Ok, kinda feeling like I'm on a tight rope 500 ft up in the air and IM SCARED SILLY!

[Jeana]

Sometimes I wonder if reading the post are good or not. I had decided to use TOG next year with my LG, UG, and D children. However, after reading the switch from TOG to MFW I am wondering if I have bitten off more than I can chew. I have bought it second hand but haven't seen it yet. It is at my mother's so I won't see it till I get it for another 6 wks. Now I am beginning to think that MFW sounds more like me. AHHHHH! I am not the most intelligent and thought that I would be able to learn with my guys but now am thinking maybe I won't be able to. My son is most intelligent and is always explaining things to ME! Also, I am not wanting to spend all my time on history cause my son is going more the science route. Anyone able to calm my nerves before I plung head first into the abyss>?! Or, do I sound more like a MFW person? DECISIONS< DECISIONS :lol::confused:.

[Cornerstone Classical]

Oh, how I know how you feel. Sometimes, I think I need to quit reading this board because of the same reasons, but atlas, it's an addiction that I just can't beat!

I also don't want to spend ALL my time on history. MFW is very doable! and I feel like that MFW doesn't compete with other subjects, it's very balanced. I am a "scripted" "do it all for me already" "open and go" person, so I love the MFW and TM.

As for science, some say that MFW science is "light" in the earlier years, but it isn't if you truely have a CM philosophy. BUT on the flip side, if you are like me and have a more WTM bent, I actually like MFW science because it is easy to beef up the science. In MFW, Fridays are light due to doing Nature Study/Walk a la CM. Since we don't do nature walks that actually gives extra time to do science on Friday to add in a science program, because my dc enjoy science so much.

I feel like that the only way to know if TOG or MFW is going to fit your family, is that you are going to have to REALLY look at ALL aspects of the two programs, pray, and even try to get your hands on both and see for yourself. We all have "favorites" and can talk them up, but that doesn't mean it will be a good fit for you personally! KWIM??;)

[Jeana]

Thanks for the comments. I will try and go to a conference this summer and look at MFW. The main reason for not wanting to go with MFW is that they don't use SOTW for Ancients. I wanted to use this with my LG and UG children. Two other ladies here are going to use it and I was hoping to get with them from time to time to do activities. I will relook at this.

[Jeana]

bump. Anyone else please?

[Lisawa]

Thats a hard call.....because only you can decide whats you and not. I have not used MFW, but I have used TOG since 2003/4.

I began using TOG classic with 2 grammar level students and dialect. I was a former Sonlight user (among other things)and love the literature approach.... I have learned a lot from TOG and so have my kids. Mostly I have learned I dont use TOG traditionally or how a lot of others do.... I made it my own over the years. I'm not like a lot of the other moms who take a year plan in a year, but do what I feel we can and keep moving. Thats the best I can do.

We are using redesign for the first time this year and I do prefer it to classic... mostly because of the improved notes/lecture and lit questions for the D level. I was always making up my own in classic....

Maybe when you finally get to view it you will decide its perfect/or not.... but try not to worry until you can see it. Then you will know.....

Its a great guide that has placed everything in order for me. There is planning involed.... but I always teach to the oldest and fold the others in. I still read aloud to my children and my oldest being schooled is 16. I don't read everything, but we do read out loud sitting together and discuss things. Especially biographies.... and even some literature assignments.

Gosh, dont know if any of this even helps ya.... but its hard to make a choice when you cant see it.... Im an in hands kind of a gal....

Have you printed off a week from the website to see if its doable?? What made you choose to buy it to begin with if you dont mind my asking??:)

Having families to get together with helps with accountability and support... plus its fun that way. We were in an on line co-op for a few years and even though we were all over the US, it was a lot of fun sharing the load and enjoying others and their children....

[Lisawa]

Oh one more thing... HI KATHERINE!!! BOy have I missed my online friends!:grouphug:

[Jeana]

Lisa,

Thanks for the reminders you so gently made. To answer your question why I chose TOG?: I chose it for many reasons. 1. To keep all the children in the same period. 2. I wanted some accountability for myself and the children to own their work. I liked the way the planning is done. Partially done for you but then you have to go in and decide what will work for you and yours. They are involved in this. 3. I have been drawn to it for years but felt it was too much until I had at lease a Dialect level child. I wanted the information and discussion questions.

We have used SL 7 and 3 this year for my 11 and 9 yr old. It has been great but for me disjointed since they were on two different history levels. I will be beginning my 6 yr old this August fulltime and felt it was time to have them on the same page. I thought years ago that when my oldest reached D level that I would switch to TOG but have always had self doubt. I constantly don't feel "good enough" to teach my children. The results stare me in the face to contradict this feeling but I really suffer from self doubt. I guess until I reach the other side of this journey I won't know if I have given them enough for University. I just trust God that it is right. I know spiritually it is the BEST but because of my sons abilities I feel like I short change him. That is another reason for TOG choice. I felt it would give him the education he deserved. I have always loved TOG but wondered if I would flounder with it.

Oh well, I guess my decision should be reserved until I see it in its entirity. I have looked at the 3 weeks many times. However, I am kinda an all or nothing person. If I take the plunge we will do it for the year not just three weeks. I will buy all the L, UG, and D books to go with it as I don't have a good library. So, I will have to pick and choose from the get go. I won't have any problem dropping what I don't want and have already decided to go with what is recommended and not really look much on the optional list. That is except for SOTW.

Hope that I have answered the question and helped you to see a little more about me and my "Constant" worries. I just need to realize that God is in control and take his advice and not worry.

Jeana

[dhudson]

:iagree:get your hands on the TM's and then make a decision. I think looking at the TM's and then deciding is the way to go. We each have reasons why we chose a program but only you and dh can decide what's right for your family. I find writing down my reasons why I choose a curriculum help me not to waiver too much. It gives me that,"Oh yeah, that's why I picked it. That makes perfect sense."

[Jeana]

Thanks Dawn. Unfortunatly, my husband doesn't really do the look at the curriculum thing.. He just leaves it to me and trust I will make the right decision. This is what makes it hard cause I don't have a sounding board at home. He is supportive in other ways though. Thanks, Jeana

[siloam]

Jeana,

It is already on the way, you might as well get it and see what you think before you ditch it, KWIM?

You can do TOG really light, and spend the time now figuring out how you want to sue the different pieces later. I personally take longer than a week to do some weeks and don't sweat it.

But in the end if you do choose MFW I don't think it is a bad choice. MFW is a good program too.

Heather

[Melissa in CA]

You've already purchased TOG, correct? I would not panic quite yet. Once you get it, look it over real well, come back here and ask any questions you have, and THEN decide. Many of us use it and love it, you may find you are one of us. ;) If not, you can always sell it and purchase MFW. The resale value of TOG is excellent. :D

[Lisawa]

Jeana, I have been their.... We used SL core 2 and 6 back in the beginning and also 3 and 5. My oldest and youngest have a 7 year age gap. Your reasons above are just about the same as mine when I finally convinced myself to use TOG *Ü* It did take convincing... but you never know till you can truly see it...

I had already bought all of our SL for the year back then....and a friend had just ordered year 1 TOG... another friend was so excited about it we all looked into it more. The first full year plan I ever saw was year 2 and I looked at it and said... "NO way!! I cant use that!" Just the size of it scared the bajeebers out of me. It was set in 2 large binders.....I borrowed it, thought about it it, looked it over... and in the end... for me it was better than using 2 SL cores.

My favorite part to the entire program is the historical and world view. Especially since the kids are all older now. I could not have put such pieces together, ever!

I know what ever you decide will be fine... I also understand your concern... you want the best for your peeps... :) I just want to encourage you that no matter what you use.... it will be fine.

You are right... God has a plan for your son, your children... and they have a purpose.... and I know that it wont be your curriculum that determines that.... I can tell you are a good momma... you worry about whats best... thats one of the first signs...;) but it also robs us of joy.


Oh, I just have to share one more thing... recently I listened too Todd Wilson on line. He was a guest at one of WA States home school Organizations.... The organization is called WATCH ( Washington Association of Teaching Christian Homes). WATCH hosts a monthly WATCH talk on line and he was one of the guest speakers. Hes awesome.... Diana Waring is the host....

He spoke about lies homeschooling moms believe, its one of his books... very good and I encourage new and veteran home school moms to read it. Its an easy read... so if you have a moment... you might want to listen... its only one hour... and very encouraging....

The reason I am suggesting it is because part of what he speaks on is what you are concerned with.... It was a good listen :).... here is the link to hear... just in case you would like too...

WATCH Talk (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WATCHTalk)

I hope the link works...

[Cadam]

You already purchased TOG and it is a wonderful program. As a bonus you bought it used so on the off chance it really just does not work for you at all, you can sell it w/ o losing money.

MFW is wonderful too but that doesn't mean it is the right program for you. You put a lot of thought into your choice so trust yourself. Use the TOG and if you fall in love with it, you are set. If you don't love it, you have an excellent option in the back of your mind all ready to go for the next year.

Choosing something one year does not mean you are stuck with it forever and ever amen. You will find people who switched from MFW to TOG just like you will find people who switched from TOG to MFW.

There are times when I quit reading the boards because it contributes to the "grass is greener" syndrome. After making my choices for the year I try to stick with the General board - It cost me less! :lol:

Just a few thoughts in case later this year you decide TOG isn't working for you.....

If you are unsure you could just buy books for one unit at a time instead of the whole year.

I plan to add SOTW to Creation to the Greeks because I just love SOTW. Some people throw it into book basket and others listen to the audio CD's casually. You can always add too it, even if it doesn't really need adding to, kwim?

MFW and TOG don't quite line up. MFW Rome to the Reformation starts with a 12 week unit on the history of Rome (and the early church) so if you were to jump over you could go from TOG- yr. 1 unit 3 to MFW- Rome to the Reformation.

[Katiebug_1976]

Thanks for the comments. I will try and go to a conference this summer and look at MFW. The main reason for not wanting to go with MFW is that they don't use SOTW for Ancients. I wanted to use this with my LG and UG children. Two other ladies here are going to use it and I was hoping to get with them from time to time to do activities. I will relook at this.

Mabye you could just add this book in if you decided to use MFW?? Then you could get the best of both worlds?? I switched away from MFW after ECC. For us that was a HUGE mistake! After coming back to MFW my stress level has gone way donw, and I am "back home" so to speak. I hope you find what works for you.

[Lori in MS]

Thanks for the comments. I will try and go to a conference this summer and look at MFW. The main reason for not wanting to go with MFW is that they don't use SOTW for Ancients. I wanted to use this with my LG and UG children. Two other ladies here are going to use it and I was hoping to get with them from time to time to do activities. I will relook at this.

I bought the SOTW cds to go alongside CTG. We listened to it informally. My oldest son, who was 3rd grade at the time, had listened to the whole book the summer before we did CTG. He loved it! He still gets it out (3 years later) and listens to it.

[cbollin]

Thanks for the comments. I will try and go to a conference this summer and look at MFW. The main reason for not wanting to go with MFW is that they don't use SOTW for Ancients. I wanted to use this with my LG and UG children. Two other ladies here are going to use it and I was hoping to get with them from time to time to do activities. I will relook at this.

Get to the conference and take a look. I knew right away that I was using MFW from looking at all of it. It was a God decision. I'll pray for you right now and type in a moment.......
amen..

anyway....*if* you end up using MFW (maybe it is right, maybe not.)
Others have said, I'll repeat it. Put SOTW vol 1 in book basket and enjoy it. Do the fun activities with your friends. Let them enjoy some of the fun stuff in CTG. Maybe they would like to make the tabernacle together, or something else that is in CTG that isn't in SOTW.

Have fun with your friends not matter which base program everyone is using.

-crystal

[Jeana]

All of you have given me something to chew on and think about for that I am thankful. I have looked back at TOG and anoter reason I chose it was becasue it had more of a week by week book suggestion that I can just buy and bring back to New Zealand with me. I tend to choose what I am going to do buy it in the summer while I am in the US and then use it and sell it the next year. It works well for me. So, in saying that I will continue to look at MFW and TOG and REALLY look at TOG when I get to the states and probally decide to stick with it and get over "the grass is greaner". LOL.

Also, I will take the time to listen to WATCH today while my kids are in roomtime and glean some encouragement from that as well. God be with you all and thanks so much for you comments of praise and suggestions.

Jeana