What program have real subject integration?

[home4school]

I know all programs, (TOG, MFW, WP, etc.) but which ones have true subject integration? For example, the post on k12 of course got me curious and I was off to look. While I know we could not survive the VA, the notes interested me bc it talked about studying Ancienct Egypt in history, reading such and such book that was set in that period, and in art making a pyramid or some such thing.

That's what I want, ties it all together. I know all the big programs tie history, geography, and readers together. But what about bringing in art projects, fine arts of the period? I have to say, k12 even brought in names of states for spelling tests when covering that in history/geography. But, I prefer a Christian source.

I think maybe Easy Classical schedules tie art in some, but not fine arts.

I was actually leaning toward MFW for the upcoming year, but I don't know that it ties it "all" together.

Any input ladies?

Blessings,
Kim

[Cadam]

The only one I have used is MFW. Everything is very very integrated except for science. There is some science tie in but it is pretty simple to drop. Science is the most integrated in ECC.

This year we are doing Rome to the Reformation and everything but science is overlapping. We would read about the same thing in our Bible, church history and history portions of the day as well as the art but all from a different perspective. The art course is art history as well as applied art and painting lessons. When we studied the Byzantine Empire we also read about the art in the art history book and made mosaics. The music covers composers of the time period as well.

We we studied Rome we read Acts and Luke and studied the early church and memorized passages from the book of Romans, built a Roman arch and studied Roman art.

Anyway, the kids make no distinction between our Bible, history and art reading.

[Sarah CB]

I know all programs, (TOG, MFW, WP, etc.) but which ones have true subject integration? For example, the post on k12 of course got me curious and I was off to look. While I know we could not survive the VA, the notes interested me bc it talked about studying Ancienct Egypt in history, reading such and such book that was set in that period, and in art making a pyramid or some such thing.

That's what I want, ties it all together. I know all the big programs tie history, geography, and readers together. But what about bringing in art projects, fine arts of the period? I have to say, k12 even brought in names of states for spelling tests when covering that in history/geography. But, I prefer a Christian source.

I think maybe Easy Classical schedules tie art in some, but not fine arts.

I was actually leaning toward MFW for the upcoming year, but I don't know that it ties it "all" together.

Any input ladies?

Blessings,
Kim

TOG ties things all together including fine arts/projects/artists. It even ties in philosophy (for the older grades) and Bible/church history. Plus it teaches about other religions as you study other cultures. The literature is also integrated into the history.

Sarah

[home4school]

Thanks for the input. I thought TOG did tie it all in, but I'm so afraid of "the fog". I'm in enough of a fog already, without TOG!

I didn't realize MFW ties so much together. It seems to be a jr version of TOG, yes?

I thought that was really neat the way k12 even tied in the spelling words, but having Bible and Church history are more important to me! Any goofball should be able to add to a spelling list, right? Pulling church history into a secular program would be a little more difficult, don't you think!:tongue_smilie:

I just want to have a fun year where we learn lots. Just not happening right now.

Thanks again!
Kim

[Janis in DE]

TOG doesn't teach spelling, but they do have lists that you can use for vocabulary or make lists from for spelling.

Janis in DE

[Cadam]

I didn't realize MFW ties so much together. It seems to be a jr version of TOG, yes?

Kim

Ummm, not quite. They are different programs but similar in some ways. MFW is all planned out for you. There is a weekly grid of assignments, reading and projects ; and then teacher notes, book lists for extra optional reading, notebooking pages and timeline figures. They are CM influenced and One of MFW's goals is to keep things simple for you. It is deep but one of their objectives is to focus on the most important stuff so your kids have time in their day to play or explore or study things they find interesting.

With MFW you keep all kids in grades 2-8 together. (There are advanced assignments listed for older kids). You choose your own math, writing and grammar to fit each child. They have suggestions but you can pick anything that you want. Narration and notebooking pages are scheduled but you will still need a formal writing program starting in about 3rd or 4th grade.

With TOG you do more of your own planning. The options are there but you have to sort through them and figure out what will work best for your kids. TOG is more customizable but takes more work. TOG has writing scheduled into their program as well as more lit study questions and worksheets. You can drop it, but it is there is you want it. I know one goal of TOG is to get kids working more independently.


Anyway, If you have MFW questions I would be glad to answer anything I can. I don't really feel qualified to say much more about TOG. I love the deep simplicity of MFW but both of these programs are wonderful and serve their own purpose.

[angela&4boys]

Other possible options:

Learning Adventures:
http://www.learning-adventures.org/

Veritas Press:
http://www.veritaspress.com/
(Although science is not formal in the grammar stage. For example, when studying Ancient Greece, they suggest Archimedes and the Door of Science.)

[Lisa Kjeld...in CA]

We've used most of the mentioned curriculum in our nine years of homeschooling and by far the best integrated in TOG. Don't let the idea of, "The Fog" intimidate you! Lampstand Press has created lots of helps for figuring out TOG and there are so many helper users here and on the TOG boards. It's worth your time to check it out. They have multiple week samples that you can download and see for yourself if it's something you might enjoy.

Joy!
Lisa

[Alana in Canada]

One thing I wished I had known about earlier and had committed to from the start was Artistic Pursuits. It's arranged so that the art appreciation is chronological while it builds up skills. If you add it into a History program that doesn't have art, it will be "done" for you!

As well, a Homeschooling Mom has put together an art and music study course which also corresponds to the 4 History cycles.

[Mandy in TN]

Heart of Dakota ties in everything. However, in the grammar stage HOD does not follow a 4-year history cycle. The plan is that 5th-8th will be a 4-year cycle. The first book for the logic stage is due out this year.

HTH-
Mandy