I think that SOTW looks so fun. I like the format, I like the breadth, but I've read some reviews from people that concern me. I think I can research on my own as we go and stop and correct anything I have an objection to, but I wonder if any of you are history buffs and still like SOTW? I think we have great lessons to learn from history, and I hope to present a balanced view, which is difficult enough as it is.
We use SOTW and it my kids love it. I have never heard anything about it not being historically accurate. I know some prefer not to use it because, although it is written by a Christian, it is does not focus on Biblical history. There are Bible facts mentioned some in the book, but they are not the focus. You can definitely add that in if you wanted to. I am curious. What have you heard about SOTW not being historically correct?
I always shop around on the bookseller sites and read all of the reviews before I buy a book. With history, of course you get a lot of opinions. I found way more good reviews than bad, but some of the bad reviews did trouble me. I don't mind the bible being used, I prefer it that way so long as the bible is not misrepresented. A couple reviewers said that she added information to bible stories that isn't in the bible and is questionable, and specifically I saw a few references to the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors being inaccurate. Not that I can't stop mid sentence and tell my son - actually we believe this - but the less I would have to do that, the better... especially if I don't always catch it. I wish I had some copies to thumb through and decide for myself before I buy. History can be such a controversial subject! To give you an idea of the type of history I like, I recently read the Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. To me it seems to be a very Christian, and very honest attempt at piecing together history. I just learned they have childrens versions of his books, so I'll look into those more too. I like that he honestly presents when Christians have been wrong, and doesn't glorify them constantly. I think it's important to learn from our mistakes, in fact I think the most important part of history is to learn from mistakes and successes. Presenting history dishonestly prevents a lot of learning. I also think that understanding the Jewish religion is important for my son, and to understand why Christ changed the practice of religion. We are Mormons if the label helps - though I've found a lot of people have serious misconceptions about what we believe - if you ever want to know, PM me and ask. I'm rambling now, but speaking of religion, has anyone here ever considered a religion study? I want my son to understand the beliefs held by other religions, and to study the differences between them. I think it would be so fun to have sort of a letter chain kind of thing where different families of different religions would present their fundamental beliefs, how their religion makes them different and what it means to them, etc. Not a proselyting type of thing, just to understand each other better.
Ok, I got my book out and re-read the story of Joseph. It is told in story-form (as the whole book is) not text taken directly from the Bible. Maybe that is what upsets some. I didn't catch anything that just stood out as WRONG, but it was definitely the author re-telling the story. When we read that chapter, we also got out the Bible and read the Biblical account. We do that with each of the Bible stories that are included. I counted 7 biblical stories out of 42 chapters (some chapters have 2 stories) in the Table of Contents. There are a few other girls here that use SOTW, so maybe they'll share their opinions. I'd like to hear them, too.
ChelC~ I'm not sure what ages your child(ren) are, but if you liked The Light & The Glory~ there are books written specifically for children with the same titles~ you can get accompanying workbooks as well and do your history study using them. I tried them with my daughter when she was in (I think) first or second grade~ they were a bit above her at the time (I think they'd be great for 3rd-6th). I believe, if I'm not mistaken, there is also a set written specifically for teens. We are using The Mystery of History now~ and loving it. You may like to check it out as well.
I guess I'm kind of anal, and want to plan in advance. He is only starting Kindergarten this year, lol. I just can't decide. For those who have used SOTW, would it be possible to use the activity book and resource list and build your own curriculum from that? Is most of the fun and breadth in those resources, or in the actual curriculum? Knowing myself, I would supplement a lot with any history curriculum, because I like variety. My ideal would be a trustworthy resource, covering more than just european history, something with variety, that could point us to children's literature, websites, activities and other resources that we can pick and choose from. I don't mind doing a little research. I wouldn't like a cookie cutter curriculum guide. Would SOTW be useful at all for this, or should I look elsewhere? I have had tons of fun planning every subject, except history has me stuck in a rut. I have plenty of US history sources I like, especially when he's older, but as for world history???:?
I'm not good with "deep" words with "deep" meanings, so what I CAN tell you is that there are lists in the activity books of other resources, there are suggestions for activities, blackline maps and what to do with them, pictures to color, recipes---a very good variety! I would say, yes, you could definitely do what you wish/make your own curriculum from what's in there! It is set up SORT OF chronologically, but also by area, so if you like everything from the same area, or from the same time in history, you'd have to look through them and put all those things together. Are you planning on doing a timeline? I got some good figures and info. at www.timelinesetc.com We use those figures, for the most part, for our timelines. I have other books and sources that I use with SOTW, not just exactly what and how she has it written. We've had a tremendous amount of fun! I found another book for Rome (which my dd is studying right now). It's called "Ancient Rome, Museum Series" by The Learning Works. Inside it gives ideas on doing crafts and many other things, then making it into a little museum. You put all the "artifacts" around, with maps and other explanations, and invite people to the grand opening of your museum! It's really neat, and dd LOVES the idea! Of course, it's meant for classroom use, and it's just her and me making things, so it could be a bit overwhelming! But, maybe I can get the boys involved to help with it also! Anyway, I think you'd like it, and you can take it any direction you want to! Combined with MOH it'd be absolutely great!
Thanks Deena, That does give me a better idea of the content. I wish we just had a nearby homeschool resource that would allow me to thumb through all of these things. History is so subjective. Thanks again everyone for your help.
ChelC, check out Mystery of History. It's very similar to SOTW, but it's Biblically based. I absolutely love it. (But if you already bought SOTW, you can go with that, like Deena said!)
ChelC, Check your local bookstore for SOTW. Our Books-a Million has it in stock. I have had the same problem with MOH. I really want to look at it before I spend the money for it.
I got a copy of SOTW from the library. It has short chapers which is great since I plan to include my tots in the reading part of schooling. I am waiting for my copy to come in because no one has it. Plus I get it cheaper with my 20% discount than online. Can you buy the activity book thru a bookstore? Does it have to be online?
I know you can order the activity book and actual book through barnes and noble and borders and get a 20% discount so long as you get the educators card- just take in proof that you homeschool. I'll be ordering it through Barnes and Noble and just have it delivered to the store so I don't have to pay shipping.
If you look on-line, some places have it way cheaper than you can get it at Barnes & Noble anyway, so the shipping wouldn't put you out much, if any, depending on if you find a good deal!
