Box Day!

[Daph]

Ok, I only have the Teacher's Manual, but seriously - I want to cry (in a good way). I may just do that in a few minutes. I'm reading examples of projects and things to do:

- Make an acrostic of Pocahonta's name
- Poetry
- In depth details about the globe and examples of how to teach hemispheres
- Bible study, tied into Science, tied into activities.
- character-building info that I would not think to use, or even think to add into the day!

There is no busy work here, or vague overviews of History. From what I see, It's all very meaningful and purposeful. It's...just...so beautiful! I love, love, love how the stories for the day tie into the Bible. You guys were not kidding.

I can definitely see the importance of making sure you place your child in the right program. I wouldn't be able to make this work for my five year old, but it's absolutely perfect for my eight-year-old. (She'll be nine when we begin.) I'm sad, now, that I don't have something as fun to do with my younger.

And, on another note, my daughter learned something about Horatio Spafford (sp?) from Adventures in Odyssey and asked me questions about him. I told her that I didn't know, but we may be learning about him this-coming year, because we're learning about hymns. She likes the idea! It seems that all roads lead
to HOD for us.

[momtofive]

Hi Daph! Welcome to HOD!!!

Congratulations on your box day! Sounds like you got the Bigger Hearts guide. It's a good one, well, they all are! We'll be starting Bigger in August, and we're so excited. It looks so good. I noticed that you mentioned that you wished there was something this fun for your littler child. . . . .well, HOD has guides that start out at age 2 and go up from there. And they are all very fun! We're doing Little Hands to Heaven (preschool) with my two littlest ones this year. Next year we'll be adding a kindergartener to the mix and she'll be using Little Hearts For His Glory, which is just an absolutely wonderful program. This year we're using Beyond with my middle two, and having so much fun, and you're already aware of how great Bigger Hearts will be. I just wanted to let you know there are a lot of great guides out there for the younger crowd, too!

Blessings as you prepare for starting Bigger!

[pjdobro]

You are so right, Daph. There is so much more there than you can even see when just looking through the guide. The projects are meaningful and the character study each week is phenomenal. We've had such meaningful conversations this year and my dc are really working diligently to show those character traits that we've studied. When I think back over the year, I can't get over how much they have grown in academics, character, and independence. Bigger is a wonderful program and such a great year of growth. I don't think I could have believed it at the start of the year if someone would have told me how much progress there would be this year. It's amazing! All of the programs are, but Bigger just has been such a special year around here. I must say though that LHFHG was a great year too and I'm sure your K'er would love it. It's so much more than just history, science, and the 3 Rs. It's a hard thing to explain to someone, you just have to try it for yourself to understand. I'm excited that you have your guide in hand! Congratulations! I bet you are really excited to get started.

[John'smom]

Rejoicing for you!!! Sounds like a lot of us will be doing Bigger next year! Yeah!!!

[blessedmomof4]

Awesome! It is such a breath of fresh air when you see how well everything in HOD fits together, and how everything is useful, and how it all points to Christ!

[Heather4Him]

I had a double-box day today, so I'm celebrating with you!
Welcome to HOD!!!!!!!!!

[Daph]

Thanks!

I read different sections to dd8 today, and she wants to get started right now! This, after hearing her say she "hates school" earlier this week. I'm super psyched and hope this is finally the answer to our homeschool prayers.

[Daph]

One more thing I love about HOD: the days are labeled as units and numbers, not days of the week. I know that seems like a little thing, but I constantly felt like I was behind in MFW. With this, I can still go at my own pace (which usually turns into three "formal" school days, 1 extracurricular day (Art, park, ballet.) and 1 "Explore your world"/ Day with Daddy day.) and I won't feel like I'm behind!

[gotpeace91]

Yay!!! Happy Box Day, Daph! I'm happy for you! My daughter is doing Bigger this year and she loves it. I totally agree with you about how they have the days set up relieving the stress of feeling behind. Enjoy!

[water2wine]

Yeah! You are going to love it. The manual is the magic. But combine that with the books and you will be even more overwhelmed with how well it all comes together. It is all very much on purpose, no leftovers, all great stuff. Enjoy!

[Samuel'sMommy]

Yay for box day! You guys are going to have so much fun this year!

[Carrie]

Daph,

I'm excited that you are excited! We are doing Bigger Hearts with my third son this year and are already seeing so much progress. I pray that you will enjoy your time spent in Bigger Hearts and that the Lord may richly bless your homeschool days!

Thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Carrie