Love TOG's philosophy, but still scared!

[profmom]

I posted a history question when the board first moved (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316) and I'm still thinking and praying about the options. I realized that I'll be teaching the 4-year history cycle 4 more times with the ages of my kids, which has me reconsidering TOG. If I decide to use TOG for high school, should I go ahead and start it now/fall with my oldest dc being 5th/6th grade?

Here are some things that are drawing me to TOG: teacher notes to help me as I help my dc to make connections and think about history and literature, Biblical worldview helps, philosophy component for high school, help with literature analysis, and their method of teaching dc to plan their own schedules (which could surely be adapted to other curriculum).

I was one of those straight-A students who went to college on scholarship but was never really challenged to THINK! I don't want that for my dc, but I don't feel qualified to lead them into thinking, analyzing, and making connections in history and literature. (BTW, my degree is in accounting.)

Would TOG be the best option for someone like me? One thing that concerns me about Omnibus is that I'm not sure about the theology -- I'm not sure I'm Reformed enough. I went to the TOG author's church's website and really liked it. What concerns me about Biblioplan or TQ for high school is possibly not having enough teacher help for discussions.

After reading about TOG last year and then starting up again recently -- plus listening to the TOG CD again, I love the philosophy, but I'm still worried about it taking over and taking up too much time. I do feel more willing to give history more time, though, after seeing how history and lit. discussions could be used in teaching my dc to THINK, etc. I'm feeling up for the challenge of learning to use TOG, but how time-consuming is it once you get going?

[WTMindy]

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I was one of those straight-A students who went to college on scholarship but was never really challenged to THINK! I don't want that for my dc, but I don't feel qualified to lead them into thinking, analyzing, and making connections in history and literature. (BTW, my degree is in accounting.)

This would describe me too! That is one of the things I am attracted to also in TOG!! I think one of the best things about TOG is that you can tailor it so you are doing as much or as little as you would like. I am about halfway through year 1 and this is our 2nd history loop with a 5th and 3rd grader.

[profmom]

Thanks, Mindy! Do you feel that it's been difficult to manage your homeschool while using TOG? How much time do you spend planning and implementing it?

[LisaNY]

Profmom, from what you described about yourself, I think TOG would be a very good fit for you. I used Omnibus I for a short time w/my older dd and got bogged down with the reading list. I had a bit of a problem with the theology as well. At times, I felt it was over the top, and really didn't encourage the student to think for themselves, but more or less told them what to think, IMO.

TOG is much more broad in its scope than Omnibus. I would classify Omnibus as a Great Books curriculum, and TOG as a history curriculum. Even though Omnibus uses Spielvogel's text as a reference, it's focus is on the Great Books .

I used TOG 3 a few years ago, and I'm currently using TOG yr. 2 Classic w/my 7th gr. dd. I appreciate it so much more now than I did when I used it w/my two dd's. I used SL last year, and then switched to the WTM approach. I was getting burnt out from constant planning for history. TOG has it all laid out for me. I love the overview that you get at the beginning of each unit and each week. It is invaluable to me, because it tells us where we are going, and where we've been. It really helps us to make connections between events and the things that drive them.

It takes me about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to prepare each week. I read over the teacher's notes and overview pages, and plan the books we will read that week. I look a few weeks ahead, so I can order books via ILL or Amazon, if need be. All in all, my planning time has been reduced using TOG after using WTM. :)

[WTMindy]

Thanks, Mindy! Do you feel that it's been difficult to manage your homeschool while using TOG? How much time do you spend planning and implementing it?

On Sunday before the week begins I read over the notes, make sure about the things I want to pull out, order any books I'll need (in the *next* lessons) from the library. This really only takes me about a half hour, maybe an hour. It isn't that TOG takes that much longer than other curriculums, it is that is takes a few weeks (months?) to figure out *how* it works best for your family. What pieces do you want to keep, which ones do you want to leave out. What days to you schedule what? This just takes some trial and error, but the material allows you to pick and choose that way. I have never found a curriculum that I love just as it is, so I like that TOG provides more than I could ever do so I have options. Just don't fall into the trap of feeling like you *have* to use it all! That would be overwhelming!

[profmom]

Thanks, Mindy and Lisa! Your posts are very helpful! I'm trying to learn all I can about TOG before taking the leap, but, more and more, I'm feeling it's the way to go for us.

Thanks again!

[Reeseepc]

I am spending about an hour each week....but most of that is just reading the mom's notes and printing out worksheets. It's not actual PLANNING for the lesson...the readings are there. I just need to read my notes so I know where we're going. It is SO wonderful to have questions for the different age levels...but all on the same topic. We have family discussions, and I'm not pulled in 3 different directions. And, as someone mentioned, you can do as much or as little as you want...I love flexibility. :001_smile:

[Felicia]

I am in the same boat with you profmom. I am trying to make up my mind about whether to use TOG or not. We have never done a rotation and my children are in 4th and 6th now. It has always been hit or miss. We have SOTW 1 and haven't gotten all the way through it except for listening to the cd's. I think it looks like a well laid out plan though. My kids are doing a co-op that is going over early American history from the colonies to the revolution. When they are done we will finish up whatever is left of the ancients and start TOG 2 in the fall. I love that it is all right there for you to help with discussions and book lists and everything else but is still quite flexible in what you choose. I like something structured yet flexible. That almost sounds like an oxymoron but somehow TOG fits the bill. I am going to order mine now so I can get familiar with it before we start. I don't know if this helped or not but I guess I'm just working things out. :) Blessings and good journeys.

[Melissa in CA]

While shopping for some books at the tapestry website the other day, I noticed they now have a packet of info you can order free of charge with lots of information in it. http://www.lampstandbookshelf.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TOG&Product_Code=PET I have already decided on TOG and have my year one in hand, but this packet sure would have come in handy a few months ago when I, too, was sorting through my history options. ;)

[Lisawa]

Sounds to me like it would work fine. You will be surprised at what you learn and you might even... dare I say get excited over it!

I didnt go to college.... So much of what we have learned is new to us. I love the church hsitory most. My favorite part actually....

You honestly can make it fit your school goals. It does not have to be all consuming.....

I havent read the other posts yet so I will hold off and read more.. but I do think you will like it and enjoy it going by your posts.:)

[profmom]

Thanks for posting! Even though my original question was from January, I still enjoy reading how TOG is working for you. I've since decided to give it a try! I'm incorporating a little of year 1 to finish out our year of Ancients and will be using TOG2 in the fall. :)

[Lisawa]

Thanks for posting! Even though my original question was from January, I still enjoy reading how TOG is working for you. I've since decided to give it a try! I'm incorporating a little of year 1 to finish out our year of Ancients and will be using TOG2 in the fall. :)


Year 2 I think has been my favorite to date... although the dark ages were.. well, dark! lol

I loved all the church history... its amazing! I look forward to hearing more from you in the coming school year.....

:thumbup:

[Lisawa]

PS... not sure if the quote was for me or someone else..... but wanted to point out (and forgot to mention in the last post) that the best mind set to have when you begin TOG... is to have your mind on Grace.... make sure you give it to yourself when starting any new curriculum.

AND! You know where to find us! *Ü*

Have a great weekend!

[Langhaven]

I agree with the above post. I've used TOG for 5 years now, and I have 6 children (including a baby). There have been some years that TOG has been predominant in our homeschool and others where it has been elective and a delight. I feel that my children are very well prepared in the areas that Tapestry hallmarks in their curriculum. The teachers notes and discussion outlines are wonderful, and for us, we have found most of the books at the public library. If you can avoid feeling like you have to do everything they suggest, you will do fine. Choose the few things per week that you feel that you and your children can do, and you will accomplish a lot.

Pam