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We are new to homeschooling. Our twin boys went to PS from K-2 and we brought them home. We have used a hodge podge of cirriculum and have done fine. we used Math-u-see, Easy grammar, Answers in Genesis for Science, A Reason for Spelling/and Handwriting. The kids have done fine with it, but I feel like we are missing something. They are independent readers and tested in PS to be reading on a 5th grade level. I have been seeing a lot of reviews on HOD and have been investigating, however I am a little overwhelmed when it comes to choosing all of the add-ons, guides, etc. Can someone please point me in the right direction? Cirriculum is very expensive and I don't really have money to make a mistake with. I purchased Apologia's Science with notebook....got it and put it on a shelf. It was WAY over their heads. Also, do i need to buy 2 packages as I will be using it for 2 boys? Any help would be great!

Hi! Welcome to the board.
Have you looked at the placement chart yet?
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php
You would want to place your twins correctly for the subjects on the first page.

As far as buying packages you only need one package, but two of every consumable.
Math, Handwriting, etc.

HTH

I have looked and read about all of the choices. My boys are very advanced reader and love it, so I am going to go with Preparing Hearts for His Glory. I think we will continue with our Math program, and finish our Easy Grammar before I purchase the English portion from HOD. I will buy the Economy package more than likely. My question is do I need the Drawn into Reading and the extension package reading package? I know the level I am going to use, but I don't have any idea of the extras that I need to order. Help! Someone, please just tell me what I need to add to the economy package!

It sounds like you have checked out the placement chart for placing your twins, and I think you will love doing HOD with them! Just to clarify, how old are your twins? Maturity makes a difference in placement, as does writing ability. I just don't want anything to be way over their heads, and I'd never want any part of HOD to sit on your shelf - if it did, it would definitely be due to placement, as all of HOD is good. So in consideration of doing PHFHG, do the twins fit well agewise, and skillwise in reading/writing/grammar/math according to the first page of the placement chart? If so, you'd want to order the following...
1. Economy Pkg.
2. Science Economy Pkg. Add-on
3. Choose the right reading level (if they have not done a formal reading program, I'd suggest "Drawn into the Heart of Reading Level 2/3" using any level of books for each of the twins that fit each well - whether that be Level 2, Level 2, or Level 4/5 books)
4. Choose the right grammar level (probably R & S English 3)
5. Choose the right math level (base it on free placement testing at www.singaporemath.com)
6. Choose whether to order Lead Me to the Rock (it is lovely, sets the Scripture to be learned to music, and helps with memorization)
7. Choose whether to order the Basic Package (which are Storytime read-alouds that are awesome living books that further describe the history)
8. Choose whether to order the Deluxe Package (which are more important in my opinion to have than the Storytime books if you have to make a choice - they teach important independent skills needed for the subsequent guides)

You are set!!! If you have any more questions, ask away, but I HTH!
In Christ,
Julie