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We've just begun Unit 2 of Bigger in our first year using HOD. So far, my dds (7 and 8 ) are doing well with everything...except they are having problems with the First Book in American History selections. My oldest dd has excellent comprehension and narration skills and she has some trouble with the vocabulary and the way it's written. I usually have to retell in my own words what was said after I've read it. We have always used curriculms where I have read aloud to them a lot using living books (like Sonlight, etc.)
For example, part of today's reading from pages 15-17 said "The people in his first colony on the island of Hispaniola quarreled among themselves and maltreated the Indians, until the latter fell on them and killed them all."
When I finished reading and asked for a narration, my 7 year old said, "All the people died when a ladder fell on them"
Does it take a while to get used to the writing style? Is is okay to have to explain the selection to them after they try to narrate to me?
Thanks!
Steph

Hi! Steph,
Yes, Eggleston took a little getting used to for us too. We found that once we got past Columbus and Calbot it got smoother. I am not sure why exactly maybe we just got into the flow of it.
Here is a link where the Eggleston books are discussed at length.
viewtopic.php?p=46098#p46098

HTH! Blessings!
Kathy

If your children are not used to books written long ago, it could take some time (I am not really sure when the Eggleston books were written, but they have that style). I have purposely been reading books to my boys that were written long ago and they do not have any problem, but I have explained many things as we went and I think they are used to it now. I would give it some time and just keep explaining. These types of books are wonderful for our children, as it will expand their vocabulary and expression so much.

Thank you for that link. I'm very encouraged and motivated to press on!
Steph