I went to the FPEA convention last year purposely looking for Mystery of History. I had heard (and read) such great things about the curriculum I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. History taught from a biblical perspective.
I purchased Volume 1 from Rainbow Resource – and decided on a 3 day per week schedule (love they offer variations in schedules). The work was not difficult, but the information was repetitive. I have been teaching the boy bible stories since Kindergarten so we worked on ways to incorporate some more books, activities, and fun to add to our curriculum.
But the boy was hearing the same stories he already knew, interrupted the lesson to tell me the rest of the story, rushed me through a lesson, and felt like “history” was another “bible lesson”. Ask an adult what is their least favorite subject and it’s either Math or History. History has always been my passion and I wanted that for my son. As much I ask liked the curriculum I knew something had to change.
We were very interested in the lessons between Hebrew history (Stonehenge, Hammurabi, Trojan Horse, etc), but those fell every other lesson sometimes two even three lessons apart. I decided to give the curriculum a break.
I found Liberty Kids on Netflix and the boy was eager to learn about the American Revolution. Each day he watched a new episode after breakfast before “school”. Every day the same excitement greeted me at breakfast, “Can we turn on Liberty Kids now”?
About the same time my boy was getting hooked on this time period my friend Kris at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers started sharing little bits of Geography Matters new curriculum Trail Guide to Learning.
I had just purchased Munford Meets Lewis & Clark by Jamie Aramini (Jamie’s books are published by Geography Matters. I am friends with her on twitter from a review we did of her books at The Homeschool Village). I emailed Jamie to ask if the Paths of Settlement would be a good fit for my son.
Core, Volume I & II
150 days into the school year and I’m waving the checkered flag. We are “finished” with 3rd grade Ancient History – I am not assigning any more lessons. (we have finished 3rd grade All About Spelling and Apologia Science books).
March – we will start 4th grade using Geography Matters – Trail Guide to Learning. It looks like it’s going to be a great fit (geography, history, science, art, reading, lapbooks, and cooking … all in one box. I received “core / volume 1″)
Although Trail Guide to Learning includes spelling – we’re going to continue to use All About Spelling along side because I love the curriculum and it’s perfect for my tactile learner.
Does this mean we’re crazy for not teaching history chronologically … maybe. But I’m sticking to my belief about Interest Led Learning!
I still believe Mystery of History is a great curriculum and Bright Ideas Press a good company. We are using the Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers.
Since Trail Guide to Learning is relatively new – and we have never used a “bundle” for curriculum – every Thursday I’m going to share how this all is working for us – so join us on this “adventure”.
button by MamaHall
I am excited and thankful Geography Matters is partnering with a small blogger like me to share their wonderful resources with you!
