I don’t know anything about Queen’s Living History, but an earlier post specifically said that there were no books to be referred to for reading; just a “retelling. Exactly what you aren’t interested in using Heather, if I understand you correctly. It sounds like another type of curricula such as MOH from ya’ll’s posts.
How about conitnue with TQ (or in my3boys, consider purchasing it) and just get All through the Ages and be done with it? I don’t mean to sound ornery about Queen’s History, but I think it’s easy for us to see a whole new curriculum and buy it even though we’ve used something very similar to it before and disliked that “style”, i.e. the retelling style which this sounds like it is. You’re correct-not a living book at all; also a journal in history for the young ages is also against what CM recommended in the writing department; coloring pages, oral and drawing narrations are just as efficient than a predesigned journal, IMO. The oral narrations, opportunities to go to History museums, mapping, a timeline of some sort, watching history DVD’s and any projects a family or child wished to pursue for that time period are enough for the Elementary years (unless a child is just really inclined to write).
Then for your 10 yr. old, Heather, beginning wirtten narrations, the activities mentioned just above, and continuing to read great books is mostly independent, IMO. At least it is at my house. Why buy something with a journal when we have written narration?
I guess I’m trying to encourage you to watch for the “grass is greener” syndrome. Remember your past experiences with failed curricula, apply the wisdom learned then to future curricula and remember the simplicity and effectiveness of CM’s methods-real books, narrations of the different types depending on the age of the child and add in the aforemetioned activities.
I think ATTA will fill the gaps for book choices that TQ leaves and the children will make connections themselves without anyone, other than you, “retelling” history to them. Personally, I intentionally want to train my children to not depend upon someone telling them predigested information; but to encourage them to get info. from primary sources and other living books and digest the material themselves. I think good books themselves and good discussion, enrich a history course the most.
Just my 2 cents (and trying to save you some money or at least use the same amount of money on more books, not another curriculum!). Please forgive me if I am coming across as too forward or rude, that is not my intention,
Rachel