4 Steps for Getting Started

So you just received your first box from RC History!

The beauty of the program is the richness and variety of resources that it incorporates. But we understand that, when receiving a whole package of books, you may feel overwhelmed deciding where to begin. Consider following these steps when diving in!

1. Carefully read the Intro to Salvation History and Connect Method™

These sections explain the Why and How of Connecting with History. This is much more than a set of lesson plans and assignments. The program is based on the Framework that will teach your family how to understand history through the lens of Salvation History, interweaving the thread of God's plan throughout the events of human history. 

Connecting with History is also built upon a strong educational philosophy that organizes each unit into steps that flow from one to the next. Each unit includes guided family discussions, learning through reading, followed by turning new knowledge into practice through activities, and culminates with each child sharing their newfound discoveries with others. 

2. Take a Tour Through the Program

This section will walk you through how to use Connecting with History. Each element of the program is carefully designed to lead your family step-by-step through an exciting process of discovery!

3. Plan your schedule

Organize the program to fit into your daily and weekly schedule. The lesson plans provide a ready-made schedule, however we have designed them to be flexible - you can still pick and choose how much you want to do. Most people begin with a scaled back approach and then slowly add to the activities as they get a feel for what works for their family.

Our new editions include a handy addition to help you plan, track progress, and move at your own pace. Unit Snapshots include the reading assignments for both Core History and Literature, as well as geography and memory work, all in a checklist format for each age level. These are a terrific tool for adapting Connecting with History to your family.

How you schedule your use of Connecting with History should be flexible to your needs and goals. There are as many variations as there are families. Think about both the big picture and day-to-day.

What time of day and how long per day do you want to devote to CWH?

How long is your school year? 

Connecting with History is scheduled for 35 weeks per school year.

Remember that it's okay if you do not finish your program in a year. Vacations, the flu, you name it - things get in the way, and the best laid plans can get derailed. Be patient with yourself and remember that the volumes are a continuous story that flow together - each one begins by overlapping - reviewing - the end of the previous volume. 

So if you don't finish a volume in a year, next school year just pick up where you left off, and begin the next volume when you get to it. Give yourself permission to move at your own (and your children's) pace. That is one of the many beauties and freedoms of homeschooling!

Perhaps your child's interest will be piqued in a certain unit, and you delve into it for two months! Then the next unit is just skimmed. Feel free to let your children explore their interests and dig deeper into topics they are particularly engaged with. If you are worried that they're missing out on something, remember that you'll be spiraling back to the same time period later.

No matter how you intend to make use of it, remember to familiarize yourself with the CONNECT Method™. This is the organizing principle that guides the program no matter how you use it.

4. Set up Student Notebooks

One of the core activities of the CWH program is student notebooking. Each child should have their own three-ring binder where all of their writing, activities, map work, etc. will be collected and organized throughout the year.

A first step may be to let your children choose and decorate their new notebook. Let them make it their own - they will be using it all year! Our ready-made binder tabs are also helpful to organize student notebooks by unit. 

Looking for more tips to get started? Join our Facebook page to take advantage of our community of experienced CWH users!