Hello,

I am concerdering spreading out y1 over 2 years and I would love some advise. We are new to homeschooling and TOG this year, I will be transitioning my 7 yr old triplets (2nd grade) home while their 5 yr brother goes to kindergarten. After speaking with a veteran hsmom yesterday, I am thinking that my transition might be tougher and more time consuming then I originally thought. I want to succeed at this, I want my children to be excited about learning and history. So I am afraid if I push too much too fast, I will stress out and become a drill sargent. This is why I am concerding spreading out y1. However, I am really excited to study Early America in y2, so the thought of pushing it off another year is disappointing. Any thoughts, guidence or schedule ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Laura,

YIKES! You have your hands full!

Definitely, go with your "gut" and spread it out. There is more in Year One than you could ever do each week, so feel free to add things from the "optional/enrichment" side if your kids need more to do.

They're young enough to do this; your 2nd graders will still go through Year One three times before they graduate.

Besides, I think you'll be too busy to even REMEMBER to be "disappointed" about Year Two!!

Just relax, focus on the basics, and remember to have fun!

Becca in CO

About your enthusiasm for studying early America: I have learned that I'm always more eager to teach what I already know about. You probably know more about early America, and so you can picture what fun you're going to have, but you may not have studied ancient history in such depth.

When I contemplate studying a time period that I've never studied before, I feel little enthusiasm for it. But when I get into it, I'm always surprised at how interested I become. You may feel that way about the ancient history studies, too.

Beth

Another option is not to try to go too indepth and don't try to do it all! Remember there is more than enough for them to go thru year 1 and it is ok to not do it all. I personally wouldn't want to spread it out, either. I would just introduce some things that don't necessarily have to be so indepth and spend more time on the other stuff. For 7 yr olds I think using some of the lapbooking projects would be a great way to study Egypt and also doing the salt maps together. Do the geography you can and make sure they are getting the basic historical idea w/the Bible background. Do their "regular" school in the morning..like math..etc. I think with triplets it will give you an advantage in their studies (not slow you down). That is why I love unit studies and TOG so much. This is my 6th (or 7th) year of homeschooling and my first year at TOG. Go for it! :-)