New to this and need advice

[mtngrace]

I am new to the homeschooling concept. I just recently pulled my 4 year old out of preschool because she was exhausted and started peeing on herself a lot. Plus the cost was too much for us. I am really leaning towards homeschooling and will take it one year at a time. I was looking into the this curriculum for her since she is 4 and will be 5 in July. She already knows her number, letters, colors, phonics, songs etc. I am wondering if this would be boring to her? Should I start the kindergarten one with her? I don't really want to get too far ahead though. I also have an almost 2 yr old son and he may enjoy this too. I am excited about all of the bible and christ centered emphasis it has. I needed something with structure to do with them and teach them about God. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Carrie]

mtngrace,

Welcome to the HOD Board! We're glad to have you here. I'll move this post over to the Main Board where more moms will have a chance to see it. All new posts begin on the Main Board.

Blessings,
Carrie

[annaz]

Welcome! You couldn't have come to a better place.

My only advice would be to have your child decompress and get over her stresses. Poor girl. That will give you time to figure where you're at and in this case, I'm sure someone else can help you with your dd for your actual question as we didn't find HOD till Beyond. So I'd be of no help.

But I did want to say welcome and just have some fun child-led things to do for her until you can peruse the answers you'll receive here.

[countrymom]

Given that she is not 5 until July I would start her in LHTH, but you can always use some of the kindergarten materials from Little Hearts if you feel she is ready. That is the beauty of HOD, you can customize to your kiddo. You could add the two basic skills kindergarten books and maybe slowly begin one of the phonics programs as you do LHTH. You could also add in the kindergarten handwriting book when you feel she is ready. When you do Little Hearts you can do the 1st grade basic skills and handwriting books, continue with phonics wherever you are at and begin the Singapore math. I would first look over the guide carefully and look at the placement (http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php) chart, and I agree with the other poster, start her out slow. Welcome to HOD!

[my3sons]

I think you and your dd would love LHTH! We have done it 3 times with our 3 sons and loved it with each one of them. It is such a great way to begin homeschooling! It has short lessons, each box taking around 5-10 minutes, and a great variety of activities. The Bible history was a wonderful way to begin, and the comprehension questions helped my dc learn to listen more carefully and respond to questions. The devotions also provided good discussions and fostered better comprehension. We loved the Fingerplays, getting up and moving together and having fun was just a neat, active part of the day! The music was great. The art was fun. The fine motor skills doable and related to the history. We just had a blast with LHTH! I am excited for you and your dd to get to enjoying your homeschooling days together. The best part is your dd will learn that homeschooling is enjoyable, that she can be great at it, and that she can love her days at home with her lovin' mom as her teacher! You will have time to enjoy doing other things together as well, as LHTH does not take long to do. I think your dd is showing signs of sadness and stress in her school situation right now, and I am applauding your response to that by bringing her home to love on her and show her school doesn't have to be that way! Enjoy HOD - we sure have - and I'll look forward to getting to know you here!

In Christ,
Julie