I did it, I finally decided on history and what a relief!!

[Samiam]

I've been researching history for next year since, oh, probably September. I want to do Ancients, and it will be for a 4th and 1st grader.

 

We've been using MFW these past two years, and while I've nothing negative to say about it, I am not pleased with the CTG as I look ahead for next year. I don't like the Streams book for this level. I'm not impressed with the read-alouds choosen for the program. Most of is non-fiction, which is fine, but sometimes a good fiction book that correlates is just as fun. Overall, the Book Basket doesn't work for me, I never make it to the library enough. For all of the parts of MFW I love, I just have a really sneaking feeling that it's not going to be a good fit for CTG and us.

 

I've looked at Sonlight. Love the books, but don't feel they have enough hands-on, even with their new activity disc. After all, one of their 27 reasons to purchase Sonlight is if you don't want a bunch of "busy" work. My DS love that coloring/craft/project, aka busy work. Also not really pleased with the Core B and C, the way it's either broken up, or smooshed together. Nixed.

 

Looked at MOH, TOG, HOD, WP. MOH looks okay. TOG looks, well, like TOO MUCH. Man, their website is just overwhelming, confusing, and once I spent several hours getting to the point I understood what is needed for TOG 1, I then understood it was going to be WAY too expensive. Nixed. HOD doesn't serve our needs, because they don't start their CTG program until older grades, and my DS8, who would be 4th next year, is not up to par with alot of what they do in their program. Nixed. WP always looks good in the catalog, but I've been around and read too much about them to even give them a shot.

 

Oh, and I also need to remember that in reality, I tweak each program too much. I really ONLY need a history program. I have a math program, I have a reading program, I have a writing program, I have a science program...I'll continue what we use, and so won't switch for these programs. As a matter of fact, I have never used a good chunk of the last two years of our MFW program, I really only use it for the history/geo portion. Kind of expensive for just using those parts.

 

So I JUST want ancient history. I want activities, coloring pages, crafts, map work. I want to add in good lit, but fictional and non-fictional.

 

Hello! Duh! SOTW! :thumbup:

 

I've always discounted it, because in two prior attempts with first DS, 5 or 6 years ago, he hated it. But he's a completely different creature than these two upcoming DS's. I think they will love it.

 

So my plan:

SOTW VOl 1 on Audio....I'll let Jim do that reading.

-CHOW I've found a site where some amazing HS mom already matched up the chapters!

-SOTW AG

-History Pockets (again, something my older DS hated at this age, but I know my younger two love this stuff!

 

So simple! And wow, so much more economical than MFW, which allows me some extra $$ to put towards books, so the library issue won't be such an issue!

 

Wow, that is such a nice load off my shoulders!! A major decision done! And since we're not changing much else, I'm pretty much planned for next year....:lol:

 

Okay, so just had to share my happiness with only those that would understand.

[Dahliarw]

I'm glad you found something that will work for you. I LOVE SOTW. My ds says history is his favorite subject, along with math and science. Most first graders don't know what history is! It's just "social studies" at that age in PS!

[Nikki -TX-]

Good for you! I'm :bigear: big time since I'm trying to decide. I can relate to what you're saying. We spent last year with MFW Adventures doing American History and loved it. (Liked MFW up to this point, also.) I'm also satisfied with all other programs we're using (especially math!). I started off MOH one year, but flaked out. (The writing got on my nerves!) I should give another look to SOTW. Thanks!

[Down_the_Rabbit_Hole]

I understand the feeling. I looked at all the ones you looked at and more trying to decide. We settled on SOTW and dd lives it.

[Another Lynn]

Your descriptions of the various programs are very accurate, imho. I always like using a spine (like SOTW) with a list of literature and historical fiction books added in. It always feels like the best of both worlds - structure with flexibility. AND, you can't beat Jim Weiss reading it!

[mrspoch]

I'm happy for you!!! :hurray: I'm still stuck in history as well for next year. Everything else is figured out (oh wait, except for art...) but history is just driving me crazy. lol

[Hedgehogs4]

As I was reading your post I was thinking, "What is all the fuss about? Just use SOTW!" and then that is what you decided.

 

We use TOG (but we are doing year 3) and while I don't find it confusing anymore, I understand your initial frustration. At the age of your students, it is a more complete package than you need, from your description. I have a 5th and 1st grader, and it is proving to be a perfect fit for us this year, however...

 

I still use SOTW. I love it. I cannot abandon it. I think it is the best available curriculum for grades 1-6. :001_wub:

[tkdkidsmom]

This is us too. We are using MFW Adventures right now and I love it - but I just don't use it as written and really only use the history and bible portions. So next year will are using SOTW cds, AG and for more biblical content adding in SCM history guide. :)