Well Trained Mind vs Tapestry of Grace

[Taryn Schnugh]

Hi there,

 

I have read through the well trained mind and I have been told about Tapestry of Grace. I would like to know how closely TOG follows the recommendations and ‘how to’s’ of the WTM.

 

For example:

 

1. In the logic stage the WTM assumes your child should begin reading primary sources. The TOG resource list hardly includes any primary sources in the logic phase, they are only really covered in the rhetoric phase. How serious is this?

2. How extensively does TOG cover music and art? The WTM seems pretty intense.

3. When studying history and geography the WTM’s process is read/narrate/colour/map/memorisation/other reading (grammar stage), time line/outlining/primary sources/notebook/memorisation (logic stage), is TOG’s approach the same?

4. Does TOG have Great Books on their resource list similar to those suggested in WTM?

5. Does TOG teach critical thinking?

6. Would you use TOG for all 3 phases? I’m thinking about using Story of the World for grammar and then TOG for logic and rhetoric.

 

I live in South Africa, to import curriculums from the USA is expensive so I must be sure about my choices so as to not waste money.

[johnandtinagilbert]

Hi, Taryn. You're the second Taryn I've ever known...a beautiful name.

Hi there,

 

I have read through the well trained mind and I have been told about Tapestry of Grace. I would like to know how closely TOG follows the recommendations and ‘how to’s’ of the WTM.

 

For example:

 

1. In the logic stage the WTM assumes your child should begin reading primary sources. The TOG resource list hardly includes any primary sources in the logic phase, they are only really covered in the rhetoric phase. How serious is this? There are primary sources in literature more than history as well as through church history. You'll also find books that were once used as textbooks during the particular period you are studying; not exactly primary, but pretty close. Tons of primaries in Rhetoric. To me, not important b/c I see the growth in TOG (I've used all 4 levels to date, with the last 2 years introducing us in Rhetoric). We're growing in our knowledge and understanding and I find my older students understand primary sources much better after getting their feet wet in the logic stage.

2. How extensively does TOG cover music and art? The WTM seems pretty intense. There is an entire category for fine arts and music. In addition to the numerous biographies, TOG will rec. listening to music from the time period. Many of the activities would be pertinent to your history studies in so far as making works of art that are related to time periods. While there is no distinct lesson plan for full on studies, the suggestions seem to plug in well for music and art history. So far as actually, fully focused music and art lessons, no, TOG does not cover this. WTM devotes a chapter to suggested materials, so you will see a clearer picture from WTM.

3. When studying history and geography the WTM’s process is read/narrate/colour/map/memorisation/other reading (grammar stage), time line/outlining/primary sources/notebook/memorisation (logic stage), is TOG’s approach the same? Yes. Additionally, there is more exposure to writing genres, a la Writing Aids. You can still apply the same outlining + summary principles with TOG. We do and it works out beautifully. We memorize materials suggested in TOG, as well as other appropriate pieces, all related to history. TOG lends nicely to WTM recs.

4. Does TOG have Great Books on their resource list similar to those suggested in WTM? Yes. Very similar.

5. Does TOG teach critical thinking? Absolutely. The Teacher's section leads nicely to growth in Socratic Discussion. It is, to many, the reason TOG is so rich and wonderful. It aides the teacher on developing such, providing materials for the teacher, and also asks the kinds of questions to make your student think, not just fill in blanks, take tests, and offer 1-sentence answers. It also brings about the Tapestry of history over time, constantly making connections between what was previously studied and how it affects what is to come.

6. Would you use TOG for all 3 phases? I’m thinking about using Story of the World for grammar and then TOG for logic and rhetoric. Yes. I did SOTW w/ MOH (Mystery of History) for my first lot, and although it was enjoyable and we learned a lot, I have chosen to stick w/ TOG for this round of grammar students. I find the books generally more engaging and really love the activity books suggested. Furthermore, it gives the teacher of only grammar change students the opportunity to self-educate (something that time does not necessarily allow in bulk when you're IN the Dialectic stages). Finally, it is MUCH easier to pull from one resource when nurturing a large family from start to finish. I won't be out of the grammar stage for some time, so having the high schoolers, middle schoolers and grammar kiddos in one spot is a blessing for me that will carry over as I'll carry my experience in teaching these same materials the next time around. It's nice to be familiar to a program and its materials. It's also nice to buy something once and know it's good for the upcoming dc. (dear children)

 

I live in South Africa, to import curriculums from the USA is expensive so I must be sure about my choices so as to not waste money.

That's something else I appreciate and I'm stateside. Purchasing one curricula that will last for some time will save money down the line. The initial investment is great, but now that we're buying for high school, I know just what I need for the next time around and I can begin smart shopping. You may also encourage family to pick up books you may need via thriftstores or online places that may not ship to you directly. Just thinking aloud, of course, I know nothing about living in S. Africa.

 

Just so you know, I've found TOG to fit very nicely WITH WTM...they don't have to be separate.

 

Best wishes for a clearly defined path.

[jewel7123]

An excellent post as always, Tina!

[johnandtinagilbert]

An excellent post as always, Tina!

:001_wub: Thanks.

[Taryn Schnugh]

Thank so very much!

 

You really have helped to settle my mind, I was beginning to panic!