Where to begin?

[jenbean]

Good morning!
I am seriously considering homeschooling this fall. I will have a 1st grader and a 6th grader. Here is what is on my mind.................
I want to be able to teach them at the same time without teaching down or teaching up to either child.
I am still unsure of where to begin even after looking at placement.
Is HOD completely laid out?
I do not want to teach anything that is aligned with common core.
Will I need to use any supplements with HOD?
Do I need to choose my own math and language arts?
I am definitely feeling a bit overwhelmed and just need some reassurance <3
I want to thank all of you in advance who take the time to help me through this process. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

[LynnH]

The first place to start is the placement chart http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php. Each guide in HOD is written based on the dc being at a certain skill level. Those skills build as you go up in guides. With such a big gap in ages between your 2 dc there really isn't any way to use just one guide, especially since you don't want to teach up to one or down to the other. That is the beauty of HOD is that each dc can have their own guide that is perfect for their skill level and maturity level. The 6th grader would most likely be in a guide such as CTC(Creation to Christ) that would have some boxes that they are to do independently freeing up your time to focus on your 1st grader. The first grader would probably place in either Beyond or Little Hearts for His Glory. HOD is completely laid out. It tells you exactly what to do. It is not aligned with Common Core. It is based on a Charlotte Mason philosophy of teaching with some textbooks thrown in for math and language arts. You can use HOD recommendations for math and language arts or you can use your own. You don't need to supplement anything. Everything is all there. It truly is an open and go curriculum. Very little planning is needed ahead of time. Even the projects and crafts use things that you would most likely have around your house.

[StephanieU]

Like ynn said, HOD can be a complete curriculum. everything is laid out in the guide for you. The guides are not aligned to common core, but a few books in a couple of guides are. But, in each of these cases, other options are given (math at the high school level as well as a couple of optional books by Usborne, etc).

[my3sons]

Good morning!
I am seriously considering homeschooling this fall. I will have a 1st grader and a 6th grader. Here is what is on my mind.................
I want to be able to teach them at the same time without teaching down or teaching up to either child.
I am still unsure of where to begin even after looking at placement.
Is HOD completely laid out?
I do not want to teach anything that is aligned with common core.
Will I need to use any supplements with HOD?
Do I need to choose my own math and language arts?
I am definitely feeling a bit overwhelmed and just need some reassurance <3
I want to thank all of you in advance who take the time to help me through this process. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

Hi jenbean, and welcome to the HOD Board! You have come to a great place for help, and you have found an outstanding curriculum in HOD! HOD is completely... 100%... laid out. It is easy on us busy moms. It is totally open and go. I don't supplement anything with HOD. When used as written, it is complete and wonderful! No, you don't need to choose your own LA and math, though you could. HOD's LA and math have been excellent through the last decade+ I have used it. I'd for sure start with HOD's LA/math. You can always change later if you want, but for ease of use, and for academic solidity, I'd start with HOD's LA/math plans. Don't feel overwhelmed - HOD has your back, and if you're ever confused, the lovely ladies on this board are here to help too!

Now, talking placement... I'd love to hear more about your first grader and sixth grader! Can you look over the first page which has to do with age, reading, writing, grammar, and math, and share about each of your kids here? For example, is your first grader doing phonics or already reading some books, and if she/he is reading, what are some books she/he is reading well? Stuff like that. Then, we can REALLY help! I'll check back - keep asking questions til you're set. We like to help here!

In Christ,
Julie