History Pockets...

[persephone43]

has anyone used these? Trying to think of fun ways to supplement SOTW1. We have the activity guide and will be reading lots of library books and Im not sure we really need anything else but these looked really cool. I looked at Egypt and Greece. Are they worth the time/money?

[CoastalGal]

We just finished up the Ancient Civilizations History Pockets. My son enjoyed it and he doesn't like lapbooking. :) I think he got a lot out of it -- I think it helped with retention.

[persephone43]

My son loves this sort of thing (very artistic) but Im thinking the ancient civ one looks kind of young for him...he is in the 3rd but almost 10. Has anyone done the ones on Egypt, Greece, etc?

[abbeyej]

We've done several over the years. I think you'll be happy with any of them. The ones marketed to 4th-6th grade have a little more text to read and there is more writing to be done. And, of course, because the books are more focused, they go into more depth about each culture. Still, I think they're very adaptable.

 

I like the ease of use of the History Pockets and for kids who enjoy coloring and putting together little books, they're very nice. My kids loved them. :)

[Celia]

I didn't like them for my son (grade 1), but I know my daughter will enjoy them when she's older. We used the ancient history pockets. My son doesn't like colouring at all, and prefers to use his imagination more than following instruction when it comes to creative stuff. My dd will love them though, as anything artsy is right up her alley.

[Mrs.Gregg]

We are new Homeschoolers, but we have been using history pocket books for a year. My girls had fun with them. It was something I used to supplement DD1's 2nd grade in public school. :)

[blakereese]

How old is your child(ren)?

 

I think the history pockets are a wonderful supplement to SOTW. My son enjoyed doing the projects and they definitely inspired him to learn even more about the subject matter. I do think that the ancient civilization pockets are more for the 1st or 2nd grade age group. But the ones that are for 4th-6th grade have a bit more info, and more interesting for older elementary. My son is in 2nd now, but probably could have used the ones marketed for the older kids. The one we used was pretty basic...a lot of coloring, and not as much text.

 

I do believe they are useful, especially for those children who enjoy more than just the stories, worksheets, etc. I have found that they are a great springboard to more hands-on activities and crafts. My son likes to come up with his own ideas after working on a "pocket".

 

You can preview the books on the evan moor site, and can buy the ebook. (I wish I would have known about this before I bought mine, it is nice to be able to just print what you need, and then have it for other children. Taking apart the book I have to make copies was a pain.)

 

HTH!

[Ohdanigirl]

We are doing the Ancient Civ one along with the SOTW1 lap book. We also have the AG. My ds loves all the hands on stuff, and is much more excited about history with the extras. It has also helped him to retaining the info. He seems to pay a lot more attention to the readings and with a lot less nagging on my part.;)

 

Danielle

[swellmomma]

We are using the Explorers of North America pockets right now. We have used them for literature and themed units(whales for example) and decided to try them for history this time. THe kids really enjoy them.

[persephone43]

Thank you all for your replies! These look so fun :)

[Crimson Wife]

My oldest doesn't like them (considers them "busywork") but my 2nd really does even though he needs my help putting together the pockets.

[lisabelle]

Ds (11) is using the 4th-6th version in conjunction with HO Level 2 Ancients. I was skeptical because they've gotten pretty mixed reviews here and ds isn't generally a crafty guy. But he seems to enjoy them as a break from reading/outlining.