We are also using the welltrained mind idea. Adjusted slightly as usual
we began by listening to Story of the world in audio but quickly realised that alone is wasn't nearly enough. We have listened to the first one and half of the second. It opened doors and encouraged questions and we all loved it ( OK Tiana tolerated it, the rest of us loved it) I decided to wait to listen to the rest until we get up to that time in history with out other readings.
Now we decided to use the general format and study each section of history as a whole and link it to our world map. So logically we started with ancient History ( ancient Egypt, was our favourite, Rome, and other ancient civilisations.) since my kids go to a Christian school and I ( but not they) believe in evolution sometime during our ancient civilisation study I realised I needed to start even further back!
To solve that problem we listened to a few other complete history Audios ( a short history of nearly everything, good for mums and older kids, and 2 others I can't remember the names off just now) this gave my kids a good strong overall structure to pin our History exploration to.
To actually learn about History my kids LOVE living books best. They love reading a story about what a life was like in those times. So we are always on the lookout for history living books. Especially audio books! We started this adventure into living books from a chance borrowing from the local library. Hapchetsut (spelling?) the female Pharoah had them hooked!
So from now on my job is just to provide the books in historical order. Then remember to go and point it out on the map each time we change civilisations. I try to get as many books as I can and work through it pretty slowly. Unlike the welltrained mind, I doubt my kids will ever do this history cycle more than once, maybe twice but definitely not three times!
What I love about it is the kids get to read great stories, not always realising that they are based on true facts. They learn naturally that history is "just a story" one persons view of what may have happened many years ago. They get the chance to read fables, myths, legends, bible stories and stories of every day life. Plus this way they get a much stronger understanding of sequence and past world events.
I think if you read the well trained mind book you would know exactly how to proceed. What would work for your child and what wouldn't. I highly recommend it.
Digg
