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Using History Module 6 this year — what spine should we use?
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I went through the same agony of research trying to find a “spine” to fit Module 6. I came across Notgrass’ America the Beautiful books, showed it to DH, and he wanted to have it to read himself lol, so we ordered to use for DD. I like that it includes a primary source book for the time period. It is unfortunate that Sonya’s book will be published later than we need it, but so close lol.
Bookworm, I think there is a lot of truth in your statment, “There is just not as much good stuff covering the 20th century, and until our homeschool kids grow up and write a lot of books there might not be much more.”
Linda, you’re absolutely right. I needed that reminder. I really DO want them to be deep thinkers. Good perspective on this conversation.
Speaking of which — thanks to all of you for talking with me about this. I needed a place to think out loud and get some ideas and you all gave me that. I appreciate it!
At this point my plan is just to pray that God will provide the spine I need, if indeed I need one at all. I’ll utilize our timeline to provide a chronological framework. And I will reallly lean on the SCM booklist to flesh things out. (Bookworm thanks for your thoughts there.) Honestly, it is the living books the kids remember anyway, you know?
You guys are great. 🙂
Oh, Sue, you might already know this, but I found out on the TQ website that they suggest This Country of Ours as one of the optional spines for the guide that covers this time period. You seemed possibly interested in TQ so I wanted to mention that.
Thanks, Jenn. I hadn’t noticed that in the brief visit I paid to TQ’s website. I looked mostly at the sample pages for the guides I would be considering. They are fairly affordable, and I think I could use something that’s a bit less weighty as a spine because we have quite a few living books I’m scheduling. (Don’t know how or if we’ll get through them all, but at least I’ve made choices that are library-available.)
Also, about this conversation….I was just thinking what a nice community of homeschoolers we have here that are so often like-minded and very encouraging. This forum is a great resource and a wonderful blessing!
Another reason to pray for and thank God for the Shafers, the Smiths, and everyone else here.
I have been using All Through the Ages as my spine for modern history. Since it is chronological and grouped in catagories like biographies and historical fictions, it is fun to just work down the list. I mark the must reads for the year and get to those first. I like biographies best for history.
Janell
Yes, please pray for us! I’m putting together the American history book and a trusted outside author is writing the World history one.
I have been considering Sonlight’s American history course for this year. I was wondering if anyone knows how well their IG notes and other books balance out Hakim’s point of view? I want my son to look at different sides of issues and events and think about them and discuss them, but I am not sure I know enough to go it alone. I certainly don’t feel comfortable trying to pick books on my own.
Our other option is AO Yr 9. I am enjoying the book selections;the worldview books are very enlightening, but difficult. I am also considering replacing their spine choice with A Patriot’s History of the US – any opinions on it? My biggest concern is that I don’t know enough to hold discussions that will challenge his thinking thus my looking into SL with their detailed IG.
Also thought I should throw out there that I didn’t mention SCM because, although I love this site and their awesome resources I am not comfortable with the difficulty level for high school. It seems too easy as written, and I am, as I said, not informed enough to search out my own books. Anyone who has used it for high school feel free to add your opinion 🙂
Thanks! Olivia
Hi Olivia, We loved A Patriot’s History of the US – used it as our main American history spine, then added biographies like The Real George Washington, The Real Thomas Jefferson etc. My daughters read and narrated each section and then we also watched some DVDs about various times in US History. I did not use SCM for history – though I did purchase some of it as I was curious. I would use SCM through Middle School definitely – but I wanted something meatier for High School and as I have a degree in history and geography I wanted them to challenge themselves and dig beyond historical fiction during those years. They have always read books meant more for adults during high school history as that is what they found interesting. We did use a lot of the books that AO used, and a lot of my own personal history library over the years. That was just something we as a family wanted – I am sure others have had success with SCM history during the high school years and I hope they will share their experiences:)) Linda
I should say these books on the 6 list we did read already during our studies
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Up From Slavery
Seven Men Who Rule the World from the Grave
The Reagan Diaries
How Should We Then Live
and we enjoyed them and recommend them highly.
Linda or Olivia, would you mind giving the author’s name for the A Patriot’s History of the US?? That looks very interesting.
TIA.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon.
Linda
Another favorite of ours on US History was this one by Paul Johnson
Plese be aware these books are not without some errors, and they are written by conservative authors – however many history books have flaws and errors unfortunately, but overall these two books are an outstanding account of a wonderful country – yours…and its people, you. We really enjoyed them. Linda
Over the last four years we have read many history books, for school and for pleasure..it is a subject we are all fond of, well except for my equestrian daughter who only loves Xenophon lol, but even she found the two books above fascinating. There really is something for everyone out there, depending on interest and need and bias – as I have said before, I do like to balance the view points – I am more conservative myself, but those writers are not always correct and likewise with those who are of a more liberal bent – research and discernment are two things to learn with history – plus it makes it more interesting. Linda
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