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If we decide on HOD and I use textbook phonics and math will this take away from this program? I have used BJ for my DD and the math is working for us. I also have the 1st grade phonics I was planning on using with my DS. But it seemed to be time consuming. That might be because I had a newborn and then a crawler at 5months. Now he is 14months and getting into everything. I will be homeschooling two this coming year as well. It could have also been because it was my 1st yr homeschooling and I wasn't really familiar with the program. So has anyone not used the recommendations and wish the had?

Interested to hear what others have to say since I'm thinking of using CLE Math and LA rather than what is recommended in the TM for Bigger for 3rd grade for my ds. I know it says you can just *use your own instead* but I wonder if it's better to just switch to what's in the TM- I'm sure each child is different. I like the *idea* of just using the guide as written and not having to make any changes. Part of it, for me anyway, is knowing I already feel comfortable with what we are using and it is working. The old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" addage. I'm sure our kids are a lot more flexible than we are (as least speaking for myself).

You can definitely continue with your own math and language arts and still get plenty out of HOD. I can tell you from experience that switching math too much doesn't always work out However, Carrie's use of resources in these areas, especially how the language arts skills are woven throughout the guide in Charlotte Mason fashion, is really worth a try. As for math, the benefit of using Singapore the HOD way is that you have shorter lessons and great retention. Using your own language arts and math will add time to your day beyond what is indicated for each guide. If you want to get an idea of how Singapore might work for your child, have your child take the placement test at this link
http://www.singaporemath.com/Placement_s/12.htm and withour any assistance or the score will be inflated. Children coming from other programs typically place one or two levels lower in Singapore math because it is generally advanced over other programs.

Thanks I called and ordered today. So glad I called and waited for a return call. Loved calling a company and getting the help I really needed. Going with all recommendations except with math since I already have it. Looking forward to using HOD!

scampbell2003 wrote:Thanks I called and ordered today. So glad I called and waited for a return call. Loved calling a company and getting the help I really needed. Going with all recommendations except with math since I already have it. Looking forward to using HOD!

Isn't it great how Carrie and her husband make time to help? Another reason to love HOD

blessedmomof4 wrote:

scampbell2003 wrote:Thanks I called and ordered today. So glad I called and waited for a return call. Loved calling a company and getting the help I really needed. Going with all recommendations except with math since I already have it. Looking forward to using HOD!

Isn't it great how Carrie and her husband make time to help? Another reason to love HOD

This was so nice to read! Mike and Carrie pour personal time into the families the Lord brings to HOD like no other homeschooling publisher I know. They bathe us in prayer and put their heart and soul into helping our homeschool journey be the best it can be. I'm so thankful for them myself, as I've received wise counsel many times over from them too. Even the encouragers need encouragement sometimes - and this will be encouragement for them. Thanks!

In Christ,
Julie