heartofdakota.com

Hello everyone!

I have just discovered HOD recently and am considering purchasing it to begin with my daughter next month. I am so excited, I love everything I read about it. What I am not clear on is to either start my daughter on Bigger Hearts or Preparing. She is 8 years old, and in the third grade. That being said, she also has been recently diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, as well as Sensory Processing Disorder. She struggles with her writing. Her reading is wonderful, she is reading at a 5th to 6th grade level. Any advise as to where to begin?


Thank you so much!

Colleen

Did you look at the placement chart? It's the first place to look them come back and let the ladies here know what you found on that. They can help you much more then.

Here is the link to the placement chart, http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php
Based on what you have said I would lean towards Bigger, maybe with the extensions, but after you look at the placement chart we might have a better idea.

Colleen,

Welcome to the HOD Board! We're glad to have you here! From what you've shared so far, keeping in mind your daughter's recent diagnosis and the fact that she doesn't love to write, I'd lean toward Bigger Hearts for your daughter. I think this would allow her to shine in her guide and give her time to grow into the skills we're asking of her. Bigger Hearts is also wonderful preparation for Preparing Hearts.

Plus, using Bigger as her core guide will allow her to use DITHR along with her without getting burned out on the written work. DITHR is a terrific component for addressing her reading level without aiming too low or shooting too high. I agree that the Extensions from Bigger would be terrific for her too, since she loves to read and has a strong reading level.

Depending on where she is at with grammar, she could use what is scheduled in Bigger (which is English 2), or she could use English 3. We typically recommend using Rod and Staff English a year behind the child's typical grade level. This is because Rod and Staff gets more rigorous as it goes, so it gives the child plenty of time to grow into applying the grammar skills to his/her written work and not to get overwhelmed or burned out with grammar as the years pass.

Blessings,
Carrie

I know its been a few months since I originally posted this, but thank you everyone for your advice! It has been a rough few months but finally, finally I placed my order today! yay! I cannot wait to get started

What joy! Praying it goes well for you and your daughter.