I feel it’s important I begin this post with a disclaimer: I use Tapestry of Grace as a GUIDE with other things thrown in. I do not follow it to the letter. I’ve never followed it to the letter. I’ve never been able to make it work for our family “As Is”, but of all the curricula I’ve tried, it is Tapestry of Grace I come back to time and again.
I probably won’t win any Tapestry of Grace Awards (if there were such a thing) for being a great TOG mom, but I am a fan of the curriculum…the way I use it.
So, if I haven’t scared you off, read on…
Tapestry of Grace is divided into 4 age/reasoning levels – Lower Grammar, Upper Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric. Think of these as Early Elementary, Older Elementary, Jr. High, and High School…ish.
I focus most of my attention on the 8 & up crowd, letting the 7 & under crew float in and out of the lessons. In fact, of late, I’ve instituted a Rest Time for those ages during our Tapestry Time. The 3 littlest boys are more distracting than anything and I figure their time will come when they are more mature. So, in Tapestry terms, that means I have 2 Upper Grammar students, 1 Dialectic (who will soon be moving up), and 1 Rhetoric (who will graduate this year).
So, now that you know WHO in our family does TOG, I can start at the beginning of an actual lesson plan and give you an idea of what that looks like and how I implement it.
Lesson Planning for Tapestry of Grace
Tapestry of Grace comes in 2 forms – Print Edition and DE (Digital Edition). I prefer having the hard copy of TOG, but DE automatically updates. This would be especially helpful for Year 4 (Modern Times).
Toward the end of each week, or over the weekend, I open my Tapestry notebook to the next lesson. Marcia Sommerville (author of TOG) has graciously given things to look out for the next week at the end of every chapter, so I glance over those and make a mental note as I begin my planning.
I use a notepad and pen as my main tools, and I keep an internet capable device nearby because I find there are several things I want to look up as I work.
To lesson plan, I go through the Threads for the week and the Weekly Overview (shown above – the colors represent the different learning levels) and jot down everything I want to cover. I look over ALL levels because often there are projects or topics I want to use from other levels, or I have a child more or less advanced and would appreciate the assignments from a different level. If need be, I write the child’s name next to the assignment on my list, but that is usually only in the case of reading assignments.
Note: Most of the things we do in TOG, we do together. I’ve seen a tremendous benefit from having everyone in the same room, no matter the learning level of the material being covered. Information gone over once gives a child a taste and may be enough to pass a test. Information gone over multiple times in multiple ways gives them understanding and mastery. For instance, my oldest daughter has been reading in Victorian Internet about the telegraph. The younger kids are studying Samuel Morse this week at their level. Megan was able to add information to their study as I read to them. Doing so solidifies her understanding of the material. This kind of education is priceless.
As you can see from my notes in the above photo, I’ve put names next to specific books – some of those are carry-overs from the previous week and some are new ones I found in the Reading Assignment pages of Tapestry.
NOTE: At the beginning of the year, I use Tapestry’s website to PRE-plan books I will need, so I’m not scrambling for resources.
After I have all my “plans” on paper, I will reorder them if necessary, but most of the time I know where I want to start and what the general order should be, so I simply cross off as I go throughout my week.
It is also at this time that I make notes on any items I need to shop for (pinata and candy in this case – I just don’t feel like making a pinata this time). I also research any internet links I may want to use and either put them on my TOG Pinterest boards (shown below) or drop the links into Evernote. (Truth be told, there are many days that I research as I teach, pulling up maps and photos as I go.)
Follow Amy Roberts {Raising Arrows}’s board Tapestry of Grace Tips & Resources on Pinterest. Follow Amy Roberts {Raising Arrows}’s board Tapestry of Grace Year 1 on Pinterest.
Follow Amy Roberts {Raising Arrows}’s board Tapestry of Grace Year 2 on Pinterest. Follow Amy Roberts {Raising Arrows}’s board Tapestry of Grace Year 3 on Pinterest.
Follow Amy Roberts {Raising Arrows}’s board Tapestry of Grace Year 4 on Pinterest.
Note: You can see we are currently in Year 3 by how many more links there are on that board.
Where Does Tapestry of Grace Fit Into Our Day
Tapestry is an afternoon thing here. Our morning hours are spent mostly in workbooks. Tapestry of Grace is a sort of “slow-down” to our day. It usually consists of read-alouds, projects, and discussions. It never takes more than 2 hours.
Note: The reading assignments from TOG are to be accomplished during morning school time. They are not factored into this Tapestry Time. So, for instance, Megan read in Victorian Internet during the morning time, and we discussed Samuel Morse during the afternoon hours.
What a Tapestry of Grace Week Looks Like
MONDAY
I always start by reading the General Information page from the chapter aloud to the children. This gives them an overview of what the week will be about. Then, I read from the History Core and In-Depth sources I’ve chosen. In this section’s case, the resource is Abraham Lincoln’s World. I usually choose a resource from Upper Grammar or Dialectic to read to the group. We all learn something without it being over anyone’s head. Lastly, I hand them their Reading Assignments for the week. They are welcome to start reading or put it away in their box, knowing that the reading has been added to their morning school time for the rest of the week, and I will be checking in on their progress during the week.
TUESDAY
Tuesday is usually spent discussing the main history threads and people focused on for the section. And here’s where I lose my Tapestry of Grace Mom Award – I read directly from the World Book notes in the Teacher’s Notes. *gasp*
As I stated earlier, I firmly believe that information should be digested several different ways, so even if the children are reading about a topic in their Reading Assignments, I still want them to hear it read aloud during our Tapestry Time.
For some people, the idea of reading from an encyclopedia sounds super boring, but I learned a knack for reading aloud with passion from my mom (THANKS, MOM!). I read with fervor, I interject questions and tidbits of my own, and many discussions ensue. I am not a teacher who refuses to stop for questions and comments (and diaper changes 😉 )
Another reason I am perfectly comfortable doing this is because Marcia has notes on the pages to keep me from being sucked into World Book’s worldview (yes, World Book has a worldview).
This also allows me to avoid a lot of pre-planning. The World Book sections are included so mom can pre-read and know what the children are learning about. I don’t do that. (another *gasp*) I digest the information alongside my children. It works for us.
The last thing I do on Tuesdays is hand out any relevant notebooking pages (I have a membership to NotebookingPages), and I help the children remember and write down pertinent information for Presidents, countries, etc. I file those away in a collective TOG Notebook I keep for the children’s Tapestry of Grace pages.
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday is usually the day we go over Tapestry of Grace Geography. This day is spent at the table with tea and cookies because our maps are on the dining room wall. We live in a smallish house and this was the best place for the maps. (We print our maps from this site.)
This is also the day we start any weekly projects I’ve decided to tackle. I usually go for the easy projects – something that can easily be accomplished in 2 days.
THURSDAY
This is the day we tie up loose ends. We work through the remainder of the list, and we finish projects. This is also the time I would have any discussions from Rhetoric that need to happen. I do not do all the major Rhetoric discussions since they are more for a classroom setting, and we can accomplish just about the same amount in a family discussion over the World Book material. (see Tuesday)
FRIDAY
We do not school on Friday because of Home Blessing. If we are doing a Unit Celebration or other related party, it occurs on Friday or Saturday. You might have noticed in my notes, we are having a Mexican-themed party this weekend!
Now, let me give you a little broader picture, so you can see what I’m NOT doing…
What I Leave Out of Tapestry of Grace
1. Writing – I have my own standards here, so I assign essays and research papers as needed. ALL of my children write creatively on their own. They got that bug from their mama.
2. Philosophy – We do an overview of philosophy, but I’ve never been a fan of the “dialogues” included in TOG.
3. Most worksheets – I don’t like busy work, and while the worksheets in TOG are well done, I can tell if my child is retaining information without the aid of worksheets, so we skip these.
4. Anything I feel is unnecessary for my child – This could be just about anything. Perhaps I know they have already studied a topic extensively or I don’t think they are old enough to understand myths or I don’t want to go as in-depth as TOG has them go on a subject. This is MY homeschool, I can use Tapestry the way I want/need to use it and still be a good mom. 😉
I Don’t Do All of Tapestry, but I Still Think it is Worth It.
So, perhaps you are wondering why I still like Tapestry of Grace if I don’t do it 100%. Why not just use another curriculum that doesn’t have the extras? Why not piece together my own?
Well, I tried piecing together my own. It was a disaster. Tapestry of Grace keeps me on track, and as I said before, it is the curriculum I return to time and again. Here are a few of the reasons why…
1. The hard work is done for me. I cannot imagine the countless hours Scott and Marcia Sommerville put in to make TOG what it is. It is massive, and everything I need is right at my fingertips without me needing to do all the hard work of gathering the information.
2. If I needed the extras, they’re already there. If sometime in the future, I decide to teach TOG a different way than I am now, I don’t have to scrap my old curriculum. Everything is there and next time I teach this unit, I can choose to do more (or less) without needing to go back to the drawing board, so to speak.
3. Our worldviews match. I am a Protestant Creationist Christian who believes God touches our lives every day in everything we do. This curriculum is decidedly from the same worldview. Yes, you can use it if you are not all of these things (and Marcia does a good job of letting you know where there might be a worldview clash), but I don’t need to filter a lot of stuff from this curriculum. For a busy mom of many, this is a huge time savings.
4. The answers are provided. There are other curricula out there that do not help mom formulate answers. They offer questions and discussions, but no answers to those questions. I can’t manage that kind of curriculum. There are days when I am sick with morning sickness, have newborn brain, or just don’t have the energy to wrap my brain around difficult concepts. I need someone to chew the information for me. I may not fully agree (but, I did say our worldviews match, so that helps), but at least I have something to go on. Thank you, TOG!
5. The chronology and interwoven topics suit my style. I like to study history chronologically. I like to know the whole story. I like to see God’s hand in history. I like to have my school subjects weave in and out of each other. I have never found another curriculum that does this as well as TOG. Yes, I add in my own stuff, but like I said before, Tapestry of Grace is an indispensable guide for me to work from. It is what ties our entire homeschool together.
So, now you know how Tapestry of Grace can work for a family that wants to use TOG as a guide rather than a full-tilt Classical curriculum. (Note: You will need to add in Math and Science no matter how you choose to use Tapestry.)
Let me finish by saying that I believe history should be the basis of every homeschool education. It is so rich and deep, that an understanding of it is the gateway to a well-rounded education.
“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”
~Theodore Roosevelt
Julie says
This is great! Thanks. So what do you actually purchase from Tapestry of Grace? Just the lesson plans? Can you opt out of those things you don’t use (like the worksheets). I have never used TOG –
Amy says
No, it’s a packaged deal (comes in 4 thick shrink-wrapped bundles). You just pop each of the 4 bundles in individual notebooks and go. I skip over the worksheets most of the time.
MrsMomof7 says
Wow, thanks Amy!! I know there are alot of moms out there wondering how to choose from the buffet of TOG. You have just set a wonderful example. Thanks!
This is my first year with a R student. I’ll let you know how it went at the end of the year! We have two friends who are joining us for the discussions, one in Lit and one in History. fun fun!
Amy says
Thank you! You are one who inspired me to go ahead and write this. Are you going to do the classroom-style Rhetoric discussions with them?
MrsMomof7 says
I plan on starting with the classroom style yes. But, I hope to expand beyond that. I have taught a classroom some of the elements of TOG’s Lit program in the past. It was great fun, but I don’t stick to the script. 🙂 I like to teach high school. It’s the lower grades that get me all ruffled. Though I will say, planning this year’s school has been a doozy. 6 students and 2 visiting part-time students, PK – 10th. It’s wild. But looking like it will be pretty smooth sailing, so long as attitudes don’t overwhelm the situation! 🙂 I’ll keep you posted.
Melissa says
Thanks so much. This is very helpful!
Amy says
Great! You gave me the push I needed to get this written. 😉
Suanna says
Thanks for sharing how your curriculum works for you. We don’t always use all of our curriculum guide either. It is a guide for us to use and adjust as needed. I’d love to know more about how writing is integrated into your school. You said your children are good creative writers, but do you give guidelines or topics? Do you grade papers they write? Do you have a grading format you use for papers? I’d love to see a post on teaching writing for your family.
Amy says
OK, I’ll try to get some things down on paper and post about that as soon as I can pull it all together.
Laurie martin says
Yes! I would be interested in how you handle creative writing as well! We are about to start Heart of Dakota and it covers history, science, and bible.
Judy Kay says
This will be our eighth year using ToG and I think I use even less of it than you do. : ) But I love it!! I’ve looked at other curriculum several times just to see what’s out there, and I’ve come back to ToG every time. And I’ve stopped feeling guilty for not using it fully and instead feel nothing but gratefulness to have exactly what my family needs for our classical/CM philosophies. It’s been the very best curriculum choice we’ve made. I’ve got my first Rhetoric student this year, so we’re spanning all levels! It’s such a joy to have our family all on the same page and all moving through God’s story together.
Amy says
Ha! That actually makes me feel good that someone uses it less than I do and still likes it! 🙂
Clarissa says
Loved this, thank you! I have been researching ToG and thinking I’ll use it for my oldest when he hits 9th grade in a few years. I love seeing how you use it and I love that it is flexible for a large family! So, do you get all of the years/levels when you purchase it or can you choose just the rhetoric levels, etc?
MrsMomof7 says
I’m not Amy, but I can answer that… You get all the levels, because that is the nature of the program. You cannot buy the levels separately.
Clarissa says
Ok, so is it the years you buy separately and each year has all levels? Or do you also get the 4 years in one package?
MrsMomof7 says
Yes, you buy the years separately. There are also add-ons to the program. Writing Aides is an additional purchase, so is the MapAides program. I can’t live without MapAides, but I could have survived without Writing Aides (I don’t use their writing program, except as supplementary to other things. Though I may change my mind in the future.) I have been using Tapestry for going on 7 years now. We have done many different things, I have only been through the cycle 1 .5 times, because two of the years I taught it, we decided to slow it down to half pace. That was great.
Amy says
We have taken it very slow as well. I like it that way. 🙂
Amy says
Yes, ditto MrsMomof7 – that’s the beauty of TOG – it’s ALL there!
Rebecca says
Thanks for the post! I need to Pin it for future reference. I just revamped our curriculum and had looked at TOG but thought it was expensive and had a lot of work. I may look at it over the winter and re-read. I think like you do, the Bible and History should be the thread that weaves in and out of our home school education and I only do curriculum that takes that view. My sister in law is looking for a complete curriculum for 2 of her girls, I saw this does not include math? She is looking at Sonlight but I had remembered reading (I think from you) that it had some reading material in it that you didn’t want to incorporate. She had a newborn (I think that’s why she wants an all inclusive curr. , she is feeling overwhelmed), a middle schooler and 1st grader and 4th grader. Any suggestions? I loaned her my Cathy Duffy curr. review book.
We chose Heart of Dakota because it weaves history through most all of the subjects but I am very eclectic and chose Shurley English, Building Spelling Skills, Horizons Math and kept some old readers from my older girls’ reading program (not really thrilled with it but I am supplementing with other things too). I also have a question…who do you order books from for your school year? I have been ordering from half.com, cheap but shipping is a bit much sometimes. My library is tiny in our town, they order books for me sometimes but it’s a big ordeal. Another library in the town over from us charges us at least $3 every time I want to order a book (I don’t order from them, I feel that’s ridiculous). I have access to a used book store but again, I’m taking a chance in that I’ll need the book then be scrambling and not be able to get it (I usually try to get books together a couple months before I need them, I actually pencil it into my planner to start ordering,) Any suggestions?
Amy says
No curriculum I am aware of TRULY incorporates math – even Sonlight. I couldn’t handle all the read-alouds with Sonlight. And yes, there were some books I was very bothered by. Is she not interested in HOD? That would have been my first thought. Five in a Row would be another I would look into. And I’d encourage her to ignore the “age grading” of anything but math. It just isn’t necessary and she can easily combine a 1st and 4th grader or a 4th grader and middle schooler by doing so.
I order most of my books from Amazon. We have Prime so the shipping is free and I get it in 2 days.
Clarissa says
Hi Amy, I am seriously considering buying year 1, but I’m wondering how you decide which books to use? Are the “needed” books listed in the lesson plans? I am thinking I will buy year 1 and then wait to buy/get the books needed until I’m able to look over the lesson plans. Do you end up using the lesson plans as a guide of what to study and when to study it, and then use what books you want?
Amy says
There is a list of “Core” books that I look through and decide if I really want those. I also have a rather extensive library in my home, so if I think one of the books can be switched out for something I already own, I do that. So, yes, I am mostly using it as a guide and supplementing my own stuff, but I really like her selections and have been happy to add them to my library.
Clarissa says
Thank you!
Leah says
Hi Amy! I was wondering if you do year 1 in 1 or 2 years? And is it different for any other years? For instance, is year 2 easier to do in 1 year? OR, is it all pretty much the same type layout and take a while to do. I just started TOG last year, but I got so bogged down after a few weeks that I ended up just putting it on the shelf and doing something else for History, although I would often go back to TOG and ended up getting through most of Unit 1 Year 1. I really do love TOG too, but I was just so overwhelmed. This year I want to have at it again and finish Year 1 with success, but it looks like most finish 1 year in a two year time period. Is this what you do as well? BTW, I do TOG very similar to the way you do. 🙂 In fact I do a lot of things very similar to the way you do. I just read your post on the Friday Home Blessing, and although I don’t do things quite the same way (yet) I use the same cleaning supplies you do. I LOVE windex as a multipurpose cleaner ( I use it for EVERYTHING) and my husband also loves Pinesol (and I do to if I’m being honest). I just think it’s so funny when you talk about your home life, and mine is so very similar, down to your particular thoughts and views on things. I believe we are kindred spirits.
Amy says
Hi Leah! YES, it takes us a LONG time to do EVERY year of TOG. I used to stress over it (and put it down, only to come back to it), until I realized they were learning and retaining so much that it was worth it to me to take it slow and really soak it all in. No, we aren’t going to get the full 4 year cycle in 4x, but I’m ok with that. 🙂
Angelica says
I could kiss you! I”ll send virtual (((hugs))) instead. This post was written for me! 😀 I was just lamenting to DH how I LOVE it & I want to make it work, but it feels overwhelming, while we’re also trying to keep up with housework, and run a family business from home. I’ve always wanted to do it – but make it my own, add stuff, subtract stuff, but still didn’t see how I could fit it in. This post combined with the recent post that linked to it – THANK YOU! We’re doing MFW Exploring Countries & Cultures w/our boys 9 & 6 (both fluent readers) this year & beginning TOG next year. I’ve also promised to teach DD4 how to read this year, and we have a busy 15 month old. Thanks for the links to your TOG boards – I’m following! 😀
Amy says
Yay! 🙂
Cathy says
I have to disagree with you about whether you deserve a TOG award. I would award you the “I get it!” award! The biggest obstacle for most people that have tried TOG is getting over not doing everything. It is meant to offer options for many learning styles, many teaching styles, and many seasons of life. The fact that you have tailored TOG to meet the needs of you and your family is exactly how TOG should be used, as a tool, not as a master!
Amy says
Thank you!!!
Jana says
Have y’all seen the Tapestry blog series on doing Tapestry wrong?
http://tapestryofgrace.com/blog/2015/10/introducing-how-to-do-tapestry-wrong/
They have multiple moms who have written on how they use Tapestry differently. I completely agree with Cathy. Having the material serve me and not master me is what sets me free in teaching.
NIKKI says
Hi Amy. Do you feel this curriculum will work if I have a high schooler who likes to work independently from his siblings? I would love for us to do history all together. Doesn’t it also incorporate grammar? Thank you!!
Amy says
Yes! Absolutely! You give him his assignments from the book and then focus your time and energy on the younger ones. He will be in the same place and be able to participate in discussions and such, but he won’t have to do everything with them.
Nikki says
Amy, I am new to homeschooling my 5 children we are looking for a new curriculum already. TOG looks good so far, but I am having a hard time seeing if it has grammar included in it? We love history and TOG seems to be a perfect fit for that love. Also, in reading your post you say that you mainly do workbooks in the morning. I am curious as to what those workbooks are. Finally, it appears that there is no science with this, do you have a suggestion for a science curriculum. My children love science!…sorry this is probably somewhere else on you site, I just haven’t found it yet.
Amy says
There isn’t grammar like studies of nouns and verbs and such, but there are writing assignments. There is science discussed in historical context, but we use Apologia for our science as TOG’s is not enough.
Kim says
Hi Amy, sharing your experience is so helpful! In year 3, the rhetoric history and government readings seem very long. Did your older kids do all of the readings from each book, or did you just use WB to sum up the information? My oldest is a strong reader, but is having trouble with the long readings, and even understanding all that she’s reading, esp The Revolutionary Era and Democracy in America. But, this is after years of Sonlight, which doesn’t have the same workload and expectation of the student. I want to press on, but it’s challenging.
Amy says
We used World Book a lot to sum up information because there is more than they can actually get through. Tapestry wants you to have lots of options, so you can choose what is most important to you and your family.
Marcie says
Amy, thank you so much! This helps me not feel quite so guilty. I have a large family and have even resorted to having my high schoolers read the teachers notes during high stress times. Can’t just stop everything for them when you have hospitalizations, transitions, etc.
Marcie White says
Yes! This is exactly what I’ve done also. Those teachers notes are excellent! We’re halfway through schooling our brood of 9 here using Tapestry
Amy says
I am SO glad to know I’m not the only one doing this! 🙂
Rhianon says
Hi there! I recently purchased Year 1 with TOG and I was kind of hoping to be flexible with the book titles we will be using. We have a fantastic library where we live and an AMAZING Goodwill with tons of books that are always cycling through (I really do think teachers drop all their book gems off there). Do you find it possible to find book titles that are on the same subject ie. Ancient Egypt but maybe not the same title TOG has in their book list? Thanks so much.
Amy says
YES! I often substitute what we already have in our library for the books mentioned. Not a problem at all. The only thing that will change is that you won’t be able to use the student pages that are specific to that book, but I’ve never found that to be an issue.
Amanda says
I love this!! You sound so much like me. I’ve never been able to follow a curriculum exactly and still love it. So nice to know you find freedom within the structure of TOG.
Julie Ann Filter says
You are my hero! I bought Tapestry of Grace YEARS ago when my oldest children were my little people. And, I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed. I’ve swung all over the place these last 7 years, never really finding my footing, but between this and the Robinson Curriculum, I keep returning to an arena of peace that no other plan has given me. I truly value the orderliness of Tapestry of Grace, and the systematized approach available with it. Robinson is great, but it lacks the order my brain requires. I’m thinking this next year I will return to Tapestry of Grace, but MAKE IT WORK FOR US. I am a mom of 7 kids, 12 to almost 2, so I totally understand the various ages. Now, finally, I can wrap my head around the expectations of the various ages and actually accepting where each one truly is. I was unprepared for this reality years ago. Life is quite an excellent teacher. I will surely be returning to this post come the next few months when I begin planning again. Thanks for writing it all down. Shalom!
Amy says
Yay! You sound so much like me 🙂
Julie Ann Filter says
Lol, it’s funny because I truly have not gathered enough wisdom from fellow moms of large families, and I’m totally feeling the void. I think this year I’m going to have to zone into my fellow mamas who “get it” because trying to figure out how to do life from moms with like 2 kids, or kids under 5 is NOT serving my mental health very well, lol. You’re a gem! Very glad I am checking out your stuff again. Hugs!!
Lynn says
Thank you, Amy. I found this post through Pinterest. I don’t know if you are still active on this blog, but
would love to hear your input if you are. I have used Heart of Dakota in the past and am currently
thinking of trying Sonlight or TOG. Do you have a perspective on how TOG compares to Sonlight?
Thank you!
Lynn
Amy says
Hi Lynn! Yes, I’m still here, just taking most of December off to spend time with my family. The biggest difference I see between Sonlight and TOG is that TOG expects you to use the curriculum with multiple ages all learning the same things at their own level. Sonlight is separated by ages, so your children will not be learning the same thing at the same time unless you choose ONE level and make it work for everyone – thus making it a little harder to implement in my opinion. The converse of this is that I feel like TOG’s lesson plans are more cumbersome than Sonlight. There is so much there, that certain personality types will be completely overwhelmed by it all. They are supposed to be coming out with the levels separated out better, but I’m not sure that is complete yet. Sonlight also includes all the book you need – TOG does not. For what it’s worth, we are taking some time off from TOG. After many years of doing TOG, I needed a more low-key transitional year. Hope that helps!
Carrie says
I know this is an older post, but could you please share how you would feel about allowing your children to read books recommended by Tapestry of Grace without pre-reading them? We’re currently reading through Sonlight’s book list and I feel I have to spend a lot of time debriefing. I know that information is sometimes included in the Instructor’s Guide, but I have great readers and don’t always make it there before they’ve read the book!
Amy says
That was one of the most difficult things for me about Sonlight. TOG has notes at the end of each week about upcoming assignments – particularly the reading and anything you might find objectional. I really like that because it takes the burden off me to pre-read everything!
Hope says
This is an old post, so I don’t know if I’ll get a reply, but I’m researching curriculum to start our home schooling journey next fall with kindergarten. Since he’s our only one, would you recommend this curriculum for an only child kindergartner, or is it better to look for other options until he’s older? In general I lean towards classical, Charlotte Mason, Sonlight//iterature-based
style curriculum. I grew up doing beka/Bob Jones/life pacs as a home schooler of the 80s and 90s.
Kimberly says
Hi! Obviously, this question wasn’t directed at me…but hopefully my two cents as a mother of 5 stretching from senior to kinder could be of benefit. Background: I have used TOG, am currently planning for next year, and use it very similarly to the way it is described here. That said, I don’t know that I would use TOG for just a kinder. It really shines when you have multiple students at different learning levels. Even beyond that, I think it’s more pricey and beefy than need be for a kinder student. Others may totally disagree for good reason, but that’s my opinion 🙂
Amy says
I absolutely 100% concur with this comment! 🙂
Andrea says
Hi Amy-I’ve been using TOG very similarly to you since I started homeschooling in 2011. My oldest will be in 9th grade in the fall of 2019. Would you be willing to give me a glimpse into how you got your oldest kids through their high school years (while teaching/training your littles) and what your “graduating” and “diploma” process looked like? Did you make your high school kids take a state test for their GED? -Did you issue a home school high school diploma? How did you go about this?
—I can’t believe I’m about to have a freshman (who ultimately wants to be a housewife and Momma, too… as opposed to having a life-long career in the business world). I would love to see a blog about this phase of life if you are willing (or if you already have one, just post a link?). Thank you, in advance!
Amy says
Hi Andrea! Here’s a post to get you started – https://raisingarrows.net/preparing-homeschooler-college/ I need to write a post about the things you are specifically asking but to give you the short answer – we do not do a GED. I issue them a high school transcript. I typically follow the graduation requirements for the state we are currently living in. And that’s it. 🙂 By the time the kids are in high school, a lot of their work is independent. We do have Morning Time and Bible/history/geography discussions around the table, but math, science, etc are independent. I hope that helps, and I will start outlining a couple of posts to answer your questions more in-depth. 🙂
Christie says
Hi Amy,
I stumbled across this article while researching ideas/ways to combine the idea of Unit Studies with TOG. It looks like you kind of use this idea? Do you have a couple of weeks from your plan that you could share? I will have 2 LG, 1 UG, 1 D, 1 D/R mix (she’s a freshman and not quite ready for a full R plan), and 1 R. I’m really trying to figure out how to move from following a weekly laid out plan to more of a unit study idea. I’m still using the same 2006 printed version for TOG since 2007. I’ve used it for so long as a weekly plan, I’m really struggling with the idea of how to switch to something more unit style or even a simple layout. And their are so many GREAT books that they give, I have the hardest time narrowing down which ones to do vs not do. Can you give any tips/ideas?
Amy says
Hi Christie! That’s a great idea! I would not have considered what I do to be Unit Study, but now that you said that, I see how it could look like that! I’ll see if I can pull together a week or two to post here!
Z.Magnus says
Hello Amy!
I so appreciate your sharing of how your family handles ToG. I am looking forward to using it again soon, but i’m concerned about the amount of suggested history reading. My oldest is 11 & UG and although he certainly has the passion for all things history & literature, the amount of suggested (?) Core & In-Depth history readings, paired with the other readings is enough to make him feel overloaded.
My drawn out conversation is this: can we use ToG satisfactorily while refraining from doing all of the suggested reading? Does your family do all of the suggested readings? If so, how on earth do you find the time?!
Amy says
We do not do all of the reading, and even the author of the curriculum suggests TOG is a smorgasbord to pick and choose from, so that’s what I do! Choose books you think will interest your son or challenge him and let the others be. 🙂
Zakia says
i typed *draw out **question** but it came out conversation. This is what happens when I type without my glasses.
Claudia Smeltzer says
HI, So, I too have been searching high & low for a curriculum that matched our biblical worldview and TOG seems to do that. But, I am overwhelmed like you were. Even though I have read your post on how you simplify it I guess I still don’t understand… Do you happen to have YOUR OWN TOG guide to that shows what you do from where etc, that you can share? I need structure and I get overwhelmed from seraching around because I am so new I don’t feel I have the backbone to know where to pull or what to add on of my own.
Thank you!
Amy says
Hi Claudia! I am so sorry, but I don’t have a specific structure. I usually plan a couple of weeks at a time and pull out what I think I can get done.