Anyone use Diana Waring's History alive with lower elementary?

[A home for their hearts]

I just came across this and like the looks of it but it seems it may be geared toward older students. Could I use it with a second and third grader?

[Julianna]

:lurk5: I was wondering the same thing this morning.

[Zoo Keeper]

I was thinking along those lines too. I got the Activity Book that is geared for the elementary students; after looking it over, I came to the conclusion that it is not meant to be a stand alone history for the younger guys. It is more of a "older siblings are studying the other books and here is something related to it that can keep your second-grader busy" kind of book. Nice little worksheets and game ideas, but I woudn't buy it unless you already have Diana Waring stuff and are hoping to fold in younger students. I wouldn't get the other books just for lower elementary; too much information!

[A home for their hearts]

I was thinking along those lines too. I got the Activity Book that is geared for the elementary students; after looking it over, I came to the conclusion that it is not meant to be a stand alone history for the younger guys. It is more of a "older siblings are studying the other books and here is something related to it that can keep your second-grader busy" kind of book. Nice little worksheets and game ideas, but I woudn't buy it unless you already have Diana Waring stuff and are hoping to fold in younger students. I wouldn't get the other books just for lower elementary; too much information!


I was also wondering if the What in the World, and True Tales
audiobooks would be okay for my dc to listen to or if it would be over their heads?

[jellogirl]

Diana Waring is great. Her tapes (What in the World and True Tales) are good for older elementary students as well as highschoolers and adults. Of course, not all fourth graders will appreciate her. I would wait until your kids are a bit older and then listen to them. They make a great history supplement/component. So fascinating. (The recording isn't the greatest quality, but the content is worth it.)

[CMama]

I recently purchased DW cds for my dh and I to listen to while driving, etc.... and if my ds4.5 is able to pick up anything, then so much the better. ;)

ETA: We love Diana here!

[razorbackmama]

I tried using them for 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 1st graders, and it was over all their heads. :sad: (My 6th grader isn't the best at comprehension stuff LOL.) It was good, but each unit is just jam-packed with information since they cover such large time periods. I like the IDEA of it, but I just couldn't get it to work well.:sad:

I agree that the activity book isn't a very good stand-alone.

[Julianna]

It sounds like I'll need to wait a few years since my oldest will be in 2nd grade. I love the thought of audio CDs. My dds (and I) learn easily that way.

[razorbackmama]

You can easily use the CDs on their own. I know lots of people who use them in addition to something else.

[A home for their hearts]

You can easily use the CDs on their own. I know lots of people who use them in addition to something else.

I was wondering if the CD's would be over their heads? I thought about getting just the cd's for them to listen to but I wasn't sure if they would be above their level?

[razorbackmama]

I was wondering if the CD's would be over their heads? I thought about getting just the cd's for them to listen to but I wasn't sure if they would be above their level?
That may depend on your kids. It was over my kids' heads, but they aren't really strong auditory learners. I have other friends whose kids really enjoy them a lot.