MFW Year 4 - Explorers to 1850 users - I have a question (or 2)

[HollyDay]

This program looks like what I would be interested in. But, I would not want to use their science. We already have Apologia Botony and dd is not overly thrilled with it. But, again, I do have it already. What do I need to get this program up and running using only the history and perhaps the music portion. When I do the math, it looks like I can get the items I want (ie take out the science) in the"deluxe" package that includes music plus the Trials and Triumph book for about $295 rather than the $380 they have the package listed for. This includes the things I need 2 of since I have 2 dc. Does that sound about right?? What are essentials for this program?? What are really, really great to have, but could be left out?? Thanks!

[Sue G in PA]

since I've been questioning a lot recently re: MFW since we're using the RtR next year. You can leave out the science and do your own thing. It seems the History component is crucial to the curriculum so any books recommended would be important to have on hand. They are scheduled. Check out the MFW Yahoo groups. They have a curriculum swap board where you can put up a WTB for whatever you need whether it be entire packages of just selected items. I'm sure somebody else will have more info for you!

[Donna A.]

I'm putting together my list for Expl-1850, too. I'm not going to order the package deal because I already own many of the items in the package, so I'll save about $100 that way.

If the only things you want to do out of the program are history and music (and Bible is closely tied to history, as well), the items you do NOT need are:

- The Animal Kingdom
- The World of Animals
- Apologia Botany

You do need Trial and Triumph (which you already said you're getting), and you'll also need (or would want) Then Sings My Soul, as that will be tied into the history.

I won't be ordering the Bible study guide by Kay Arthur. We'll be memorizing the book of James as part of the Bible lessons, but we're going to skip the study guide. If you do want it, you'll need one for each student.

You'll also want the read-alouds, as those will be scheduled in the lesson plans.

How old are your children? If you have any K-2nd graders (and maybe 3rd grader, depending on the child), you'll want the Adventures supplement as well. We did ADV a couple years ago, so I won't need to buy the supplement with EX1850 because I still have everything from ADV.

[Cadam]

I think you can leave out the science and be fine. Just skip it or add in your own thing. I am getting RtoR next year and since I have a few of the books already I will save a bundle by buying the remaining books I need from Rainbow Resource or the MFW curriculum yahoo group.