How can I get SOTW 4 to work with my 5th grader?

[runningirl71]

We started the 4 year history cycle in 2nd grade and will be finishing up the cycle this coming year. We are going through SOTW 3 with the activity guide and my dd doesn't seem to be so excited about the projects anymore. She's not so interested in the color pages either. We usually just end up reading 2 chapters a week and do the map for the chapter. Then she reads a biography/literature selection. She is 10 and in between 4th grade/5th grade. Sooo, I am wondering how I can get SOTW 4 to work for us. I'll have her start outlining in the Kingfisher history encyclopedia. And, I was going to do a short unit on our State history plus some more in depth study of the States/capitals/US geography.

For those of you who have used SOTW 4, would the activity book be worth it for us? Should I supplement her history with literature more than I am now? Should we just forgo SOTW 4 (I hate to do that, I've done all the other books!) and just focus on the Kingfisher encyclopedia, literature, and geography? DD loves to do projects (we did a colonial life lapbook this year) but the SOTW activity guide that goes along with the books doesn't seem to have too many in-depth projects. That is what she wants, she's ready to go deeper.

I would appreciate any first thoughts/advice. I want a well rounded but simple program, and I want it fun and interesting for her!

Angie

[Suzanne in ABQ]

Vol. 4 doesn't have coloring pages, and the activities are minimal. Outlining is included in the Activity Guide at the beginning. Then, it transitions to writing a summary FROM the outline. The map work includes more labeling, and little or no coloring. The reading lists are extensive. I think you'd enjoy it. It's designed for older students.

[cbollin]

Just wanted to say my 6th grader is using SOTW 4 this year with the activity book. Just like Suzanne said, it's geared up and has lots of outlining and writing from outlines.
Sometimes we leave out some of the activities. Some of them are fun to let dad in on the fun on the weekend or in the evening. Just quick stuff to reinforce the learning.

I noticed you said you were also wanting to add in State history plus some more in depth study of the States/capitals/US geography. We're doing that same kind of thing in MFW's 1850-MOD. I like how it is all scheduled out to get all of that done. (Well, the state history we did last year after finishing SOTW 3). Just wanted to let you know that program does that.

-crystal

[runningirl71]

Is there a way to buy just the history part of MFW? I have looked on their website and it seems like it is one big package with all subjects.

Thanks for letting me know about SOTW 4. It puts my mind at ease that it'll be a little more challenging!

angie

[Cadam]

In regards to MFW

You can buy the books individually from rainbow resource and just leave out the science books if you want to choose something else for science. The TM is what is going to cost you the most but you could check the mfw curriculum yahoo group and see if you can get it a little cheeper.

Although they have recommendations for math and LA those are not actually included in the package.

[mcconnellboys]

The activity book for SOTW IV is very different from the others! No coloring (or not much, anyway) and outlining for every chapter, plus other things more appropriate to older children.

Regena

[Laura Corin]

I have a spreadsheet of extra things to add into SOTW 4 - it's in the side bar of my blog (in siggy).

Laura

[runningirl71]

Thanks Laura!