This is something I could REALLY USE clarification on> When we did Tapestry, it was 4 years. I did 2 years, and in the 3rd year (would have been this year) we were just getting into presidents and American History.So 2 years of world, 2 years of American. With SCM Modules, I am surprised, that it takes what, 5 and a half years to get to AMERICA? And then you only do it for Module 6 (and only 2 of the days of the week)>? Again, if I am not understanding the samples and previews correctly, please let me know. I really want {SIMPLE} as a friend above pointed out….moving and having a baby!
The Modules are designed to be chronological by keeping Ancient History in step with the Bible History – hence Ancient Egypt with Genesis thru Deut; Ancient Greece with Joshua thru Malachi, and Ancient Rome with Matthew thru Acts…and on into more specific Bible studies as you continue your history journey. This allows a better study of the Bible history – and the cultures that were so dramatically a part of the Bible.
Someone who has done this before, does this not seem like a balanced scale, or am I seeing it wrong? 5 years of History before we get to America? I just really want to make sure they get American History!
It does seem strange to not study American history first when you come from a traditional educational plan, though. =) And we all know that American History is important, but it is important to put it into perspective as well…our country’s history has been, is still, and will continue to be influenced by world events, and world events are affected by what we as a nation do.
All the modules are designed to be stand-alone, meaning that you can choose any of them to start and just rotate them around. The other absolute advantage is that all the books in Bible, Geography, and History are scheduled through the year, are wonderful quality living books, and the module is flip it open and go…even has tips to remind you of timeline events, things to do, and a heads-up when encountering sensitive material. It is perfect for busy moms. That means that if you chose to use a Module, you could easily start with Module 5 and be fine.
2) I did metnion I came from TAPESTRY>? It’s hard to believe this is ENOUGH.
It is enough. I know from personal experience that they work, that my kids retain much more information, that the books and people mean something to them. It puts the burden of learning on the student instead of you as the teacher. So it takes some adjustment on your part as the teacher and some faith in the CM methods and philosphy.
1) I am not sure I’m gonna love the Stories of the Nations and Stories of the World. I have read In the Light of His Glory, by Marshall, and it is oozing in Christian perspective. When I look at the above samples, it seems a bit, ya know, history-ish. I know it’s Christian, but it doesn’t seem to say much about it? The roots? The importance? But I only read the samples. Any wrong thoughts here, please redirect me!
I haven’t read them any of those books yet, but wanted to just mention that the books on history will be about historical events, and will support a Christian worldview.
You may look at this thread and see what you do what it suggests. It might ease your mind. 😉
http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/american-history-stories-pratt-compared-to-stories-of-america
If you really don’t want to use one, choose a comprehensive spine to cover the times and read it with your children. Add in extra picture books and some chapter books about different events that you want to spend some time with. Keep track of them and you will be fine. A great place to find inexpensive books for that is Heritage History. They have an Early American library that contains 82 living books about American history. You can view the library here: http://www.heritage-history.com/?c=products&s=libraries#hcl