History and Science for a 5th grader

[blessed2fosteradopt]

I will begin homeschooling my son in the Fall and he we be entering 5th grade. He has not had much exposure to either History or Science. Should I use SOTW 1 with him? Do I need to supplement it with something? Should I go by the recommendation in the WTM for a 5th grader? Science has also been very lean thus far for him. I don't feel he has learned anything substantial. Any suggestions for us?

[kRenee]

If I were you I would use SOTW and activity guides. I found most of the book suggestions too advanced for my 1st-4th graders, so they may be perfect for a 5th grader. If you feel he is ready you can incorporate some of the 5th grade requirements from WTM, but don't push it.

For science, look at Prentice Hall Science Explorer. Get 2-3 of the thin books for him to read through for the year.

[Hoggirl]

getting Biblioplan for history. This schedules out BOTH SOTW and the Kingfisher Encyclopedia. You don't DO both, but if SOTW didn't seem enough you could then switch to Kingfisher (a la WTM) using the schedule in Biblioplan. They also schedule in readers by grade level (one level being grades 5+) and read-alouds at a reasonable pace. It is no frills meaning that there are not discussion questions, but I really like the way it has everything laid out for you. And it isn't that much of an investment ($29.95). Another option would be The Mystery of History. It incorporates much more of the history of Israel.
For science I really like BJU. It is thorough (meaning it covers several topics in one year) and Christian. Initially, we were just doing life science or earth science in one full school year as suggested by the WTM, but I have been much happier with a true textbook approach for science. Perhaps b/c I am NOT science-y!
HTH.

[blessed2fosteradopt]

I was thinking along the same lines...that SOTW on its own would be plenty for him. Any more suggestions?

[Cadam]

I would do SOTW with some of the more advanced suggestions from the reading list. Especially if he hasn't had much exposure before it will be fine. If he is an auditory learner you might consider getting the CD version.

[Beth in Central TX]

I agree with the SOTW series. I also like the Nothing New Press history series. (http://www.nothingnewpress.com/guerber.shtml)

As for science, I would highly recommend the Elementary Apologia series. (http://www.jeanniefulbright.com/home.html) We have worked through all of the published books in this series. I have been pleased with what my boys have learned. In addition, the experiments are easy to do and generally require common household items.

[WTMindy]

of SOTW, so I think that is a great place to start. Susan mentioned that she (or someone at Peacehill Press is putting together) older sibling packets for SOTW 1&2 and younger sibling packets for SOTW4. She didn't say *when* this would happen, but it might be something you could use if it comes out soon enough. I still think it is doable with an older kid.

[mcconnellboys]

I agree with using SOTW and their reading list suggestions. I would also study biology alongside it. It will make a fun study as an introduction to science. Libraries are generally full of animal books and hopefully you can find one or two on classification, as well,

Regena