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Hi,

We're looking into HOD at the moment. It seems to be the last catalog left on the pile. I'm really excited about the books and resources. BUT, we're not American. There is a lot of American history within the curriculum. How do I 'make' it less American? I was thinking about choosing different DITHOR books, but how about the read alouds in the different programs? Are they scheduled in? Especially Rev2Rev and the Modern Guide seem heavy, with the audio cd's. What can I take out and replace with something else? I don't mind studying American History, but reading some material from our own country would be great, too. I don't mind the extra work.

Another question, one about the extension package. Do I use it together with the basic read alouds, or as a replacement? If so, can I choose from either package for an older student? For example: Can I swap Poor Richard for Songbird? I'm sorry if this is already explained somewhere.

Thank you for your time!

Although I'm not up to Rev to Rev yet, I do live outside of the US. My thoughts are later on when I get to the guides with State Studies and President studies, I'm going to focus on NZ History and NZ Prime Ministers. My thoughts with regard the children learning so much US History is that they will still learn a great deal beyond just knowing what happened in the US. The reason we're using HOD is mostly because of the Christ centredness, but also the way the skills are gradually increased. For me it is not what they know, but what they do with what they know and how they can incorporate that into everyday life. Hope that helps some.

Hi littlesteps, and welcome to the HOD Board! Molly already gave such a helpful, wise response that I am nodding along with it. The books HOD chooses really shine because of the life lessons they teach with Christ at the center, not because some of them happen to be about Americans. But, I can understand what you are saying here! Would you mind sharing what country you call home? Maybe others would come forward with thoughts then. Also, could you share a little about your dc's ages and placement(s)? That would help us try to give some more guide and age specific advice.

But, in general, you can choose any DITHOR books you wish as long as they match the genre being studied, and with some of the guides, the Storytime part of the plans (i.e. Basic Pkg. usually) is genre- based, and these titles could also be chosen. For the extensions, those books are only used if your child falls in the extension age range for a guide. They parallel the theme of each unit being studied so nicely, I think I'd use them as is if you happen to have a student in the extensions age range. As far as using the Basic and/or extension, that depends on the guide you are talking about and the child's needs. If you get the chance to share a bit more, we will all chime in to help you out as best we can! I will say I help with the training of the shipping in HOD one day a week, and HOD is being shipped about everywhere you can imagine - very exciting to see the Lord at work in this way!!! So, just know you are not alone in being from a different country than America and using HOD! Looking forward to getting to know you here!

In Christ,
Julie