Preparation - Should we catch up from previous years?

[Angela&Boys]

I am so excited to have found MFW. It was by no mistake and I'm looking forward to this wonderful journey. I have 4 kids, 12, 5, 2.5, and 13 months. I am completely new to homeschooling. My oldest daughter has been in public schooling her whole life.

So, my questions... I really feel led to begin my 12 year old, Anne, with Exploration to 1850. However, I've been doing some research and see that I may need to use some books from the previous years. I've been thinking that maybe I should purchase some books ahead of time and school her over the summer to get her ready. Should I just plan on teaching her the two years and not be worried about her being behind? She made all A's first term and Honor Roll the next. I want her to be saturated in the Word of God. I also want her to be challenged.

And I'll also be schooling one in K and one in Pre-K. Thoughts, ideas, suggestions, all appreciated.
Sandy

Hi Sandy!

Welcome to homeschooling and MFW! We share some parallels.

As far as your questions, I'd say that you can do Exp to 1850 'as is' this year and 1850 to Modern next year. If you were to stay the course with MFW, she'd do an in-depth ancient history study during her 9th grade year. Additionally, if she is on par with regard to math and language arts (and I'm assuming she is as an honor roll student ), than you should be all set and can plug her in anywhere you see fit in the history cycle. Hopefully more experienced MFWers will chime in with their thoughts.

Many blessings as you embark on this new journey!

[Julie in MN]

I really feel led to begin my 12 year old, Anne, with Exploration to 1850. However, I've been doing some research and see that I may need to use some books from the previous years. I've been thinking that maybe I should purchase some books ahead of time and school her over the summer to get her ready.

Sandy,
I think the only book from previous years that you ned for EX1850 is Trial and Triumph, which is the stories of great Christians through history. I don't think reading the earlier half of the book would be required over the summer, but it certainly would be good reading if she would like. The earlier stories will cover from the first Christian martyrs through the reformation era.

God and the History of Art would be a previous book from the Deluxe package, but again I don't think it's essential to cover the earlier lessons in that book. You can just jump in with the lessons in the year you're doing. It's a great complement to history studies.

I do agree with your thought to check on what your dd has already learned the most about. Sometimes kids have done years and years of early American history, and that isn't the most essential year to cover. Often public schools really skimp on Rome to the Reformation history, and on Modern Times, as well as geography (Exploring Countries & Cultures). But schools are all different.

Your 7th grader will also be challenged with MFW recommendations in math, science, grammar, and literature study. My 8th grader has had an excellent education over the last two years with MFW, if I may say so myself

Enjoy learning together!
Julie