Can anyone share their thoughts on MFW AND TOG?

[3browneyedboys4me]

I love TOG, but I know so many ppl that use MFW and love it. Anyone use both and have thoughts about their likes and dislikes about these two choices? I'm still teaching Grammar aged kids. 10, 8, and 6.

 

Thanks!

[happygrrl]

There have recently been some great threads comparing these two programs. You should be able to find them by typing both MFW and TOG in the search box. Get ready for lots of reading! :)

[razorbackmama]

Here's one of the threads: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88270

[Guest aquiverfull]

I was also going to suggest doing a search. Christina is right, it's a common subject around here. :) I won't be much help to you because I haven't used either yet. I was leaning heavily towards TOG for my 10 year old for the next school year, but then I realized I needed to prioritize and focus on our Math and LAs so I decided on a year of geography. I'm getting ready to order MFW ECC. I decided upon it because I didn't think I would have the extra time to do all the planning involved in TOG. Like I said, I really want to be able to focus more on our math and LA. Also I have a 5 children, including a 4mth old, and right now I really don't have a lot of extra time on my hands. :) So the laid out schedule of MFW appealed to me. TOG looks wonderful, it really looks like everything I want and I do have it in mind for the future. Who knows, I may decide I really like MFW though. Another of my concerns with TOG was that I was only able to get about 5 of the books locally, and that is using 2 different library systems in my area, both of which have about 5-6 different locations. Since, I haven't seen MFW yet, I may also have that problem with the book basket, but atleast I'll have the required materials right here at home with MFW, and I already own some of those books, so it will be cheaper for me than TOG right now.

 

I think if you take the time to read those posts, you will get a better feel of how each one works. I really think they both look fantastic. It's a hard decision, I know. :)

[Donna A.]

TOG is from a Christian world view but you have to add Bible in and with a few substitutions you can make it secular. This is not possible with MFW and that appeals to me. It has taken some time for me to see how all of the parts of MFW fit together but when you see the result of that integration, well, it is just the best.

:iagree:

 

Seeing how closely Bible and history are tied together, both in world and then later in American and world history side-by-side, and putting all the puzzle pieces in the right place have really opened up our worldview. I find this especially important right now with our current politics and economy as America becomes more and more "international" each day.

[3browneyedboys4me]

I've learned so much. Want to hear a funny story? I've just started my search on MFW. Never really thought too much about the curriculum before today. I've been researching everything for the hopes of a great 'new year of schooling. So, today I post on here; I read, read and read; I research MFW website; I call my friend and just about convince her to change too; and I go to my mailbox and guess what's inside?? MFW catalog! LOL! Is God telling me something??? :bigear::bigear: hahaha!

 

Anyway, I thank you all for your wealth of information. It seems both of these programs are absolutely fabulous. It sounds like what might make one more successful is the 'teacher's' preference and teaching style. Honestly, I've very much enjoyed TOG, but I've struggled with certain issues this year with the program. I, like many of you, do not have a ton of time to prepare or read ahead in TOG. I think I just prefer a more relaxed approach. Of course, I say that not knowing how 'relaxed' MFW really is! :) However, I do feel like I'm leaning toward this curriculum for next year. I'm excited and appreciate all of your wisdom on this board!!!!