Cant decide where to start!

[faiths13]

I just cant decide what program to use for my 7th grader this fall. I am trying to keep in mind that he needs to do US History and World History in high school. He did ancients in 4th, middle ages in 5th, and a half a year of early modern last year (dont think he got much history, we just did Story of the World). So I am thinking of either going with Res to Ref, Rev to Rev, or MTMM. We are new to Christianity, and I like the idea of doing Middle Ages again to tie in why America started. But then we will miss out of MTMM. I am thinking about doing ancients for 9th, because I like the idea of getting that foundation. Although I just dont know.

Also I have another son who will be in 9th. I dont think I can combine them...right? lol I have looked a little at the new high school guides, but Im not even sure when they are coming out. I was thinking of going with something else for my oldest. How do I decide where to go in history for 7-8?

[StephanieU]

Everything I have read boils down to where they place on the chart: http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php
You will see that there are extensions to bump up Rev2Rev and MtMM for 9th grade, so you could possibly use Rev2Rev for both boys. Some have even used CtC and RtR for high school using some supplement (check out the pinned topic here on the discussion board for more information on that).

And the geography guide should be ready by early September they have said too.

[faiths13]

Since they have the extension packages, my 7th grader could use any of the three I listed, lol. I thought about that, then realized that doesn't really matter. So that is why I am trying to decide where to start as a point in history.

[Molly]

I had my oldest do Preparing with extensions when we first started because I was trying to combine. The guide was too easy for her and the extensions did help, but she really needed to be challenged in the majority of her work, not just some. She is now doing RtR without extensions, although we have some of the books for her to read as she loves to read, and is enjoying the challenge. I would suggest you find the guide which he would fit in without extensions as I do think that is where they will find everything achievable yet challenging. I think no matter what guide, he will enjoy it and really the history time period isn't that important, it's the skills they gain.

[StephanieU]

I had my oldest do Preparing with extensions when we first started because I was trying to combine. The guide was too easy for her and the extensions did help, but she really needed to be challenged in the majority of her work, not just some. She is now doing RtR without extensions, although we have some of the books for her to read as she loves to read, and is enjoying the challenge. I would suggest you find the guide which he would fit in without extensions as I do think that is where they will find everything achievable yet challenging. I think no matter what guide, he will enjoy it and really the history time period isn't that important, it's the skills they gain.

I agree with this. The other advantage to this route is that it is going to be easiest on you. If you want to add in the 9th grader on some things, you could easily do that - using the extensions. I don't know what is planned for the World History guide that is scheduled to come out in a year, but I bet it would fill in any gaps you have in terms of history.

[faiths13]

I guess actually all of those guides would work fine without the extensions. He is 12, so he is in the age range for all 3.