Another Newbie with Questions

[lollie010]

Hello Ladies. So nice to meet you all. I have a few questions, but wanted to introduce myself before I unload them. I am homeschooling 3 sweeties in South Alabama. I have a 7 yo, just turned 6 yo, and a 2 yo. We did 1st grade and K last year with Little Hearts. We had a blast, but the kiddos and I had a big adjustment to more "formal" type schooling. They love to learn but don't want to think that they are being taught.

Little Hearts was fabulous for us. My 7 yo loved the history, Bible, and storytime reading. For him I substituted extensively from the literature suggestions for each unit found in the appendix. He is an auditory learner and that aspect was perfect for him. My 6 yo (as of last week) did not really get into the history or storytime reading, However, skill wise I would consider her accelerated, but she just does not devour read alouds. She would rather read to me than me read to her.

That is a very long way of giving some background on my little learners. So sorry.

So now the questions.
I am thinking of doing Beyond with them next year. We actually did not finish Little Hearts--we got to week 25, but just needed a break. We finished off most of the books, but did not complete it as written. Could you ladies give me permission to just move on in the fall??

Also, I used the supplemental literature from the Little Hearts appendix extensively for my 7 yo. He enjoyed fleshing out the history with the read alouds suggested. We used Usborne Time Travelors and many of the others. Is there a similar list in the Beyond guide for supplementing each history unit?

And, just one more. Will my sweet/tender 6 yo who ran from the room when I got out the Burgess books be able to keep up with us? I don't want to leave her behind. But, I also don't want to go back to Little Hearts with her. If at all possible I would prefer to use one guide for now. She loved the Bible reading, some of Little Pilgrims, and all of the activities, but the Burgess books, and the Bible devotional did not work for her. She will leave us all in her dust when it comes to the right side of the page, though.

Thank you so much for reading this far. I can't wait to get to know you ladies better.
Laurel

[my3sons]

Welcome to the HOD Board, Laurel! I'm glad you've enjoyed what you've done in LHFHG so far! You've asked some very good questions as you consider placement for each of your dc, and I will try to help with this as best I can. From reading your post, it sounds like overall LHFHG was a good fit for your 2 dc, but that possibly your oldest could have done Beyond, and for your dd, the Storytime and history was a bit too much. As we look down the road, I am wondering if you could take a fresh look at the placement chart with each of your dc individually in mind? Then, if you could share a little bit about where each of them would place individually, and a bit about each of them with the first page of the placement chart in mind, I think we can figure out what some options are, and you can consider what you think is best of those.
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

In regard to LHFHG, I am wondering how each of your dc - but especially your dd - did with the discussions of the meatier topics, like the devotional "Devotions for the Children's Hour" discussions? Was she able to really participate in and add to these discussions? How did phonics and writing letters/words go for each of them? How about the history/science readings? It sounds like ds was able to understand and participate in these well, but dd had a harder time with this. Did she really learn to listen to them and participate in the follow-ups to show if she understood them, or did her attention wander and did she leave the room for them quite often? Did the dc do the science experiments and make the connections there well? I am also wondering about how each of them did with these important Storytime skills...

*Day 1: basic comprehension discussion questions
*Day 2: retelling the story in a variety of ways
*Day 3: critical thinking questions including some vocabulary discussion
*Day 4: early writing practice emphasizing names and simple words
*Day 5: moral connection questions with personal application

Last, when will your ds turn 8 yo? I think that all of this information together will help us chat through ideas together and see how best to move forward. Placement takes a bit to figure out, but once we get it right, it's smooth sailing for everyone as there is no need to tweak, beef up, or skip anything - HTH, and I know once you share more about all of this, all these wonderful ladies will chime in with good advice!

In Christ,
Julie

[lollie010]

Thanks so much for your response Julie. I really appreciate your time to help me get everyone where they need to be. We have to leave very early in the morning for an important doctor's appointment for my 2 yo, so I am going to have to get to bed early tonight. I will ponder the questions that you have raised and get back with you tomorrow afternoon when we get home and I can answer thoroughly. I am very excited about the possibilities for next year and can't wait to hang out with the ladies here.

Blessings to you.
Laurel

[lollie010]

Julie,

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to get back to you, but as usual we had a very crazy week. I have been thinking all week about next year, since I am ready to place my orders before I spend the money on other things.

In regard to LHFHG, I am wondering how each of your dc - but especially your dd - did with the discussions of the meatier topics, like the devotional "Devotions for the Children's Hour" discussions? Was she able to really participate in and add to these discussions? dd occassionally listened to the devotional book and occassioanlly participated in the discussions, but in general would rather dress her two year old brother up in her dance outfits. The times she did connect I would be amazed at her level of understanding. She loved, loved, loved the Family Time Bible and could sit and listen for hours if I would have let her. She still really enjoys picture books, even if they have a mature theme

How did phonics and writing letters/words go for each of them?
She did very well with phonics, A reason for handwriting, the R&S books. She seems a bit above grade level in that respect.

How about the history/science readings?
She enjoyed the History for Little Pilgrims and seemed to really understand what was going on when we read from that. She also liked when we supplemented with Usborne Time Travelors as suggested in the appendix of LHFHG. She didn't have any problems with the science and seemed to enjoy the topics.

It sounds like ds was able to understand and participate in these well, but dd had a harder time with this. That is exactly right. Ds loved every minute of every thing that we read. He never wanted to stop.LOL.

Did she really learn to listen to them and participate in the follow-ups to show if she understood them, or did her attention wander and did she leave the room for them quite often? Did the dc do the science experiments and make the connections there well? I am also wondering about how each of them did with these important Storytime skills...

*Day 1: basic comprehension discussion questions
*Day 2: retelling the story in a variety of ways
*Day 3: critical thinking questions including some vocabulary discussion
*Day 4: early writing practice emphasizing names and simple words
*Day 5: moral connection questions with personal application

DS loved the Storytime books, but dd only listened in occassionally. I was worried about her a lot. She just did not really connect with the stories. But, just in the last month or so since we have cut back on a lot of "school" work she has really grown in these areas. I haven't pulled the burgess books back out yet, but with other books she seems to have really jumped up in skill level, especially comprehension and retelling.

Last, when will your ds turn 8 yo? He will be 8 in November.

I think that all of this information together will help us chat through ideas together and see how best to move forward. Placement takes a bit to figure out, but once we get it right, it's smooth sailing for everyone as there is no need to tweak, beef up, or skip anything - HTH, and I know once you share more about all of this, all these wonderful ladies will chime in with good advice! Thank you so much for your willingness to help me figure this out. These kiddos are so special--I just want to make the right decision for them. As I mentioned earlier I also have a 2yo son with some health issues that sometimes overtake our day. I really need something that will be easy to use and I especially want them to have fun.

In Christ,
Julie

[MomtoJGJE]

For what it's worth, my current 6yo does not like the Burgess books one bit. I am without hesitation moving her on to Beyond when we get through with LHFHG because it's just that the Burgess books are not her style.... it has nothing to do with her comprehension or critical thinking or ability to listen. Now if she were to be having a hard time with the questions across the board then I might not move her on, but it's just the books themselves. We have great conversations about them, but she hates to listen to the story every single day.

[lollie010]

For what it's worth, my current 6yo does not like the Burgess books one bit. I am without hesitation moving her on to Beyond when we get through with LHFHG because it's just that the Burgess books are not her style.... it has nothing to do with her comprehension or critical thinking or ability to listen. Now if she were to be having a hard time with the questions across the board then I might not move her on, but it's just the books themselves. We have great conversations about them, but she hates to listen to the story every single day.

Thanks for the response. My ds loved them and wanted me to read most of them multiple times and then listened to them on audio, but DD (oh I hate to say this) strongly disliked them. She likes animals and nature books, but she didn't connect to the first one and then had attitude about the rest. I still feel like she learned a lot and that Little Hearts was worthwhile for her.

[lharris]

Hello ladies,
I find it interesting that the little ones that are not "crazy"about the Burgess books are girls?? Probably just a coincidence but interesting. I have to say I'm sorry to hear that a child is not enjoying these stories. I work at a public library and I see hundreds of families and children and have to advise daily on children's literature plus I'm on the state committee to choose the Young Hoosier Picture book of the year. I can appreciate Carrie's decisions on all her read alouds and the ages she chooses. There are very few and I mean few selections that have higher level writing, narratives (rather than picture books) and has short enough chapters to provide fantastic read alouds. Burgess fits the bill on all these accounts. I know when I first read Reddy Fox, the charachter of the grandmother fox set me off a little. But I kept on and then by the time we hit the 2nd and 3rd book, we were hooked. I understood then why Carrie chose them. They have a way of staying with you. My favorite was Jerry Muskrat and we memorized the poem that the turtle lived by and it became our homeschool motto:

One step, two steps, three steps so
four steps, five steps, six steps go
Keep right on and do your best
Mayhap you'll win while others rest
(I think I got that right) I always tell the (library) children, how many times do you get to say the cool word --- mayhap?

Anyway as your children grow, they may not always like the choices of literature for their storytime. Try to give some time to some of the materials that your children don't immediately like. It may take more time to appreciate older authors. The style and narrations of turn of the century authors are soooooo much higher and better quality of writing than more modern stories, but their phrasing and style may seem unenjoyable. Blessings!

[lollie010]

Hello ladies,
I find it interesting that the little ones that are not "crazy"about the Burgess books are girls?? Probably just a coincidence but interesting. I have to say I'm sorry to hear that a child is not enjoying these stories. I work at a public library and I see hundreds of families and children and have to advise daily on children's literature plus I'm on the state committee to choose the Young Hoosier Picture book of the year. I can appreciate Carrie's decisions on all her read alouds and the ages she chooses. There are very few and I mean few selections that have higher level writing, narratives (rather than picture books) and has short enough chapters to provide fantastic read alouds. Burgess fits the bill on all these accounts. I know when I first read Reddy Fox, the charachter of the grandmother fox set me off a little. But I kept on and then by the time we hit the 2nd and 3rd book, we were hooked. I understood then why Carrie chose them. They have a way of staying with you. My favorite was Jerry Muskrat and we memorized the poem that the turtle lived by and it became our homeschool motto:

One step, two steps, three steps so
four steps, five steps, six steps go
Keep right on and do your best
Mayhap you'll win while others rest
(I think I got that right) I always tell the (library) children, how many times do you get to say the cool word --- mayhap?

Anyway as your children grow, they may not always like the choices of literature for their storytime. Try to give some time to some of the materials that your children don't immediately like. It may take more time to appreciate older authors. The style and narrations of turn of the century authors are soooooo much higher and better quality of writing than more modern stories, but their phrasing and style may seem unenjoyable. Blessings!

I agree that they are lovely. I really appreciate the length of each chapter and love how there is typically a brief summary of the last chapter at the beginning of each new chapter. It is just enough info. to remind me where we were in the story.

[BlessedbyHim]

We did not use HOD's earlier guide...as I have older kids. My son is 6 1/2 years older than my daughter. One thing I really noticed through the years was that even though my daughter didn't seem to be sitting still listening when she was younger, to the point of leaving the room and returning at her leisure, I was later amazed at how much she had really heard and picked up. One memory that really sticks out is when they were about 3 and 10. I had been doing a human body unit with my son. We were playing a game and I had asked him what type of blood arteries carry. He could not answer. My then 3 year old responded "Oxyenigatoed." Or something to that effect. Her version of oxygenated. I had no clue she had been listening throughout the week. Obviously, as she was building, dressing up, running through the house, dancing, etc. she WAS listening!

I know this does not help with placement. But, it is just to say that there will be times when your children will be learning even if it is not apparent in the moment. Early in my daughter's Kindergarten year she announced, "I don't want to do school anymore."

"You don't, " I questioned.
"Nope."
"Well, do you just want to learn stuff?"
"Yes."

So...I kept teaching the same stuff. I just varied when I presented it and didn't call it "School." Many a lesson was accomplished waitng for my son to get out of the orthodontist's office. Sometimes we went weeks or months without doing any workbook type things. Sometimes she would do a dozen pages at a time plus several other learning activites. The following year she went to public school for 1st grade. She was chosen as 1 of 4 that the Gifted and Talented teacher worked with. By the end of the year, she was reading at 4th grade level. I still give her much freedom and she continues to excel.

[my3sons]

Such a good discussion! Lharris - I always value your advice and the manner in which you share it with others. You have graduated a ds and have helped so many moms as a librarian and as a homeschool adviser. You offer such good guidance and yet are such an encourager as well. Thank you for your thoughts on the Burgess books here - they are of such worth!

Laurel - thanks for sharing more about each of your dc, and for answering my questions! I have just a few more things to ponder, and then I think we'll be on course to a great placement. When you shared that "you worried about your dd a lot" last year - was that in regard to feeling like she was being pushed too hard by the higher level thinking discussions and books of the devotional and the storytime? Or did it seem like LHFHG was just a bit too hard for her in general? The reason I am asking is because in LHFHG, the devotional and the Burgess books are probably the harder books to understand and discuss. If dc are having a difficult time with those, that is sometimes an indicator that they are not going to be ready for Beyond. I'm also wondering where your ds places if you look at the placement with just him in mind? Since you mentioned you supplemented quite a bit with LHFHG for him, I am wondering if when you look at the placement chart he places solidly in Bigger Hearts? Bigger Hearts has a substantial amount of writing, so that is something to consider as well. One other consideration - how do the 2 of them work together? Does your ds take over and dd need something of her own so she can really shine? Or do they work well together, are really quite close to one another in skills, and would you really like to keep them combined?

Based on what you think about the above considerations, I think you have several good options here...
Option 1: If you come to the conclusion that dd needs her own program, and ds needs something harder and really places best in Bigger Hearts then...
Dd could finish out LHFHG at the start of next year, and then she could move into Beyond Little Hearts after that on her own. Ds could do Bigger Hearts next year.

Option 2: If you come to the conclusion that dd and ds really are close in skill level, and you'd like to keep them combined, then...
Dd could finish out LHFHG on her own this summer to grow in some skills and be ready for Beyond, ds need not do it. This would allow you to focus on dd and get her up to speed and ready for Beyond next school year. Then, the two of them could do Beyond next school year together. Maybe you don't think this is necessary for dd to finish out LHFHG, but I think it would help better prepare her for Beyond - however, you will definitely know if this is needed or not.

Option 3: You could just have the 2 of them start Beyond together next year and not finish out LHFHG because they both show they are fully ready for Beyond now.

I hope something here helps, and I will check back to see your comments and thoughts on all of this, so we can all help you come to a good decision for this coming year!

In Christ,
Julie