Friday, August 9, 2013

Trail Guide to Learning - Paths of Settlement {Review & GIVEAWAY}





For the 2013-2014 school year, we are excited to continue with the Trail Guide to Learning Series from Geomatters.

Last year we learned about explorers and pioneers with Paths of Exploration (POE). This year we will continue our journey with Paths of Settlement (POS). 


For those of you not familiar with Trail Guide to Learning, it is a history based, all-in-one program.  TGTL was created for students in grade 3rd through 7th, but it easily adaptable so that younger and older children can easily join in.  The series includes history, science, language arts, literature and art. 

The Paths of Settlement Complete Package

I have to tell you, this curriculum excites me like no other.  I actually considered skipping POE and going straight for POS last year.  I am so glad we didn't, but I am very excited to finally be starting Paths of Settlement!!

This year, Paths of Settlement has us studying some of the founding fathers and leaders that the Lord used to make our nation great!  We will be reading biographies of historical figures like...
  • Abigail Adams
  • Francis Scott Key
  • George Washington
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Robert E. Lee
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Clara Barton
  • Samuel Francis Smith 
  • Theodore Roosevelt
Reading these stories of these men and women will help us to see how they lived, understand the time period and remember the facts about America's history.  We will see how their lives and beliefs helped to shape our nation.  This is my favorite way to learn history, and my favorite things about Trail Guide to Learning!  

The Sowers Series, which I had never even heard of prior to TGTL, is amazing!  Currently, we are in the middle of reading Abigail Adams: First Lady of Faith and Courage, and we are loving it!  I love how this series shares how these people lived out their faith, and they even have scripture sprinkled through the books. 

Paths of Settlement also includes several great historical fiction books, as well as a Drive Through History DVD.
  • The Courage of Sarah Noble
  • Matchlock Gun
  • Ambush in the Wilderness 
  •  Munford: The American Revolution 
  • Guns for General Washington
  • The Cabin Faced West
  • Justin Morgan Had a Horse
  • The Eve of Revolution
  • Janie's Freedom
  • Samuel F. Smith
  • Munford: The Klondike Gold Rush
  • Yankee Blue or Revel Grey
  • Cowboys
  • Drive Through History, America DVD {my kids love this guy!}

Paths of Settlement continues its Charlotte Mason style approach by connecting history with science, geography, language arts and art. I think Geomatters explains it best when they say that they...

"Utilize Charlotte Mason's philosophy of developing thinking skills naturally through observation and narration, while connecting subjects in a thought-provoking way."

For science, POS focuses on Earth Science as it relates to geography. This study includes weather, rocks, minerals, the periodic table, and the natural features of the earth.  

We created Weather Watcher Notebooks.  Aren't they adorable!


Geography includes a study of states, this is another things that we are really enjoying.  Each week the kids study two states.  They do this by reading about them in the Children's Illustrated Atlas, completing state maps and state notebooking pages.  The kids like reading the facts about each state, and drawing the state birds and flowers.  Eating Your Way Through the USA has also been a huge hit!  Our goal is one recipe per state.  The blueberry pie that they made was out of this world delicious!  
 
These State Pages are part of our geography and history studies.  They are part of  our Student Notebooks.

Language Arts is a large part of the Trail Guide to Learning Series.  Daily copywork assignments are taken from their current student reader, which the students alternate with copying famous quotes.  The children complete oral and written narrations, and discussion questions.  POS focuses on writing mechanics, spelling and vocabulary words which are taken from our history studies. `


State Pages include map and fact page.  Science notebook pages include diagrams for the kids to color and label.

The hands on activities included in POS include several games like bingo, concentration, Quoits and Corn Hole.  Students learn how to paint with water colors, work on cooking, make a weather station, make candles, do soap carvings and keep create a history timeline.  There are plenty of hands on activities, but they are not to the point of overwhelming.  Just enough I would say.


Photo: Part of our Maine studies. #geomatters #studyingthestates
One way that I incorporate my little guys is with picture books that coincide with the states or science topic that we are studying.

I am quite pleased that the worksheets and activities that we do with POS coincide with what we are reading.  Everything is done with a purpose, we are not just spending time doing busy work.  The science we study, the copywork, narrations and writing the kids do, along with the activities, they are all like pieces that make up one big puzzle. It is such a blessing to see the light bulb moments in my kids when they have connected the dots.

The Trail Guide to Learning teacher's manuals really could not be any simpler.  They are laid out day by day, and they are very easy to understand and implement.  Not only do they include daily lesson plans, but they also give teaching tips {which have been ever so helpful}.  

The student pages are found on a cd that I print off for each child one unit at a time.  These notebooking style pages are used to create a student notebook, which also doubles as your student's portfolio.  The POS Complete Package also includes a USA Activity cd that includes worksheets that work great for younger students.

We received the Paths of Settlement Complete Package for review.  The package includes the books I mentioned above, along with the other resources to complete the POS curriculum.  

We also received downloads for the POS Middle School Supplement and the POS Lapbooks.  The middle school supplement gives my 8th grader more advanced literature selections and additional activities that are more on her level.  The lapbooks, on the other hand, go to the other side the spectrum for my younger guys.  The lapbooks are a fun way for my younger guys to show what they are learning with less writing.

GeoMatters has allowed me to offer my readers $15 off of ANY Trail Guide to Learning Complete Package.  This would include POE, POS and POP.  Just use COUPON CODE: LSG15


Paths of Settlement Individual Unit Downloads


THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.  THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

They have also graciously allowed me to offer a F-R-E-E Download of Paths of Settlement to one of my readers.  This includes the downloads for Paths of Settlement Volume 1 & 2, as well as the Student Notebook Pages.  This download is valued at $120.00!  This does not include the resource books, but it does include all of your teaching materials and student pages! 

The giveaway will run from now until August 17th, 2013, with the winner being announced on August 18th, 2013. To enter please use the Rafflecopter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

68 comments:

Brenna said...

We will start POS in January - it would be such a blessing if we won the giveaway!

Clarissa said...

The living books!

Nicole said...

This reminds me of a program we used several years ago with my older son. However, I have heard of several families who have LOVED this curriculum. I actually planned to purchase it to begin in two year. Winning it would be even better! I love how EVERYTHING except Math is included. It's easy peasy and so informational and fun!

carmelsmith said...

I love how open and go it seems to be, with a great match up of ways to learn that will work well for my kiddos. We're starting POE this fall, would love to win POS for next year!

Karen C said...

We are using POE this year and we are enjoying the lessons, learning is enjoyable again.

Tammie said...

We just started POE. I've been looking ahead and can't wait until POS. Thank you for the opportunity and the awesome review!

Angela W. said...

I've had my eye on TGTL for awhile. I love that I could teach all my children together through living books!

Amanda H said...

My kids love History. This would be fun.

My Sanctuary Moments said...

We are beginning Paths of Exploration and are so excited to do it the Charlotte Mason way. Love Love Love this approach.

Unknown said...

We used Paths of Exploration last year which was our first year of homeschooling our 6th and 2nd grader. It went so well and made that first year so much better for me and the boys! Can't wait to do POS!

Heather A said...

I really want to try this program, thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

We are using POE this year and I am loving it! I can't wait to try POS next year!

the Mcclanahan 7 said...

It looks so good. I like how everything is included & that it uses living books.

April said...

I've been thinking of using this program for a while. I love the books!

Susan said...

It appeals to me because of the "real book" emphasis and the fact that it can be used with a broad range of ages.

Leslie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leslie said...

We are finishing up POE, would love this!!

Peggy said...

We are just finishing up POE and like you, have been anticipating POS! Every time I see the book list of POS, I struggle to finish POE! I do PRAY I win this! HUGE blessing for whoever wins it! :)

I enjoy the gentle approach to learning, the way everything ties in together, and I enjoy books with my kids.

Shannon Wallace said...

I think the fact that it's Charlotte Mason based, and the rave reviews are what is most appealing. Plus, I love the fact it's history based!

Unknown said...

I have been waiting for my kids to be old enough to use this. Looks so great!

Molly said...

We are starting POE this year. I'm excited to get going with it and it would be great to have Paths of Settlement ready for next year!

Faith said...

I love how Trail Guide curriculum is written. I love that it's 4 days of intensive study with more fun worksheets for the 5th day. And I love that it covers SO much material in a fun, hands on, easy to learn way.

Mel =) said...

Love this program!

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this for my family!

Hi, my name is Kristal said...

We are halfway done with POE and knee deep into Daniel Boone. I LOVE this curriculum. I, too, was tempted to just start with POS, but we are having so much fun I am glad we didn't.

Ada G said...

I've bee eyeing POE for awhile and what a blessing to be able to use it this year. Love History!

Amanda said...

I absolutely LOVE this curriculum! I have been eyeing it for some time now, but the price is a little too high for our family's budget. My favorite part would probably be the living books that are chosen and also the botebooking journals! It would definitely be a blessing to win this package! THANKYOU for the opportunity!

My Two Army Brats said...

We are starting soon and would love POS!

April G said...

I've been wanting to use this for a few years, but I've been waiting for my youngest to get older, now waiting for funds. It looks great!

ChellsenClan said...

I love the notebook pages

Tiff said...

We have been doing POE, and we love it. One thing that doesn't always get mentioned- it's very good for BOYS. Many of the topics and books are action-oriented (seriously what boy won't have fun reading about Daniel Boone's adventures growing up??). Adding in the geography and hands-on nature of many of the activities, and it's much more suited for an action-oriented boy than many curriculums. And many more of the books are boy-oriented than is often common. Can't wait to start POS, and would love to win it!

Chastity said...

Definitely the integrated approach. Having everything connected adds so much flow to the day. You don't feel pulled in 50 directions; we do TGTL and math, that's it! Does it get any more simple than that?!

Unknown said...

I love that everyone can learn at the same time and that everything is included into one set!

Bfamily said...

We used POE this past year and loved it! It is so teacher friendly and my children (K, 2nd and 4th) enjoyed the activities (such as cooking) and the read alouds! We are looking forward to POS this coming year.

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

I've read so many great reviews and would really love to have this curriculum for my daughters, but we just can't work it into our budget. It would be a real blessing to win it. I love the living books approach/Charlotte Mason style. It would suit us well. Thank you for the opportunity!

April L said...

I like that everything is incorporated except math and that all siblings can work on it together. I also like the Bible supplement.

Unknown said...

I like that all of my children would be on the same page. I also like the included note booking pages.

Tammie said...

I just love that I can teach my children all at the same time. I've also been a history & geography fan, so this is right up my alley!

Sara said...

I love the hands on, multi-disciplined approach to American history!

Unknown said...

Thanks to my sister for introducing me to this! My boys love history so this is perfect!

Anonymous said...

We just started POE last week and love it. This would be perfect for next year!

Julie

Chickfilamom AT comcast DOT net

Karen said...

I would LOVE to win this. Thanks for the opportunity!

Unknown said...

I am most intrigued by the living literature books. <3

Still a work in progress but loving every minute said...

I love the TGTL and GeoMatters! They are teacher and student friendly and learning is alive with this curriculum!

The Wilbanks Family said...

I love that the program is history based and integrates many subjects!

Jamie said...

I've been looking at Trail Guide to Learning for a while. We love to do a lot of reading and to learn all together.

Kendra Artz said...

We are starting with TGL this year, US Geography. Looks great so far!

TN Quiltbug said...

I find most appealing the simple way that different subjects all work together!

Trenna said...

We love TGTL, we started it last year and will continue with POS this year. This would be such a blessing for us. Great review, I enjoyed reading it - got me excited to start school again,

Sherri said...

Love POE and look forward to POS! Thanks for the opportunity!

Robyn said...

I love how everything is set up and includes every subject(except math).

Cynthia C said...

Looking forward to diving in - I love how Language Arts integrates Science, History and Geography!

Unknown said...

We are very excited to start POS after a great year of POE. It has changed our whole school experience. My son loves the books so much he gets frustrated that he can only read a few pages at a time.

Cristince said...

I love this. I have been looking into this curriculum for my 2 children.

michellep said...

We just started POE this year, and plan to continue through the series. I love the thoughtful questions about what they are reading, and it is the best all-in-one curriculum I have seen. (I have examined quite a few over the years and this series is the only one I felt was top quality education without tons of parent prep work.)Oh, and I love that it is easy to do with multiple levels - crucial for us with larger families.

Alexis said...

We have been using POE and LOVE the fact that it keeps my children engaged and wanting to learn as well as being so well laid out that it's easy planning for me!!

Anonymous said...

I wish I had started this for this year! I can't afford to change my plans but will be using this for next year without hesitation!!

Lisa Wiesman said...

I wish I had purchased this for this year but will use it for next year after hearing all the reviews.

Unknown said...

I know you are getting lots of comments for the give a way, but I have a question.
I am interested in tgtl because of the Charlotte mason style and the activities, my son could really get behind that. My concern is the age range off my children. I would probably not start it for a few years as my kids are three years apart the oldest 7 at this time. I worry whether it will challenge him enough after using gifted curricula for that time waiting for sister to catch up. Also, are you going to go back through the series at a higher degree of difficulty with the little ones? Thank you

Denice said...

I have been looking at this for a while! I love the living books being incorporated. Would be a huge blessing to win!

Anonymous said...

It's literature based,streamlined and everything is included!

Brandy said...

We currently use POE and we love it! It would be amazing if we won POS!

cassielane said...

What an awesome program.

cassielane said...

What a great program

Blu Grey said...

I love the format. It is such a natural way to learn!

Kristen Blackmar said...

I have always wanted to try this curriculum, but have not broken down and bought it. This is a perfect opportunity!

Kate said...

I absolutely love the idea of history and science all coinciding somehow, and especially having the plan all laid out, with a framework combined with a list of excellent real books!

Priscilla - The Wheelchair Mommy said...

We are HUGE TGTL fans!! We did POE last year and will be starting POS this year. Just stopping in as a fellow Trail Guide Momma!

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