Easy Classical

Homeschool Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of questions our customers have asked us over the years. Hopefully you can find an answer to your questions. If not, feel free to contact us with your question.
 

What is the difference between the main schedule and the complete schedule?

The main schedule includes 36 week-long schedule pages. Each schedule page provides daily assignments in each of the main subjects. The main subjects include: Math, Reading, Writing, Copywork, Spelling, Grammar, Critical Thinking, Latin, Art, Physical Education, Music Practice, and Bible. Not only do the complete schedules include the main schedule, but they also include a history and science schedule as well.


What is the scope and sequence of your history program?
Our history schedules start with State History in first grade, OT and the Ancient World in second, NT, Greece and Rome in third, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation in fourth, Early Modern Times in fifth, and Modern times in sixth. We are planning to add Junior High and High School schedules in the near future which will revisit these time periods again.

Why do you start the study of history with State History?
There are several reasons why we recommend that the first grade student start with State History. Generally in first grade, children can not fully comprehend the abstract concept of "history." They have only lived a short time and so the idea of the past is pretty recent to them. Also, children in this age group have a short attention span, and most of that time is consumed by learning to read and to decipher the elementary concepts of numbers in math. This is a lot for a young mind to master. Because of these factors we decided to begin history with the study of your state. It is easier to understand the abstract concept of a historical event when you can visit the place where it occurred. Also, the generic study of history in first grade helps to build a foundation for learning chronological history as the child's mind develops. We have also found that most of what the child memorizes and learns in first grade is forgotten. Much of what is learned in second grade and later in the elementary years is retained.

Another reason we decided to start the official study of history in second grade is because of our desire to break down the study of the "Ancient World" into a two year study. The first year covers the Old Testament and the Ancient World, and the second year covers the New Testament, Greece, and Rome. When we tried to combine the two studies into one year, we were finding that we had to leave out important time periods and topics. With the study of the ancients in two years the child gains a clear picture of how the Bible seamlessly integrates with ancient history.

We are pulling our child out of the public school and will be homeschooling next year. Which history do you recommend we begin with?

One of the main differences between studying "social studies" and history is that the study of history is done in a chronological fashion. So, the child studies history from the beginning of time and progresses through the years chronologically until he reaches the present day. It is best, therefore, to start the study of history at the beginning of time. So, for the child who is starting the study of Classical history in second, third, or older, we recommend using the Old Testament and the Ancient World history schedule. This schedule is adaptable to any age from 2nd grade through 8th grade. The second grader would would do more of the projects and hands on ideas suggested. For the older elementary age and middle school child, more writing, reading, and engaging with the concepts should be encouraged.


What science do you recommend we start with if my child is in 3rd grade and we haven't used the Classical method before?
These early years of studying science are the foundation years. As you begin to teach your child the basics of science, keep in mind that your goal is to provide general information about the science topics that he/she will revisit in junior high and senior high. With that in mind, the answer to your question depends on the topics your child has studied in his/her first few years of school. If the he/she has learned basic biology and earth science information, then you would be fine to start with chemistry. On the other hand, if you feel that the basic information laid out in the Animals, Human Body, and Plants Schedule and/or the Geology, Weather, and Astronomy Schedule, then it would be better to start with the material that is new.

Can Easy Classical Schedules and Curriculum be used in the traditional school setting?
Absolutely! We have several Christian schools that have used our schedules to guide their classrooms. Others have used our copybooks, geography books, and writing books too. If you are interested in bulk pricing, please contact us at sandy@easyclassical.com.

I have a first grader and a third grader. Should I buy the Complete Schedules for both of them?
It is possible to use two complete schedules to teach your children, but it will take a lot of time and effort. Each complete schedule has a science schedule, history schedule, and main schedule. We recommend that families with multiple children use one science and one history with the whole family and buy separate main schedules for each of the children. The science and history that you choose should be based on the history and science topics your oldest child has already learned. For example, if your third grader has already covered the ancient civilizations, it would be best if you bought the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation Schedule this year. Your first grader won't understand everything that is being taught during history, but he will retain some of the information. He will have an opportunity to learn the information later when he repeats the cycle. We have found that families who use only one history and one science with their kids cover more of the material during the year. On the other hand, families who try to teach multiple histories and sciences generally skip science and/or history because they become overwhelmed.

 

 

 

 

 


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