Stressing...I need help!

[learningtogether]

I admit it--I don't want to plan anymore! I want to enjoy learning with my guys!

I am seriously considering the new Rev 2 Rev guide, but we would be completely new to HOD. We would start toward the Thanksgiving/ Christmas holiday season (we have some things to go over first) with a 6th grader and a 10th grader. My question is, what are some things we can do to get "up to speed" on how HOD approaches learning in the interim? What Charlotte Mason skills/ narration would we need to work on?

Also, is it feasible to beef it up for the 10th grader? I see HOD is coming out with High School guides in the future...would Rev 2 Rev not be on par with high school? I have read through other suggestions pertaining to history, math, science etc..., but I am very curious about the language arts aspect. We have the other areas covered for my high schooler, but he dreads "English" so I admittedly haven't pushed it too much. I regret that, and I want him to be able to communicate well in college and beyond. Does HOD address that?

Is HOD Rev 2 Rev the answer for us? and if so, PLEASE tell me how! (It's ironic...MANY of the books in Rev 2 Rev are ones that I was trying to schedule out myself for them---Guerber's Great Republic, George Washington's world, Diana Waring's cds, the Composers pack, Hearts and Hands....and we even purchased Exploration Education at the convention this year!...maybe God is trying to tell me something )

So, could you please help this stressed out mom? Is HOD the way to go? How?

[netpea]

Have you looked at the placement chart to see where each of your children fall? That's an important first step. HOD is flexible but its best to know where your children fall on the chart before making decisions. The chart is here: http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

[raceNzanesmom]

Have you looked at the placement chart to see where each of your children fall? That's an important first step. HOD is flexible but its best to know where your children fall on the chart before making decisions. The chart is here: http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

I agree. I would place your 6th grader where he needs to be. HOD places by skill- not grade. Look over the placement chart and see where his skills are at. Depending on what you've been using I would say things that can be an adjustment with HOD for kids is narration, dictation and working independently.

Carrie or Julie can probably give you an idea on beefing up for 10th grade. Or try looking at a thread titled high school, probably on the 2nd page. Carrie answered some questions there. There's also a sticky at the top of the board with some info.

I came to HOD for the exact reason you stated- I was tired of planning. Thankfully, my ds is only 7. After planning for 6 years with my oldest I was soooo tired of planning. HOD has been such a blessing to me, to my ds, to our schooling together in ways I never imagined.

[my3sons]

Learningtogether - Stop stressing - you've come to the right place for help! Yes, you can do RevtoRev for high school, many moms are. The question is if you can do RevtoRev for sixth grade. Proper placement pretty much ensures success with HOD - it is so worth the time. Yes, HOD totally covers LA. It really does it thoroughly, in fact. You asked what you could do to get ready for HOD - to strengthen some skills for the coming year - well, I would begin "Drawn into the Heart of Reading", R & S English, and dictation this summer. This will give a jump start on a smattering of skills that will help next year go smoothly. Here are some links to help you with ideas to up RevtoRev in some areas for high school...
RevtoRev for High School by Carrie:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8208
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9567

As far as your sixth grader, I would love to hear about that child. Could you please check out just the first page of the HOD placement chart with just that child in mind? Many moms print the first page and take their pencil and circle exactly where that child falls in each column. Then, they share that information here, and we all throw out some good options for your family. I'd love to help with that if you could please share that here!

HOD is an open-and-go program. It is balanced, so your days will never be heavy on any given thing or go unexpectedly long in some area. It also breathes life into learning. It keeps things fresh and fun, chooses awesome living books in all subject areas, teaches skills in steps from year to year so dc can take them over successfully and we get variety in what we teach from year to year, and it keeps the Lord at the center of learning in a way that is heartfelt - not all head knowledge - but meaningful talks on the couch together, leaps in faith and light-filling to the soul. I think you'll love it as much as I have. HTH, and I'll check back to see what you've shared about your child in sixth grade!

In Christ,
Julie