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Natalia
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| Posted: June 27 2008 at 12:12am | IP Logged
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We are about to cycle through history again and I am trying to decide what to use this time. We used STOW last time but I think the kids are ready for some change.
I have been looking at the SCM history modules. They look great.The sample pages are very useful. The program looks really clear,easy to use. I was thinking about using Module One: Genesis to Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt.But two things bother me that it is not Catholic and that a whole year takes me only to Ancient Egypt.
On the other hand Connecting with History is Catholic but the website is difficult to navigate and confusing> I don't seem to get a feel for the program.
Has anybody here can compare the two or give me any details on any of these programs?
thanks,
Natalia
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Natalia
http://pannuestrodecadadia.blogspot.com
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: June 27 2008 at 12:24am | IP Logged
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the RC History, the last time I looked only has the first two years of a four year cycle complete.
It seems to me that it's very similiar to what I've heard of Tapestry of Grace though.
I do know that their book list is online and I've used it in combination with others to make my own reading list for history.
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All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 27 2008 at 7:51am | IP Logged
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Natalia - I only have experience with RC History, and building my own programs. I did appreciate the perspective of RC History. The whole program is based on Scott Hahn's "Salvation History" and Jeff Cavin's "Great Bible Timeline". I think what I like most about it is that it offers a wonderful lens through which you view all of history - the lens of Salvation History. Connecting with History volume 1 covers all of pre-history up through the Maccabean Revolt just before the time of Christ. It is divided up into 10 units and you can use the core books suggested for the ages of your children and then either purchase the supplemental books or check them out of the library. It's a good program. Volume 2 is available as a download on a unit by unit basis. I'm not sure how far Sonya's gotten with it yet. I spring from there (the time of Christ period) on my own using different core books and living book lists from various places.
If you've found a program you really like that fits your family better - sounds like maybe you're leaning towards SCM? - what if you use it supplementing with a few Catholic titles? You could always use it, get a feel for it and then run with the format on your own to extend the time period you cover in a year.
If you get the RC History guide - Connecting with History - it would probably give you enough information to tackle history on your own without spending anything more (if you have a good library - we don't  )
Another option (and I'm just throwing this out on the off chance that you haven't considered it - you probably have) is just to use Reading Your Way Through History to guide your reading. Can't beat the price either! Supplementing with a few of Margot's Literature Guides would be another great way to bring a Catholic flavor into any program. Another reading guide, Let the Author's Speak is a wonderful resource for setting up your own reading list using the library. The book is out of print right now, but I know it is currently being revised and will hopefully be back in print with more extensive reading lists soon.
Just my thoughts.
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MarilynW
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I am just in the process of typing up my plans for history (for this year and for the subsequent)- as I am moving back to a chronological approach. These are my thoughts:
- I liked some aspects of RC History eg the Jeff Cavins and Scott Hahn resources. But personally - I did not find it easy to use. so I combined it with Biblioplan for Families (which uses STOW) - I like STOW though I do add in Catholic elements. For my dd for next year who is doing one year of world history Ancient and Medieval - I am using a "mish mash" - STOW, lots of living books, and then I am trying to decide between All Ye Lands and Christ the King Lord of History.
We have not faithfully followed chronological cycles - so for my dd I think we are doing the following:
Grade 7: World History - Ancient and Medieval (STOW 1 and 2)
Grade 8 World History - Early Modern to Modern - with a focus on American History
Grade 9 - Ancients using source texts
Grade 10- Medieval using source texts
Grade 11 - American using source texts, and other
Grade 12 - Civics and Government
I think this is the plan though I may change high school to something more like Kolbe's - I am just not sure about spending a whole year each on Greece and Rome.
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Natalia
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| Posted: June 27 2008 at 8:47am | IP Logged
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Thanks y'all for the replies.
I think (think being the operative word here  ) that we are going to do history the way Mater Amabilis does: two days of World History and two days of American History. We did this the year before last and worked out pretty well.
I have always done my own thing in history. History is what I like best. The thing is this year I want a break.I want to have the break down of the books and boxes to check. I want somebody to do the thinking for me. But I want something simple. That is why I lean more toward SCM. It seems simple.
Jennifer, we always have done history chronologically. It has taken us six years(or more) to go all the way from the ancients to 20th century history. We have done used the SL reading list and the suggestions of the STOW activity guide plus some parts of FSTSS. This time around I thought I would like to start with the Salvation History from RC but I am afraid of it being too teacher intensive. I read a review of it on Cathy Duffy's website and even though it gave it rave reviews, it did say that it takes a lot of teacher preparation. Did you find it so?
I am planning history for my 6 yo and my 11 yo. Is the Salvation History introduction a simplified version? I remember going through the Journey Through the Bible Study at our parish and it was more that I think my kids can handle. Or is this design for you as a parent?
How do you use the literature guides? I have never done much of that. We have basically read the books and talk about them as we read. Using the guides intrigue me.
Marilyn, what did you find difficult about RC history? As I plan history for my 11 yo (I am not sure what to do for my high schooler yet since she is enrolled in Classical Conversations) I am leaning towards doing SCM six year rotation, studying American History as we go, and making sure we add some Catholic resources. Pretty much the way STOW does it but in a more CM oriented way.
Oops, have to go now...
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TracyQ
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| Posted: July 02 2008 at 11:33am | IP Logged
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Natalia wrote:
As I plan history for my 11 yo (I am not sure what to do for my high schooler yet since she is enrolled in Classical Conversations) I am leaning towards doing SCM six year rotation, studying American History as we go, and making sure we add some Catholic resources. Pretty much the way STOW does it but in a more CM oriented way.
Oops, have to go now...
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This is EXACTLY how we're doing history from grade 8-grade 12 for my daughter, Natalia. We're doing Modules 1 and 2 this year for her so we can end on Module 6 for Grade 12 (we're starting the 6 year rotation a year late). It's fine, because we've done some Ancient Rome nad Ancient Greece already, so I'm confident we can do exactly what you said... three days of SCM history/two days of American History.
This year, I'm going to actually do state history for our American History this year, as we live in NY State and that will take this year, but I'm going to try to follow this plan for this year anyway. We're using the SCM history guides that I bought (they're in the mail), and I'll make them Catholic. If I find them useful, I'll get them again, if not, I'll just follow their plan from the curriculum guide online.
SCM has really helped me so much to better understand how to implement CM for our daughter, and it's been SO much easier for me now!
I can't wait to plan it out this summer! I think it'll be easier to have a guide, and I'll be able to stick to it much better than usual. 
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Blessings and Peace,
Tracy Q.
wife of Marty for 20 years, mom of 3 wonderful children (1 homeschool graduate, 1 12th grader, and a 9th grader),
homeschooling in 15th year in Buffalo, NY
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cornomama4
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Natalia and Dawn (and anyone else this applies to)
I just read the old thread from 2007 where you were talking about Classical Conversations and I'm curious how it turned out for you. Obviously it was pretty good, since you say you're doing it again next year , but can you give any more detail about what you liked or maybe didn't like? We have a group starting up in town, and I am curious. Thanks!
cm4
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4Real Forums : Across Time and Place
Topic: SCM History Modules vs RC History
