I’m looking at starting my 5-yr-old on the history/geography/Bible cycle (yes, I know CM advocated starting at 6 but this kid does things like learning anatomy for the last 12 months and I feel I need to keep that brain busy!) I’ve been teaching him New Zealand/Australian history (where we live), but would like to move onto world history at some stage fairly soon. I’d like to start at the beginning with ancient history, but my question is, is some of the content too mature for him? Can I edit it as we go, to make it work? And what’s the feeling generally on the more grim parts of history and young children? So far, I’ve managed to sanitise our lessons fairly well to make it age-appropriate, but wondering if I can do it with ancient history. Thanks.
I actually just got the materials for SCM’s Genesis & Ancient History in the mail and have been looking them over. The course is suggested for 1st – 12th grade for the general materials, with extra book recommendations for older kids in different age groups.
While I certainly haven’t read it cover to cover yet, the portions of “Ancient Egypt and Her Neighbors” that I read looked fine for little ones. I read a sample chapter on the discovery of King Tut to my boys (ages 8 and 9) and they enjoyed it so much that they asked me to read the chapter over again as soon as I finished!
I’ve been looking through the lesson plans as well and they include suggestions for editing/adapting/skipping some lessons for younger children. It looks good to me and I’m excited about starting soon!
I have done module 1 twice now:) The first time my oldest was 5 or 6. I think I skipped a few things that were noted and maybe dropped 2 of the 3 commentaries just to shorten it. He likes history and enjoyed it even then.