I was wondering if anyone could share what it is like to live in this area? How is the medical care? Is it expensive? What is the weather like? We live almost three hours north of this area. We still have four seasons here(in NC). I am from the NE so I know nothing about the south. Thank you! Rebecca

I am most appreciative of the kind offers that have been made to provide cupcakes and cookies for Sunday's little celebration. I will bring something to add to the celebration that is not quite as 'sugar-intensive.' My children react to sugar the way 'peanut-allergic' children react to nuts -- their reaction is quite strong and the negative effects of the sugar will remain with them for hours. One cupcake eaten at that hour of the day will create havoc till amost midnight. I will provide small bottles of water for Sunday and perhaps cheese and crackers or veggies. Thank you again for your kind contributions -- Mariann A***** I am just wondering: do your children carry epi-pen auto-injectors for their sugar reactions? Thanks, Rebecca

Has anyone used these? About how long does a lesson take? Any opinions/thoughts? I like the idea of "building" things with paper... Thanks, Rebecca

P.S. I did want to add that using my approach that I shared in this thread- I have seen a great deal of improvement in my son's spelling. And Nakia- I could post some "doozies" too- if I went and got his notebook!:D Rebecca

I don't know how much help I will be- but I felt compelled to chime in. I, too, am a natural speller. Think about it... how do you know how to spell? Usually because you have a visual "memory" of the word and also because you can "hear" the sounds in the word correctly. When you "hear" the word you "visualize" it in your mind... SO- with that said... my 9 year old is my oldest and he - so far- has needed lots of help with spelling. This is the approach I have taken: 1.) copywork everyday from the book(s) he is reading... just one selection a day... you could space this through the week as you determine... depending on the length of the passage. 2.) Building Spelling Skills by CLP (or you could use Spelling Workout). This he can do independently.... except for the test. I chose two levels lower than his actual grade and am having him work thru it quickly- completing two levels a year. i.e. he does two lessons in one unit per day- making sure to read EVERYTHING in the workbook. I correct his work everyday- talk with him about it and administer the test. 3.) Spelling Wisdom dictation passages... one or two a week. Day 1 he copies the passage about three times. Day 2 he studies. Day 3 I dictate. 4.) Dictation thru WWE level 2 5.) I have occasionally made personal lists based on his own personal writing and had him study those and then tested him. I hope this gives you some ideas. It is intensive- but it is intensive toward my son- with him having to do the work. Blessings, Rebecca

calculadder math drills are helping us here. Rebecca

I thought I would hate Heart of Dakota and I love it. It has been one of the best decisions of our home schooling.;) That is my biggest one... We just started Saxon Math... it is too soon to say- but I think it might be a winner as well. Rebecca

Still hoping others can chime in with answers to my questions. Thanks, Rebecca

Thanks for all these responses. I am "taking notes." We are going to be starting on 54 on Monday. Rebecca

Moni- How long did you continue using Saxon and Singapore... how did you line it up? Thanks for your answers. I appreciate it. Rebecca

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Thank you! My son is fourth grade. Rebecca

I have some questions! I hope someone can answer. 1.) If I am using the DIVE CD- do I also need to teach the new concept section to my son OR should he read the new concept section himself and "do it" independently? Does the DIVE CD replace the new concept section? 2.) If I am using the math facts practice with saxon- is using calculadder also- unnecessary? We are very weak in math facts right now. 3.) The textbook is very strict about doing every problem and not skipping anything. Is this true? I thought I had read that some people don't assign every problem. From what I see in our book: everything is in the textbook: warmup, new concept, mixed practice. That is all, right? No extra worksheets other than warmup drills, tests, and investigations? 4.) Has anyone used Singapore prior to switching to Saxon? If so, have you "kept" anything of Singapore "going"? Such as CWP ( I see that they now have 70 word problems every one should know)? Is this too much? How have you kept that mental math component? We have used Singapore for two years and are now switching our oldest two to Saxon. That is why I am asking. Thank you very, very, very much for your help. Rebecca

I don't know if you noticed- but the original poster on this thread went and posted a history/science for seven year old thread soon after the initial responses came in to this topic. It is very true that people are affected by what is written on this board- negative or positive. Anyone who has lurked or posted on this board for several years can attest to it. I don't mind honest responses either. That was not my point. It is not whether the HOD boards are biased or not. Of course they are biased. It is also not about being a "pariah." I was just giving a gentle nudge to consider tone... especially regarding a christian curriculum used by christians. I felt it needed to be said, That's all, Rebecca P.S. This strays far from the op's topic. Like I wrote before- HOD is easy to modify for your family's needs/preferences. You are in the driver seat.

I would just like to jump in regarding state standards and testing. First of all: state standards are in the forefront of Carrie's mind as she is planning. This I know and it has been stated on the HOD board before. Second, I have to test every year due to my state laws. I choose the IOWA complete battery. My sons- who have been using Bigger scored VERY well on their tests. I was very pleased. It was my second grader's first year testing and my third grader's second year testing. My third grader showed marked improvement across the board. I honestly do give HOD credit for the improvement in my son's scores and for my second grader scoring as well as he did. I agree that HOD is "light" in the younger years. It is coming from a different philosophy of education. In my home "light" for K and 1 is not a bad thing. I want to enjoy life with my little ones, nurture their hearts for their Lord and establish good habits and diligence in their book work. I am more pleased with one carefully completed sentence of copywork and a carefully kept math workbook than I am with loads of less than stellar worksheets. I am also looking at it thru the perspective and reality of schooling six children. With my oldest- I wouldn't have chosen HOD- and he did miss out! ;) It is very easy to adjust HOD to fit your family's preferences and needs. That is the beauty of it... and you have the blessing of a Christ-centered heart in the midst of school. Also, I would like to encourage OpenMinded to be a little more gracious in critique of HOD. It is fine to disagree and find a curriculum inadequate. Almost everyone on this board has experienced that with one thing or another. No curriculum is a perfect fit for every family. That is even stated in the guidelines of this forum. Making statements along the lines of: the board has a big brother feel, etc. is not beneficial. FYI- that board is sponsored by that company, they pour hours into their curriculum, it is designed to promote HOD. Some boards moderate their content, others don't. That is just how it is. Thankfully we have WTM forum, yahoo groups, etc. but still we do not need to spread a bad flavor even in our disagreements. I would like to remind people that many, many people read these threads and our influenced by what we write. Let's not spoil it for others. Sincerely, Rebecca DS-9 week 20 of Bigger, reading aloud extension, Rod and Staff 3, Spelling Wisdom/Building Spelling Skills, WWE 2, Apologia Astronomy, Copywork, Cursive, Drawn Into The Heart of Reading, Saxon Math 5/4, Bible Reading DS-8 week 20 of Bigger, reading aloud extension, Rod and Staff 2, HOD spelling, WWE1, Apologia Astronomy, Copywork, Cheerful Cursive, Reading Fluency, Saxon Math 3, CLE Reader 4, DS 6 week 25 LHFHG, emerging readers, FLL 1/2, Aesop Fable narration, Copywork, Finishing Earlybird 2B(moving into 1A/1B), Wonder Devotional, living science books on topics of interest DD-5 Week 5 LHTH, Rod and Staff Preschool Workbooks, The Reading Lesson, Earlybird 2A, children's literature read alouds DS-3 Week 5 LHTH, children's literature read alouds DS-1 sweet baby

Two responses: To the OP: The curriculum is your servant not your master. Adapt it as you see fit. The activities are there- if you see that your child needs more reinforcement, wiggle room etc. The activities that I personally would NOT omit because of the thinking skills they develop are: science exploration, dramatic play (develops thinking skills and concentration, reinforces key history concepts), rhymes in motion (coordination, thinking skills, reinforces the themes) storytime box (comprehension, narration, etc.). We do not do the motor skills work with our scripture memory. I also pick and choose math activities. I, too, sometimes wonder about the "boring" factor... To Sue G. in PA: I think HOD is worth it if you are looking for a Christ-Centered Curriculum that prioritizes ease of use. HOD is also skill focused so it prioritizes the important foundations in math and language arts. I have tried FIAR and I have used MFW and I far prefer HOD for ease of use. There is something delicious about FIAR- but I was also frustrated with just one book for our school a day- we read, digest, and enjoy far, far more than that. Also- I found that I couldn't commit to the activities to reinforce all the subjects and then I had the uneasy feeling of not giving a comprehensive education. As far as MFW, for our family, HOD is much easier to schedule and complete and takes less time. It fits our flow much better. I think it is more complicated to use part of MFW and FIAR and something else for your six year old. I would either use all of MFW with the four year old and six year old and then use LA and Math for the six year old OR I would use LA and Math at the 4/6 year old level and FIAR or LA/MATH for the 4/6 year old and HOD. Does that make sense? I am using LHFHG with my 6 1/2 year old son right now. We are finishing week 25. As I wrote above- we do not do the motor skills with scripture memory or most math activities. However, I haven't found anything to be "toddlerish." We enjoy it and my children are THRIVING with this program. However, I THRIVE on flexibility and I love how I can adapt this program to meet the needs of our family. I am a homeschooling mom of six ages 9-1. Rebecca

I am pondering science for my first grader too. Winterpromise has The World Around Me which looks very appealing. Sonlight has living book science programs too. You might want to check those out. Easy Classical Schedules schedules the Well-Trained Mind Science recommendations- complete with activities/experiments. http://www.easyclassical.com So there are some avenues to explore. For my first grader- I am mainly going to be focusing on interest-led topics thru living books and the science that is included in HOD's Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory. I hope this helps! Rebecca

It is hectic teaching several students. No doubt about it. Don't feel discouraged that you didn't know all the theories...etc. Like I wrote before- home schooling is a journey- some say a marathon... it is not a sprint. There is room for growth, mistakes, and changes. I would venture to say that you know a lot more now than you did a year ago!! :) Anyway- I really don't want to sway you one way or the other... Trying MFW might be good just to experience a different flow and see if it is more "you"... I love HOD and so speak to that side...:) Your day sounds normal for so many young students (still learning to read- not independent, etc.) One thing to consider is that as the students grow- they will not require as much in some subjects. My day with three guides looks like this: I start with LHTH with my 3 and 5 year old. Next is K work with my 5 year old. Then I do the left side of LHFHG and storytime, with my third son. My older two sons are doing chores and their "morning work" during this time. They have free time when they finish. They have to be at the table at 10. From 10-12 I school math, reading, writing, grammar, spelling,extra science etc, lower left side of Bigger, any notebooking, etc. We break for recess and have lunch. After lunch I read aloud to my little ones. We break for nap time. Older ones do any independent work I assign. I meet with my HOD Bigger students around 4 and we work thru the rest of their guide. I do almost all of Rod and Staff orally. I have been gently moving my 9 year old toward more written work in grammar. Things I we are doing -RIGHT NOW- that are not "scheduled in HOD" DS 9 Spelling Wisdom Rod and Staff 3 Apologia Astronomy Manners Lessons 24 Family Ways one time a week (Wed) Writing With Ease 2 He is doing DITHOR 2/3. I do not do big intros or unit projects at this time. DS 8 He does HOD Spelling and Rod and Staff 2 Apologia Astronomy Manners 24 Family Ways one time a week (Wed) Writing With Ease 1 Reading Fluency with me (right now Just So Stories) DS 6 1/2 Just started FLL 1/2 Aesop fable narration with me and am adding extra science thru living books Memoria Press Copybook 1 I am considering FLL 3 for my 8 year old when he gets thru with Rod and Staff 2. We'll see. I am comfortable with Rod and Staff at this point because of how thorough it is and how far ahead it goes. So there are some varied thoughts. I hope it helps. I hope this makes sense!!! Sincerely, Rebecca

Honestly, you sound pretty disastified with Heart of Dakota. That is okay. Like I wrote-it is okay to switch programs... I would if I felt like you do. I think a more common recommendation for you would have been to choose Beyond for all three of your kids. And then just beef up certain areas for the older one. Beyond is/was way too young for my son who was 8 when we started HOD, though- so I understand if the rec. seemed unworkable. I have a very close age span between my first four children. My oldest turned four one month before my daughter was born. My oldest (9 year old) is less than 2 1/2 years older than my third son. That said- I am freed and relieved to focus on my individual children rather than losing some in the shuffle with a multi-age program. Just this week I was pondering if my six year old would be better served by combining with his brothers- but he is just not there in many ways and it is BETTER for him to be in LHFHG and I wouldn't change the precious moments I have had with him this year for anything. However, MFW was written for the very reason you have said- to teach everyone together and so that you are only teaching one program with children age 2nd grade and up. As far as the history cycle- I understand. I subscribe to a more CM approach and she recommended teaching multiple streams of history. True CM schedules world and national history every year. I like this for my family and it hasn't been confusing for us at all. I understand what you are saying about the LA, etc. I do not teach HOD "as written" in math, spelling, grammar,reading, dictation, either. I use the boxes as a reminder rather than a "schedule." I like to do some things every day- then when we unexpectedly miss a day- I am not crazily behind. So- I didn't like that part. We are ahead in math too- and I just used the plans that we needed as we needed them. I prefer to finish a math level a year- and it is taking us longer than a year to finish our HOD... so that didn't work for me and I won't follow that schedule again. From what I understand- dictation gets more difficult in Preparing with more options. I have been using Spelling Wisdom with my advanced son- but the HOD guide is a perfect fit for my second son. I also schedule a two hour "table school" time for everyone first grade and up. We work together on math, spelling, grammar, writing, reading, lower left box of Bigger Hearts, and some other little things I added in. This helped my day. My older children have independent work scheduled at other times and we meet for the directed HOD boxes at other times, too. I pray the Lord gives you His peace and you sense His blessing on your school. MFW is a great program. It is really sound academically. I don't think you could go wrong... and if it fits your family- it sounds like it would be a great blessing. Sincerely, Rebecca

just a quick add on... We enjoy the activities. I have found that my children can DO them without needing me to do them for them... Activities are not a main focus of our home school- so I am glad to have simple ones that are designed to make them think, teach a lesson, and I am able to actually get it done. Some things in HOD can seem "younger" but I have seen the fruit in my children and it is because of THAT that I won't leave. I understand what you mean about each guide being so skill specific. I think in any family- you have to take it and make it work for you... Rebecca

I didn't read everyone's responses- but I did read your original post. I am doing three HOD guides right now- in fact, I am doing the exact three you mentioned... LHTH, LHFHG, and BHFHG... I have six children 9.8.6 1/2, 5. 3 1/2, and 1. I tried MFW when I first started my oldest. I found it very kinesthetic and overwhelming for me personally- although the bible concepts, "spirit" of the curriculum is wonderful. I am also extremely literary and I didn't like that particular unit study approach. HOD is more flexible for me and I can add more literature wherever I feel led and it doesn't throw us for a loop. I am also one of those ladies who is always running up fees at the library so the library aspect wasn't for me... I know that you can purchase as many books as you want and I did do that- but that was still an issue for me. I had trouble getting a nice flow with MFW and balancing it with all my children. I have used K and 1st of MFW. I prefer HOD discipling "feel" and christ- centered focus. Although- MFW is awesome in God and that is one reason why I wish it would have worked. I felt it was too light with literature and DISLIKE very much jumping around in books and reading a piece here and a piece there... it just aggravates me and I knew that I would always have issue with that... I cannot give you a pro/con on using MFW as it is designed for multiple students as I never used those programs (ECC, etc.) What are your kids ages? Homeschooling is demanding- no matter what program you choose- and it can take awhile to get into a good groove. It took us a few months with HOD to really start moving along smoothly. It also took me sitting down with my husband, our school needs, and a schedule, and figuring out an order and plan for our day. In fact, this is what has seemed to help me the most. I would be happy to answer any questions... I will pop back on here throughout the day/evening... Also- in the first few years of home schooling I TRIED SO MANY THINGS!!!! And it all was an education (for ME) and helped me define what worked for me and what didn't- what my style was and what our family needed. Don't be afraid to try something new. Don't be upset if it doesn't work out. Consider it experience gained and a lesson learned. For me, HOD is too light in science. So we add to that... However, it took me four years of home schooling and six children added to our family to really know that HOD is the choice for me and it is okay to tweak as I need. I have to run- I hope this makes sense... Sincerely, Rebecca

Just another add on- from what I understand Singapore continues to become more challenging as you move up... it doesn't seem like a program that becomes more independent? I could be wrong- but that was my understanding... Rebecca

Because I use Singapore too- I don't necessarily think that the problem is the child. As I read back thru your post... maybe some of it is him- but I have been teaching two with Singapore- and they both need my help working problems. They are both very different personalities.I, too, have found that Singapore demands a lot from me as the teacher. If I am not there- they are not learning it properly- at least at my house. Some of it- with me- is learning to think the Singapore way... I don't have a recommendation for you though! Sorry! I think Teaching Textbooks would be okay for a one year "interim" but I am not sure if you would want to switch forever. I am looking at Saxon for my crew. Hope this helps, Rebecca

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Does anyone make a "booklet" up for their child before the start of the year with problems already printed in it? Is there an educational purpose in copying out the problems? Does it reduce the time if the problems are pre-copied? I am considering Saxon 5/4 for this coming year. I am a little daunted by that particular aspect. Thanks, Rebecca