Okay, it's not the kids, it's me. I admit it. I do NOT want my first experience with Tapestry to be Year One. I absolutely refuse. I want it to be pleasant. I do not like the Ancients, not even a little...

Would it be totally wrong to do this:
Study Year 3 - Rhetoric, UG, LG

Then NEXT year begin the full four year rotation as Ana will be moving into Dialectic and Christian will be moving into Rhetoric.

Our plates are going to be so full this year with one very advanced 8th grader, an average 5th grader, a 2nd grader, a K/1st, a PreK/K, a 3yo, a 1yo, and a newborn. I've heard that Year 2 is probably the most "full" and we really enjoy the time period covered by Year 3. I wonder if it wouldn't be a great way to break us in? Or would there be a good reason to do Year 2 or Year 4 instead and then start on the full four year rotation.

I should add we've been homeschooling the last eight years. Our oldest was educated with a combination of classical and CM, and is VERY organized and academic. Our second got off to a slow start with delayed reading, but just took off like a rocket this year and is reading beautifully. Our next (7yo) is only reading lightly but we aren't doing "real" school this summer and we're taking the 3 month break to move her from 3 & 4 letter words to smoother reading so she'll be prepared for the fall.

We've been waffling over the decision to go with TOG for six months now and we've finally decided to jump in with all 18 feet. The whole family is on board, lol.

I love your subject line!

Yes, I'd go ahead and start with Year 3 and continue with the regular rotation.

But, we won't make you, of course!

You certainly can do anything you want! That's the beauty of a rotational curriculum, and with a solid history background it won't be difficult.

One thing to consider: I'd have your older two bone up on/review US History, especially from the Revolutionary War forward. There's a lot of groundwork in TOG during the colonial era that applies to (and explains) the Civil War and the American presidency. George Washington is a "must review," imho, and you'll want to review the French Revolution as well.

HTH!

Start where you want, but I will say that year 1 is fab!! There is soo much that the 7 and under crowd could do as far as hands on, and some of the lower grammar stories are wonderful. I was very tickled to see one of our family favorites (Little Babaji) was on the reading list. Gotta love it when you are TOLD to read fun stuff!!

Okay, here's my long term thinking, more than just a preference.

8th grade - Year 3
9th grade - Year 1 (and the 7 and under crowd will only be 8 and under so they'll still enjoy it.) I should mention that I'm afraid if I start with Year 1 it will color how I feel about TOG. I really (REALLY) haven't ever enjoyed the Ancients and we've always utilized a literature based approach over the last eight years a la The Well Trained Mind, and for one season Sonlight.
10th grade - Year 2
11th grade - Year 3
12th grade Year 4

I know it's a bit out of wack, but we want to give TOG our best shot and Year 3 is our favorite time period. And I'd love to shoot to Year 4 and then through the rotation but I think (guessing here) that it will be far more important for her to slide that Year 4 time period into her senior year than her 9th grade year and miss it in high school. That will give her a full rotation through the Rhetoric stage. And the other children have plenty of time. Does that make sense?

Marcia,

Thank you for that. I will say I have history junkies in the 13yo and the 10yo. We're spending a few weeks this summer "prepping" to take on Year 3. We will definitely need to review the French Revolution, though we've devoted a LOT of time to the Civil War. I'm hoping it will keep me busy and distracted in the planning/scheduling and keep me from jumping in headfirst!

I like your plan. Year 4 is a very "dark" year which would be better taken on by a senior than a freshman. Of course, by the time you get there, it looks like you'll have one of each!