How hard would it be to start HOD in 7th grade

[Tracee]

My cousin has a 12 year old daughter that I believe is in 7th grade. She had to flee Kentucky and is in Florida. She has asked if I would homeschool her for awhile. Naturally, I want to do HOD with her, but I'm wondering how hard it would be for her to assimilate to a Charlotte Mason type of eduction so late. She has dyslexia/dyscalculia and went to a school that used a multi-sensory approach to learning. For that reason alone, I think it will be easier for her to do HOD than a traditional public school. What are your thoughts, advice, etc. ?

Thanks,
Tracy

[flackattack]

I am no pro, but I thought I would share our experience with HOD, as this is our first year using it. My oldest ds is in 8th and my next child is in 6th. Our first week of homeschooling this year was better than prior years. I didn't have the feeling of "what have I done???" That being said, we've had our ups and downs with trying to acclimate to Charlotte Mason's ways... narrating, dictation, etc. I have always wanted to have my kids learn this way, but it seemed impossible for me to implement. I am so thankful that HOD has done that for me in such a beautiful way. We are only on week 6 of the RtR guide (due to some house issues we faced and having to move out for a while), but I can already see an impovement in my oldest with his writing, his ability to catch details and narrate appropriately, in dication, and other areas. From our experience I would say that is definitely not too late to start HOD in 7th grade, but just know there will be a learning curve. I know we still have a ways to go, but at least I know that we are on the right road!
Blessings,
Katie

[lmercon]

As a mom of a severely dyslexic child, I can absolutely say that HOD is the best type of program for him. I do have to do more of the work with him. He can't do any of the independent work by himself. It is still worth it. We won't get all of the program done in one year, but that's okay.
Laura

[Heather4Him]

We started last year with HOD in 8th grade, and it wasn't a hard transition at all. But, like the previous poster said, there is always some adapting to new things like the narrations, to get used to doing. Overall, it was a wonderful choice, and we're planning to stay with HOD all through high school!

[my3sons]

Such great responses here already - these ladies are terrific! I would agree whole-heartedly with their wise advice. It is never too late to begin learning CM's methods - I believe I have been learning some of them myself as I have been teaching HOD through the years! I agree there will be a learning curve, but planning for that by starting half-speed for a few weeks or a month, and exercising a healthy dose of patience (always something I need to remind myself of), should get your gal off to a good start. Pondering the placement chart carefully will be important, and considering the circumstances, possibly choosing an easier rather than harder placement would be wise. I have also prayed for you and for her that this transition will go well, and I don't need to know nor want to know the private details of how she arrived at your door, but your word 'flee' has me praying. May the Lord give you the strength to be a shoulder to lean on and a 'teacher' to love! I also pray for wisdom for you as you set up the parameters of you homeschooling this sweet girl - that you may know what is the best balance to maintain for your role in this, your cousin's role in this, how your family will adjust to this, and how much time you are able to commit to this.

Love in Christ,
Julie