It’s been about three months since we switched history programs and began using Tapestry of Grace. I wish I could say the switch went smoothly, but it didn’t. We experienced the “four week fog,” where we really felt like we didn’t know what we were doing. Only for us, it was more like an eight week fog.
But now, three months into our Tapestry experience, I can honestly say I love, love, LOVE this curriculum!
I love that Tapestry
- Integrates History, Bible, Writing, Literature, and Arts
- Keeps my kids on the same subject at their different levels
- Includes all the background information I need to teach my children
- Uses a 4 year cycle, meaning after I buy all 4 years, my homeschool expenses will go waaaay down.
- Offers flexibility in reading material.
Despite all I love about Tapestry of Grace, though, there are some things I wish I had known when we began.
If I Knew Then What I Know Now
When we first bought the Tapestry of Grace curriculum, I thought I’d save a little money by purchasing the Digital Edition. After all, I spend a lot of time on the computer, I could surely make sense of a digital curriculum, right? Wrong.
Don’t get me wrong. I do like DE a lot. I like having the flexibility to print what I need from the curriculum with the click of a button. But for some reason, having a paper copy of the curriculum makes more sense to my poor brain. I upgraded to the DE plus print edition and received the printed material a couple of weeks ago. We’ve been doing much better ever since.
The other thing I wish we had been able to do before jumping into Tapestry is spend some time planning. Since we switched curriculum mid-year, that wasn’t a possibility. It wasn’t until Christmas break that I really had a chance to sit down with the curriculum and read through all the helps. After reading the supplemental material, I finally had a clear picture of how Tapestry was supposed to work. It made a big difference.
Where We Are Now
We have fully implemented the history and literature portions of Tapestry. We do the readings, the questions, the worksheets, and the discussions. I love that even though my daughter works independently for most of the week, we still spend a couple of hours discussing all she’s learned. It keeps me involved, without being too time consuming.
I also love that Tapestry has chosen books that really resonate with my son. He’s just not a fiction kind of guy, and he really enjoyed reading about the Ancient Greeks this week. He was mesmerized by the story of the Trojan horse. It’s the first time I’ve seen him complete a book ahead of schedule!
Since Tapestry depends on the books, I reserve most books a couple of weeks in advance at our local library. I’ve bought a few books that are used over many weeks and multiple units, but for the most part, I’ve been able to find what we need at the library.
As a backup, I bought the Streams of Civilization textbook for my daughter. Since it’s used most weeks as an alternate history resource, I always have a backup plan, if I can’t find a good history book at the library.
I also input my huge Tapestry wish list of books into Book Collectorz. My plan is to buy the iPhone version of Book Collectorz, so when I’m out browsing yard sales, thrift stores, and used book stores, I can buy books we will need in the future.
What the Future Holds
I’m going to begin implementing the writing component of Tapestry for my son in a few weeks. Next year I will begin the writing program for my daughter. We’re also going to begin doing some activities this week. First up? Fresco paintings!
When we start our next Tapestry unit, I may try to put together Tapestry workbooks for my children. I think that might help them (and me) with organization.
I am so glad I found this curriculum! It’s exactly what my family needed this year, and in a few short weeks, I know more about World History than I ever learned in high school!
*This is not a sponsored post. I bought the curriculum myself, and I love it so much, I just had to share! The link to Tapestry of Grace is an affiliate link, and if you use it, the commission helps me support the site. But don’t feel you have to use it.*
Great post. Very imformative especially the If I knew then what I knew now section. Thanks for helping me along in my decision making process.
We love using Tapestry of Grace, too. It is a really wonderful, well-put together curriculum with a buffet of choices, isn’t it?
Great post about TOG.
I’m stopping by from the TOS crew to let you know that you’re included in this week’s Blog Walk.
God bless you!
I am going through TOG at the R level for my own self-education. I certainly see how it can be overwhelming, but it is so wonderful as well. Good luck with your workbook idea..it sounds great.
This sounds very good, I may have to check into it. Thanks for a great review.
We love TOG too! You’re going to enjoy Unit Celebrations