Where to start in the What We Believe series (Apologia)

[jenn in nc]

My 9th grade son is going to be using MtMM this year and I'm trying to finalize the details of my purchase. I could use some advice regarding this series. This will be his first year with HOD so he hasn't done the first book in the series (Who Is God?). MTMM schedules the second book in the series (Who Am I?) and I'm wondering whether I should swap it for the first book? They look to me like they may build on each other.

Also, can anyone tell me how this book is used? Is it independent for the student? It looks like it might make a really good family study.

Thanks everyone.

[chillin'inandover]

It appears from looking at "week at a glance" that you use the What We Believe book 2 times per week. It is a T for teacher. The guide states that you & kiddo can read it silently or you can read it out loud. Following the reading you discuss what was read. Much is gained by discussion, as it provides an excellent opportunity to share what you believe. The other 2 days are a nature study that is S-student& teacher activity. Carrie strives to find balance with each box in the guide. Although you can have family time with this guide, so much of high school is independent that you might cherish the time 1:1 in this section. If you added the other Who is God book the day would take longer than suggested and throw off the balance. Each book in the series has a different focus so you wouldn't need to read the other in order. In MTMM the focus is on Biblical Worldview of Self Image. That sounds like the discussion would be beneficial with only 1 student, for more meaningful discussion.
There is a separate time for Bible Quiet Time each day that is done independently. If you are wanting a family study, the Nature Journal & poem may be a good one. Everyone can go on the hike and draw pictures and discuss the poem. Carrie does not promote doing activities from other guides for various reasons, so I am hesitantly suggesting that. Looking over the guide, all I can say is, "What a fun year for you and your student!" Enjoy!

[jenn in nc]

Tammy,
Thanks for pointing out the week-at-a-glance on the website, very helpful! My internet has been running so slowly that I've been working mostly from the catalog and only had the one-day example in there to look at. (And actually, that does mention the worldview study too, but the letters on boxes G and J are switched in the new catalog, and I didn't notice it.)

So that totally clears up my question, as long as no one thinks that I need to perhaps go through the Who Is God? book with him this year, and then do Who Am I? next year, or perhaps over the summer. Anyone have any experience doing it that way?

[Motherjoy]

We didn't do the Who is God book, and my son had no issues going into the book with MTMM. He loves it, and we've had some good discussions.

[jenn in nc]

Motherjoy,
That's exactly what I needed to know. Okay, I'll just go with the that one then. Thanks!
Jenn