You can use the history modules without buying the handbooks from SCM (though I long to have them–maybe next year), and to be honest, we have purchased very little for history this year. We have the great blessing of having a county library system that links its interlibrary loans to several other libraries in Ohio, and there are two nearby suburban libraries that are very well-stocked. So, I have been able to borrow a lot of the books we need.
As far as scheduling the books, I believe that the books for each grade in the SCM history modules are listed in chronological order. So, you could just select which books you want to use (if you’re new to CM methods or new to homeschooling, I wouldn’t recommend trying to use all of the books for a grade level), then just read through them 20-30 minutes per day, and I think the SCM suggestion is 4 days per week. The 5th day of the week can be used for geography.
If you want a bit more specific direction, you can locate your chosen module’s handbook in the SCM bookstore and click on the sample download. It will show you the order in which things are scheduled, and you can arrange your planner using that information.
HTH,
Sue
