Has anyone used CLE social studies/history?

[littleWMN]

This really goes against my homeschooling philosophy :tongue_smilie: but I am thinking about it for next year for my 5th and 1st graders. I'd use the 4th and 1st grade (b/c 5th is not the Sunrise Edition).

 

History suffers around here. I have a science-lover. I also have a child with special needs and an infant. I think getting TO history would be better than neglecting it.

 

What do you think?

[ktwensel]

We tried CLE social studies with our 5th grader. It is very dry and the if you are used to the Sunrise Editions - you will hate it!! We quit only after a few lessons.

[lotsofpumpkins]

I've had my 2nd and 3rd graders using it this year, and don't tell them I said this, but I think it's boring... That being said, there's useful information in there, and hopefully they are learning something from it!

 

When I bought it I was trying to simplify and get them working more independently because I was pregnant. Now I've had the baby and he's almost 2 months old and I'm starting to feel like I can get things back to normal around here (after Christmas and New Year's!), so I'm really considering starting something new.

[specialmama]

:iagree: It is useful information. Just really, really dry. I did a Canadain social unit with my dd and we spiced it up with lots of videos and hands-on fun. She did about 1/2 of the pages as I assigned, just to be sure we covered it. I would not turn to it as the only material for a subject. *yawn* I think I'd rather pick all the fluff off my carpet with tweezers. Or count all the snowflakes in the 5' high snowbanks. Maybe I'd even try to braid a rug out of shed dog fur. Yes, I'd prefer to do any of those things than use CLE for all of social or all of science.

 

ETA: have you done SOTW with the activity book and CD's?

[G5052]

I used the 4th grade one last year for a 5th grader, and it was fine for us. I added library books on the various countries for free reading, and I have no regrets. I decided not to continue with it though because I didn't like next textbook nearly as well.

 

I agree that the non-Sunrise units are not as good although this is our second year with the non-Sunrise science, and it has been fine. We are halfway through the 6th grade program, and I bought 7th grade not too long ago.

 

We are using BJUP for history with library books for free reading now, and plan to continue for next year.

 

I never thought that I'd go to traditional curriculum, but my youngest has thrived on it and it has kept us going. I don't think it would work as well when mine were younger.

Edited December 20, 2010 by GVA

[littleWMN]

Yes, I'd use the 4th grade (sunrise edition).

 

We've tried SL, WP, MFW, and MOH... :001_huh: ... I'm embarrassed to type all of that. History ALWAYS suffers. She has ADHD. She likes CLE math a lot and has asked for another subject in "light units". Hmmm... not great reviews. LOL I'd add Diana Waring's history CD's along with it, but still not sure that would be exciting enough.

 

Any more reviews? Good or bad? :D

 

Thanks!

[blessedmom3]

As much as I love CLE for LA &Math, I can't say the same about the rest (except their Bible) . Boring !

 

Instead, I'd use Abeka if you want to use something more independent and less boring . Although Abeka can be a little dry too but not nearly as much as CLE. At least it's colorful.

 

Also , on other boards ,moms are raving about ACE . I haven't seen or used it but if you will type "ACE samples" on google , you will see some amazing samples that makes me switch to ACE :-) It's great when you are busy and just want things to get done. I'd make sure the kids still read a lot though .

Edited December 21, 2010 by blessedmom3

[Zebra]

We love CLE math, and so we decided to try the science this year for 2nd.

 

I thought the science was extremely boring, but my dd (who was reading fluently at 5 years old, and reads anything and everything) absolutely loves it. This has completely SHOCKED me! I asked her WHY she likes it, and she told me that it's "Sooooo interesting!" :001_huh: The science is non-sunrise for 3rd, and I can't decide if I should use it again next year or not.

 

I know you asked about social studies :lol: ...but sometimes even though it seems boring to us, kids love it.

[Mommyfaithe]

I used the SS and science for 1rst last year and my boys really liked it. I thought it was a yawner...but I just had them do it while I was working with my older kids. I bought them for busy work and that was what it was...served its purpose. I didn't use it this year, but I am contemplating getting a few units for the same reason this year. They LOVED the Bible. I love the reading, math and LA.

 

Faithe

[3andme]

I used the 5th grade course last year and it's very comprehensive but dry.

 

The 4th grade World Geography course is very good and when used with the light units fairly challenging for 4th grade and would definitely work for 5th as well.