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After years of considering homeschooling and months of shopping curriculum, I finally placed our order after talking with Mike (who was very helpful). Need some reassurance as I am very nervous about our first year being a success; I understand placing each child at their appropriate level is critical in that. Opted to go with Beyond for all; will do the left side together, then have son do the right side in Bigger. Have twin daughters who will be first grade when we start (turning 7 in November) and a son who will be third grade (9 in January 2014). Dd's above grade level and reading quite well for kindergarteners; son also above grade level, but not quite as much. Hope to "beef up" ds curriculum by doing science from Bigger, Preparing to Build English 2 and Singapore 2A/2B, as well as DIHOR. Thoughts?

It sounds great! Welcome to HOD!

This has been our first year using HOD. We love it!

We have been home schooling for 4 years now and my encouragement to you is to go slow and enjoy each moment. I have finally realized that each child needs too run their own race and can work at any level. You are going to love Beyond, we have really enjoyed it so far. Just remember they are learning everyday, even if you are just cooking together (math).

We have had good days and bad ones, some where we just need to work on character and that is alright, I wouldn't change any of it. My son just recently had a math block, couldn't remember his math facts very well, so instead of going on we just stop our lessons and practice with some work sheets and card games, now he is ready to move on. Just remember you can tweak anything or slow it down, that's the wonderful thing with homeschooling.

You will love DITHOR. We have had so much fun! Just come ask questions and get encouragement here anytime.
Blessings,
Stacey

Oh thank you for the kind reassurance. Never imagined a curriculum would provide this kind of support network. Not that I needed any more proof, but just shows again that The Lord brought us to this amazing program.

It sounds like you have a great year ahead of you! By beefing up the math, science, and language arts the way you are, Beyond ought to be just right for your ds and your dds will really love it as written. Welcome to HOD! I pray you have a wonderful year and are blessed as much as we are with this great curriculum!

I really like your plan! I think it makes good sense, and I am excited for you to begin! You will enjoy Beyond so much as your core program, and the Bigger Hearts' LA and math you mentioned for ds sound right on track. Many, many families are doing this very same thing and enjoying it. You'll have to share your box day with us! We love to join in on the celebration!

In Christ,
Julie