CTC?? What's it like? My blinders are finally OFF!!

[mothermayi]

Since I have learned of HOD, I seemingly have become the most indecisive mom on the planet . Just as I thought I made up my mind, I changed it . With that said, I couldn't help wonder if I should place my almost 10 year old and 11.5 year old in CTC instead of RTR. Well, I have a confession. Apparently, I looked at the placement chart with blinders on; meaning, I chose each section of the chart based on what I "thought" or hoped my kids knew. Well, after chatting with them this evening and going over the chart with them, they helped me to remove my blinders and "see." It looks like we are going to order CTC instead of RTR. This is fine and they are actually excited about learning history from the beginning instead of jumping in at the resurrection of Christ.

So tell me...what is CTC like? I have spent so much time talking about RTR over the last two weeks only to figure out that I was off with our placement . Should I purchase the extension package for my 6th grader? Are there daily reading plans or questions or assignments to accompany the extension books? Also, this means that my oldest won't be able to finish the cycle before high school. What do I do about MTMM? We really want to cover this period but it seems it would be done as a 9th grader . Then the geography guide..

Please be patient with me as I ask a million questions this week .

Thanks!!

ETA: I've looked at the catalog but want to make sure that the only extras needed for an additional student are the student pages, right?

[LynnH]

We really liked CTC. I loved how it intertwined biblical history with what is typically studied as ancient history. You can add the extensions if you want for your oldest, but I would only recommend that if they are a strong reader and enjoy reading. If not CTC is plenty full without it. There is a schedule in the appendix for the extension readings for what to read and recommendations for how often to do oral narrations, written narrations etc with those readings.

As far as skipping MTMM, many people are doing this with their 9th graders. It doesn't take much to beef it up. You may decided at that point to split your dc and have your oldest skip MTMM and do the Geography guide. I would imagine the high school World Geography guide and the Modern American History guide will cover much of the same material that is in MTMM, just in more depth.

I can't think of any other materials you would need 2 of. Jashub's Journal which is in the story time history book package does have questions to answer, but they could easily do those on notebook paper.

[MomtoJGJE]

You'd need two math books. And some people choose to have students do the work in the english text...

[LovingJesus]

Just loving see God work....

I have been reading your posts and praying for you since I know how hard placement is coming from MFW from experience, and how easy it is to start off too high in HOD underestimating how many skills she really builds into the guides.

I think you will love CTC!

[Kteni]

Praise The Lord for His hand on your home school. What a blessing to have those special heart talks that help us come together in His plans and relate. Hugs to you for your new beginnings!

[mom23]

Just wanted to share that I have an 11 yo 6th grader working in CTC this year. My dd is a bright kid, likes to work independently, and is a strong reader, yet we do not do extensions with CTC. We've found the guide to be very full and completely challenging as written. Don't feel at all like you have to do them! I'd recommend you begin as written and consider adding them only if you find in a few weeks that your child is really needing more.

And, yes, the delimma of potentially missing one of these wonderful guides! I share it. I'm waiting until we get to the point of needing to make a decision to think about what guide we're starting for high school. Otherwise, I'd work myself into a tizzy over something that I really cannot decide at this point because I don't know yet where she's going to place when we get there. Just along for the ride and trusting God to give us wisdom at that time. I know that either way, HOD is a wonderful education and we'll be getting exactly what our family needs, even if we end up missing a guide in the middle or at the end.

[my3sons]

CTC is terrific! I think you are going to really enjoy it alongside your dc. I know I am. I feel like I got a 'redo' myself. I got to redo how I learned ancient history in a God-honoring way. It really has been special.

As far as MTMM for high school - great! I think that will work just fine. Here is a post that may help...
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13618&p=97621

I'm glad you figured out the right placement for your dc. It sounds like you have a super year ahead of you! Thanks for sharing!
In Christ,
Julie