What is the spine for American Culture?

[Christy]

American Study 1 and 2 have the American Story as it main spine, and Crossings has TT, but what about Culture?

Has anyone loved any of the books recommended? I'm trying to decide whether to buy the entire program or just check most of the books out from the library.

[1shortmomof4]

There is not a spine for the Cultures program - you work from 1 or two books, or, in some cases, you actually visit a website and print off the readings and lessons. The books themselves are very full of information. The new exclusives are really very nice and well done. There are now questions for each week based on the reading, paragraphs are written to give you an overview of the time period and cultural period - this program is really vamped up compared to other WP programs (and I've used or am using a few). I will say that I find the program definitely geared towards the higher age range. I know the RAs are on the lower side but definitely not the content of the history books that are being read - there is a lot of "meat" to this program.
Heidi

[Christy]

So, do you think it's too much for younger children to listen in on? I have been using American Crossings this year, and the youngers sort of listen here and there and help with the crafts. Other than that I haven't done much history with them. The ages of my girls will be in 7th, 6th, 3rd, and 1st next year, or should I just do Ameican Story 2 with all of them?

[cmd4hcc]

Last year I did AS1 with my son who was 9. This year I debated on AS2, or American Cultures. I realized that some of the activities that were not really his style with the AS1 (coloring, building the paper maps, and the MYO) were the same in AS2, but different in AC. We opted to go with AC for this coming year. He is on the lower end of the recommended grade level, 5th-8th, but I was drawn to the Bible Study, Art History, and the Make Your Own American Culture Magazine. These all seemed more directed toward his ability level and his personality. They just came in the mail and look amazing! I haven't dove in too much yet, but they are interesting, simple, easy to use and very informative. I didn't realize that WP had more exclusives with this program and they look really well done. We are excited to get started.

My vote would be to go with AC although you have probably ordered already.

Someone else mentioned the website links. I don't know about all of the website links, but that is the way it goes with the internet. There are so many other great resources that I didn't feel a broken link was a big hinderance, or disappointment.

Also, thoroughly enjoying working with WP, their eagerness to make a great curriculum and satisfy their customers.