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We will be using Beyond LHFHG for the first time this summer, as we start 1st grade with our daughter. Before purchasing the curriculum, I had talked with friends who are using different history programs with their kids and using the book of centuries to guide their children through world history, attempting to go in chronological order. This was very appealing to me also, as I thought teaching the Bible alongside world history would be a neat way to bring the Bible to life. Now that I've decided on HOD (and am very excited about it!), I guess I'm wondering whether I should or could review both the American history books provided in the Beyond curriculum as well as using a book of the centuries timeline. . . . it seems like it would be confusing to my child. . but wondering what other's thought. . . . and to ask whether anyone used supplemental history lessons with their 1st grader alongside the Beyond books provided.

I won't be doing Beyond until the fall with my 2nd grader, but my guess is what Carrie has scheduled is plenty. I don't know anything about the book of centuries, so can't comment on that or if it would be too much.

Hello! I am wrapping up Beyond lhfhg with my dc. I have never used the book of centuries but prior to HOD I had started history with Story of the World which goes in chronological order because I thought that it made sense to approach history this way. Well, it didn't work out well with my sensitive girls. There were many things that I felt that I needed to edit out of the history reading because it seemed a bit barbaric and I felt that my girls were too young to process all of it. Just my opinion. Also I do look forward to learning about earlier history with my girls but at a later time. As far as doing the history simultaneously, I wouldn't. There is plenty of history in BLHFLHG for a first grader. When you do get to it later your dc will be at an age where they can figure out how it all fits together time wise. As far as the Bible goes BLHFHG definitely has you covered. HTH

Thank you Gina! Helpful information and I appreciate the feedback . . . . . love having this support via a message board!

In Beyond you'll be directed in making a timeline of the events you study throughout the year. It's a great way to show children how those events fit together. It's also a great way to review the things you've learned, and remember when each one happened! My children have had a wonderful time with Beyond this year. Praying your year with it is a blessing as well!

Kim,

While going through HOD's guides, you will be seeing the big picture of history and the Bible will be your main text. We've done this with LHFHG, and Preparing, and now have started to study it more in-depth in CtC. Preparing uses the book Grandpa's Box which is an all-time favorite here! I just loved the way it made the Bible stories come alive to me in a new way. And I loved seeing how the Bible fit in with what was going on in the world as it was paired with A Child's History of the World.

I would just use Beyond as-is, and look forward to studying the world as you move along.

Here are a couple of Carrie's thoughts that might interest you on the FAQ part of the website.
http://www.heartofdakota.com/faqs.php#Q ... le_covered
Q: How are history and the Bible covered?
A: Little Hearts for His Glory gives a sweeping overview of history from creation to present day showing students where the Bible fits in to history and how we got to present day America. The emphasis is on God's hand throughout history.

http://www.heartofdakota.com/faqs.php#Q ... tory_first
Q: Why did you choose to focus on American history first?
A: After having my oldest son move through the time periods chronologically from the Ancients to the present, I found that I would have preferred to wait to discuss myths, legends, other gods, and pagan cultures until he was older and more ready for these concepts. I also found the study of the early time periods was often filled with weighty topics, barbaric behavior, and many stories of cruelty. Even in watered down fashion these didn’t seem to be appropriate topics for young children.

Instead, I wanted my young children to be inspired by stories of American heroes. I wanted to lead them to see God’s providence in the history of our nation. It seems more natural to surround them with stories that are closer in time to where they are today. So, we begin our history study with the patriotic heritage that surrounds us daily.

Kathleen

edited to add: That 2nd link isn't working quite right. I copied the info here, but it should take you to that question under the Beyond category.

Thank you Kathleen & Lisa. . . perfect!! I'm so looking forward to making a time line and allowing history to come alive. . . . This is so very different from what I was doing as a 1st grader and am thrilled at the possibilites of what she can learn and the benefits of incorporating Bible study into our every day lessons.