. They don't put any specific denominational slant into the curriculum. For example, they teach about communion in the context of studying bread/yeast and Jesus as the Bread of Life, but don't tell you how you are to perform it or when. They teach that there will be "a new heaven and a new earth" by assigning a reading of Revelation 21 at one point, but don't tell you when or how it will come about. They teach that Jesus will come again, but don't tell you how or when. Those kinds of specifics are up to you, the parent.

 

So it's just the basic tenents of Christianity in general that MFW teaches. You do a LOT of Bible reading (large chunks of both the Old and New Testaments in elementary, and then a cover-to-cover reading of both in high school), church history, reading of missionary bios, and focus on the Gospel and service to Christ. You can find information about their missions focus (Bible translation) and missionary & discipleship training on their website.

Thanks! That was very helpful.

 

How about TOG? How do they incorporate their theology into the curriculum, if at all?

 

Is MFW grade-specific?

[michon]

MFW uses the Notgrass history guides with their curriculum. Some people just use the Notgrass guides. MFW has 3 of the 4 high school years ready to go and is developing the 4th.

 

My oldest is starting 9th grade and needs an ancient history course so I have been looking. I haven't seen the newest WTM book to see SWB's high school recommendations that go along with her Ancient History book. I will check it out at the convention next week. Looking forward to it.

 

Michon

[Donna A.]

Is MFW grade-specific?

 

Yes and no. If your student is starting MFW later than 9th grade and hasn't done Ancients, they would likely recommend you start with AHL. And of course they would say start with AHL if you're coming in at 9th grade, partly for the chronological history, and partly for the skill-building in composition. Because lit, grammar, and writing are integrated, papers and research skills get harder and lengthier each year.

 

I think they would want to talk to the parent to help with placement if one is coming into MFW later than 9th grade.

 

The pp mentioned that year 4 isn't complete yet... just thought I'd explain that each year is piloted by several families for a year to two years before it goes on the market. During that time, details within the program are tweaked, books are added or thrown out, etc. These families work closely with the author, Marie Hazell, during that time. MFW has always had their product available when they said it would be. They've been really blessed with a lot of hands on deck.

 

Also, I thought I'd mention this at this point... Some (in other threads I've seen) have expressed surprise that they didn't continue with Notgrass for year 3. Why did they choose BJU, which is the text being used as the main spine (spread over two years) in years 3 and 4? I'm sure they looked at Notgrass American, and probably some other spines, too. They ended up choosing BJU partly because of the amount of detail included in that text (it's very meaty!), and partly because they wanted to enable the student to get used to using a textbook, answering comp questions, and taking tests via textbook style before entering college. MFW high school is college prep, so that among other criteria is why they choose the materials they choose. Textbooks and test-taking is just one common aspect of college, and MFW doesn't use a textbook as the main spine in any other year.

 

The other thing is, they never choose a book based primarily on its author or publisher. They've used books from many different authors and publishers over the years, of different styles and theology positions, and therefore don't hold a "loyalty" to any one over another. Consequently, Notgrass wasn't just an automatic shoe-in for year 3. ;)

[Brigid in NC]

I have run across TOG classic version and redesigned version on some blog. Am I correct that I should be getting the redesigned version (and that's what their store sells)?

 

Which one to purchase? Digital Edition or Print edition?

 

I love the old version. If you can find a used old version, it is terrific. I am not a fan of having to print everything out, or work entirely from a computer screen. But it must work well for others. I can vouch for the old version in hard copy. I have all four years in notebooks on my shelf, and even though I am done with some (forever :crying:), it will be a while before I give them up!

 

I hope others can help you with their digital experience.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Back from vacation.......Now is the real world.

 

Is it possible to start TOG in 9th grade? I have read from other posts that TOG needs a bigger learning curve and it's better to start early. Is the prep work very time consuming?

[abunchofus]

Back from vacation.......Now is the real world.

 

Is it possible to start TOG in 9th grade? I have read from other posts that TOG needs a bigger learning curve and it's better to start early. Is the prep work very time consuming?

 

wondering the same thing here.

 

in addition - we have K-8th this year - with K, 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, & 8th.

 

I know from reading that TOG will cover all those grades with level 1.

 

MFW - am I correct in thinking I'd need to buy 6 different curriculum packs?

 

How teacher intensive is TOG? We have MOH right now but with an 8th grader I feel he needs much more than MOH gives.

[Michelle My Bell]

I think the older your student, the easier TOG is to implement. We love it here. My dd does all the work and we meet on Fridays to discuss it. LOVE IT!

[cbollin]

MFW - am I correct in thinking I'd need to buy 6 different curriculum packs?

 

 

With the grades you listed, if you did MFW, you'd have one program from the "5 year cycle programs" as base program for grades 2-8. Then for your K and 1st, you can use whatever you like to use for 3R's (MFW's stuff or whatever has already worked for years for you) and then just invite those students (under 2nd grade age) to join in the family fun projects in MFW such as crafts, prayer time, cooking projects, music, etc. You might consider using their ECC program.

 

high schoolers (grades 9-12)would be in their own program to meet college prep and high school needs, and work more on their own. I guess I didn't see where you listed what high school ages you have.

 

-crystal

[Donna A.]

With the grades you listed, if you did MFW, you'd have one program from the "5 year cycle programs" as base program for grades 2-8. Then for your K and 1st, you can use whatever you like to use for 3R's (MFW's stuff or whatever has already worked for years for you) and then just invite those students (under 2nd grade age) to join in the family fun projects in MFW such as crafts, prayer time, cooking projects, music, etc. You might consider using their ECC program.

 

high schoolers (grades 9-12)would be in their own program to meet college prep and high school needs, and work more on their own. I guess I didn't see where you listed what high school ages you have.

 

-crystal

 

And to provide a link and elaborate just a bit... one program for all the elementary children together. Each child does the 3 R's at their own level, using either MFW's recommendations or whatever you prefer. While MFW has both a K and 1st grade program which are phonics-based and also include math and all their other subjects, you CAN use them just for the phonics/reading portion of it, possibly math, and then let them join in with the rest of the family for the history, geography, Bible, and other subjects. OR, just whatever you like for phonics/reading and math at that level. But all children do the 3 R's at their own level no matter what "program" they're in.

 

MFW elementary is very flexible and is intended to be used with multiple levels of learning (as the author did with her own kids). There are discussions on the MFW forums about how to combine.

 

Here's the link showing the 5-year cycle for elementary: http://www.mfwbooks.com/2-8home.htm#fiveyear

 

If you do the math, you may find that there's not much cost difference (if that's your concern) between buying TOG + all the books needed for many different ages vs. two complete programs from MFW (one h.s. and one elementary). It might be even cheaper to go with MFW, I don't know.

 

And again, for the K and 1st graders, buying MFW's programs are optional when you're dealing with a large family because they'll join older siblings in the main program. You can use MFW's programs for K and 1st, or do your own thing for learning to read and math basics.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Am I correct that for high school, you need world history, US history, government, economics? By using TOG, according to how much each year covers (Ancient World, Medieval World through the American Revoluation, 1800's, 1900's), if you finish Y1 then decide not to continue (hypothetically), then you will not get the credit for world history or US history since the curriculum is not divided in a way that Y1 is world history Y2 is US history. Am I correct? Does it make sense? Has anyone done 1 year with TOG then switch to other curriculum?

[cbollin]

Am I correct that for high school, you need world history, US history, government, economics? By using TOG, according to how much each year covers (Ancient World, Medieval World through the American Revoluation, 1800's, 1900's), if you finish Y1 then decide not to continue (hypothetically), then you will not get the credit for world history or US history since the curriculum is not divided in a way that Y1 is world history Y2 is US history. Am I correct? Does it make sense? Has anyone done 1 year with TOG then switch to other curriculum?

 

 

I live in a state where I have to use an umbrella school. Under their graduation requirements,

 

Either Year 1 TOG (or even year 1 MFW high school) would be called Ancient History and would be likely called a social studies credit, maybe "an elective in social studies".

 

Year 2 of TOG or year 2 of MFW would be called World History.

 

My umbrella school requires/recommends a semester each of gov't and econ. Those are covered in MFW. Our US history is one year required. MFW does US 1 to line up with the CLEP exam for US history. Then, MFW follows up with US history 2.

 

You'll want to check with your state requirements and/or college prep needs. Lots of good ways to do it. But if you start with TOG in year 1, it probably would be called Ancient History on a transcript. and if you didn't continue with their program, it can work out. :)

 

-crystal

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

We have the same requirements here, 1 year World History, 1 year US History, 1 semester government, and 1 semester econ.

 

I was looking at TOG 4 year scope & sequence and it seems that year 3 and year 4 covers more US history (but not solely). I am not sure if I like the idea of using TOG Y3 & Y4 for 2 years but it only fulfill 1 year of US history requirement.

 

All 4 years of TOG cover government. How does that work for 1 semester government requirement? Does it mean you don't get the credit until after you finish the 4 years?

 

This is starting to get very confusing to me...

[Chris in VA]

Just wanted to throw in another suggestion--

Have you looked at VP's Omnibus? You do Ancients, Med/Ren and Modern in a 3 year rotation. You'd have enough time at the end of it to do Gov't and Econ if you choose to, or just pursue an interest and do a neat project, or something along those lines.

 

I've used Omni 1 and 2, and they are plenty for 9th and 10th grade, though now VP has an "upper level" Omni for that age.

 

It's WAY easier to assign and implement than TOG. You do readings in Spielvogel's Western Civ (but can use SWB's or another history text for backround) and get the rest of history in the context of literature written at the time (Great Books). Comes with writing assignments.

 

Great program. Incorporates Bible. Each year is 3 credits--Bible/Theology (I subbed some books b/c we are not Reform), History, and Literature/English.

 

Not saying TOG is not good--it's wonderful. But Omnibus is definitely worth a look.

[alwaysinhiskeeping]

Just wanted to throw in another suggestion--

Have you looked at VP's Omnibus? You do Ancients, Med/Ren and Modern in a 3 year rotation. You'd have enough time at the end of it to do Gov't and Econ if you choose to, or just pursue an interest and do a neat project, or something along those lines.

 

I've used Omni 1 and 2, and they are plenty for 9th and 10th grade, though now VP has an "upper level" Omni for that age.

 

It's WAY easier to assign and implement than TOG. You do readings in Spielvogel's Western Civ (but can use SWB's or another history text for backround) and get the rest of history in the context of literature written at the time (Great Books). Comes with writing assignments.

 

Great program. Incorporates Bible. Each year is 3 credits--Bible/Theology (I subbed some books b/c we are not Reform), History, and Literature/English.

 

Not saying TOG is not good--it's wonderful. But Omnibus is definitely worth a look.

Thanks! I will take a look at Omnibus.

[abunchofus]

With the grades you listed, if you did MFW, you'd have one program from the "5 year cycle programs" as base program for grades 2-8. Then for your K and 1st, you can use whatever you like to use for 3R's (MFW's stuff or whatever has already worked for years for you) and then just invite those students (under 2nd grade age) to join in the family fun projects in MFW such as crafts, prayer time, cooking projects, music, etc. You might consider using their ECC program.

 

high schoolers (grades 9-12)would be in their own program to meet college prep and high school needs, and work more on their own. I guess I didn't see where you listed what high school ages you have.

 

-crystal

 

thank you

 

I don't have a high schooler quite yet - oldest is mostly 8th this year

[abunchofus]

And to provide a link and elaborate just a bit... one program for all the elementary children together. Each child does the 3 R's at their own level, using either MFW's recommendations or whatever you prefer. While MFW has both a K and 1st grade program which are phonics-based and also include math and all their other subjects, you CAN use them just for the phonics/reading portion of it, possibly math, and then let them join in with the rest of the family for the history, geography, Bible, and other subjects. OR, just whatever you like for phonics/reading and math at that level. But all children do the 3 R's at their own level no matter what "program" they're in.

 

MFW elementary is very flexible and is intended to be used with multiple levels of learning (as the author did with her own kids). There are discussions on the MFW forums about how to combine.

 

Here's the link showing the 5-year cycle for elementary: http://www.mfwbooks.com/2-8home.htm#fiveyear

 

If you do the math, you may find that there's not much cost difference (if that's your concern) between buying TOG + all the books needed for many different ages vs. two complete programs from MFW (one h.s. and one elementary). It might be even cheaper to go with MFW, I don't know.

 

And again, for the K and 1st graders, buying MFW's programs are optional when you're dealing with a large family because they'll join older siblings in the main program. You can use MFW's programs for K and 1st, or do your own thing for learning to read and math basics.

 

thank you