Making this too hard, which history module?

My kids are similar ages to yours (oldest is almost 5.5) and we are planning to start using the SCM module 1 next January – so the oldest will be almost 6.5.  (I have 2 youngers that will tag along, but not be formally expected to do much in terms of narration and response.)    I would think that if they are already interested in Ancient History, it would be a good thing to go ahead and start with Module 1 anyhow.    I love the way that the first three modules fit history together with the Bible narrative (what else was happening in history at the same time the Bible events were taking place.)  While the ancient egypt information might not be completely new, it may add a new dimension to that knowledge to see how it all fits together with the Bible.  And if you are just easing in to your first “real” homeschool year (or at least first year with CM), perhaps it will make it just a little less daunting for all of you if you start with something that you know will be of interest and even somewhat familiar.

Just my thoughts! Like I said we haven’t actually started using the history modules yet either – just what I might do if I was in your position. =)

Jen

I am fairly new to CM (in comparison to others), this is our first full year fully CM, we have been evolving for the past 2 school years.  That is how long it took me to get it all figured out in my head and on paper:)  So, if I were you and my kids were as young as your’s and I had found CM I would count my lucky stars.  My oldest is almost 12 and, like I said, this is our first full school year CM (we began last Aug.).  You are so fortunate, at least I think so:)

I’ll just tell you what I did/do.  My kids were studying a mixture of historical time periods (kind of based on interest) when I decided on SCM History Modules.  I allowed my oldest to choose which time period to study and since we had spent some time on Ancient Egypt he chose Module 5.  It did not come with a guide, but since I was so new, I didn’t really realize it, so we went for it.  I just made a copy of the book lists, printed out a Book of Centuries for my oldest and purchase the timeline book Wonders of Old for my 8yo.  We read the books, do some narrations, add characters to the timelines and we’re done.  We are doing the suggested Bible readings and geography from that module, as well.  

Even though we are doing this ‘out of order’ my kids have not expressed any confusion. We use a timeline to keep ‘track’ of the ‘when’ things happen and that has worked out fine.  My 5yo uses a time line, as well.  I print out the appr.  BOC page for him that my 8yo is reading about and he either draws a picture himself or my 8yo draws a picture for him and glues it to the page (he likes to use 3×5 cards and cut the figure out).  I did not invest in a timeline book for my 5yo because I know he will not treat it as nicely as my 8yo:)  My oldest prefer the BOC which is a free download from this site.

My kids have thoroughly enjoyed the books listed on Module 5 and have learned so much from just reading, narrating, discussing and using a timeline.  Of course we aren’t limited to this time period just because that is what we are focused on….we always discuss current events or special holidays throughout the month (President’s Day, Abe Lincoln/Washingtons bday, etc., okay, they are part of that time period, so what I meant was that we use all opp. to discuss ‘history’).

I hope this helps and not adds to your frustration….Please know that you are in a good place with your kids being so young that you have time to digest the CM method.  It has taken me a long time, as well, but it has been so worth it.