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Hi, can someone tell me if there is any character training/building with HOD? I'm really wanting to find a program that is going to be rich in the word. Not just a bunch of bible stories, iykwim. Also, I'm considering LHFHG for my son who will be a young 6yo. I'm not sure whether to get the K or 1st grade packages. Technically my son will be entering his K year. However, we are currently already using a K curriculum. Any thoughts or direction would be greatly appreciated.

I wouldn't say LHFHG is heavy in character building, but it is strong in the Word. Each week there is a memory verse that ties into the history for the week. The guide has a key note on how the verse ties in with each lesson. There is also a devotional about twice a week that is definitely meaty. Some are character qualities while others are more doctrinal (like salvation). Then, in the storytime, there is a character building emphasis about once a week based on the characters in the books. It is definitely more than just Bible stories!

As for what packages, stick with the K science book for sure (it is just easier to use with the guide). As for fine motor skills, either one would be fine. You can see a couple of sample pages on Milestone Books' website (they are the distributor for Rod and Staff). Probably the 1st grade option would be a better fit UNLESS fine motor skills is a struggle. Then the math I would look at Singapore's website for the scope and sequence. We chose to use a different math since my daughter had completed Horizons K, and we liked their math. And finally is phonics and handwriting. Here, if you are using something you like, stick with it. If you aren't using something you like, The Reading Lesson would be my pick for phonics of the two HOD recommendations. Handwriting it just depends on what style you prefer and how much you have covered. I hope that helps some!

The strong Bible and the character building is what drew/draws me to HOD. LHFHG gives an excellent foundation in the Scriptures, to the point that it is used to draw children to the Saviour, if they have not yet made that decision. When we did LHFHG, my dd had already made a decision for Christ, but the Bible taught in that guide also instructs children in living a life that is pleasing to God. It's been almost 4 years since we did LHFHG, but I know how much I appreciated the Biblical lessons in it.

My first time through the guides I didn't "see" it, but there is a lot of Character training and building in these guides that you don't even realize if you do it all as written. Discussion about what you would or should do in certain situations, Storytime is where character qualities are discussed, Bible reading is throughout. The discussion that is added in for the stories helps the students think about truth (though there is less of that in LHFHG but some in the storytime selections).

Thank you so much ladies. Any help is much appriciated. I have been praying about our homeschooling choice for the upcoming year and am really feeling lead to HOD. I have to admit that I feel like I am really lacking in parental skills and knowledge of the Scriptures to help my children. I definately need something laid out for me. Bible is my hardest subject to teach.

psreit wrote:The strong Bible and the character building is what drew/draws me to HOD. LHFHG gives an excellent foundation in the Scriptures, to the point that it is used to draw children to the Saviour, if they have not yet made that decision. When we did LHFHG, my dd had already made a decision for Christ, but the Bible taught in that guide also instructs children in living a life that is pleasing to God. It's been almost 4 years since we did LHFHG, but I know how much I appreciated the Biblical lessons in it.

This is very encouraging! How wonderful that your daughter made a commitment so young. My boys are far from making a commitment but I pray that they will one day. Lhfhg looks like it will bring up wonderful conversations about God. That's what I'm looking for.

StephanieU wrote:As for what packages, stick with the K science book for sure (it is just easier to use with the guide). As for fine motor skills, either one would be fine. You can see a couple of sample pages on Milestone Books' website (they are the distributor for Rod and Staff). Probably the 1st grade option would be a better fit UNLESS fine motor skills is a struggle. Then the math I would look at Singapore's website for the scope and sequence. We chose to use a different math since my daughter had completed Horizons K, and we liked their math. And finally is phonics and handwriting. Here, if you are using something you like, stick with it. If you aren't using something you like, The Reading Lesson would be my pick for phonics of the two HOD recommendations. Handwriting it just depends on what style you prefer and how much you have covered. I hope that helps some!

I appriciate your suggestions. What is the K science like? I have a boy who LOVES his science.

HOD follows Charlotte Mason's philosophies in many areas, so science is light int he first few guides. There is science twice a week, and it ties into the history lesson that day. When my daughter is yearning for more science, we just pull out books we have (thanks to friends and family that have homeschooled in the past), go to the library, or watch videos like Magic School Bus. We are also a part of a CM homeschool group that does nature walks twice a month. So, we try to do some nature walks too.

Oh, and the Rod and Staff books used for 1st grade have life science in them (habitat and animals) as do the Burgess storytime books (all about animals). So, it is more physical science that we add in when desired.

Tawny - If you just follow the daily Bible readings in LHFHG, you will be giving your dc what is needed to give them the opportunity to make a decision. They are young, but if able to understand, this is an excellent way to really begin teaching them the Bible. Then you pray and wait for the fruit. And you just follow the guide. That's one thing that draws me to HOD. I don't have to plan the lessons and I can trust that they are being taught well.

Tawny, I can relate. I myself need guidance/help in the area of character building and Bible which is why I was so drawn to HOD. I believe it has a very strong focus in both of those areas.

Proverbs 4:23 says that everything overflows from the heart and it's been impressed on my heart lately that all discipline and teaching must start there if we are to reach our children for God's glory. I love all the heart probing questions that HOD has.

LHFHG is a lovely program. It does have Bible stories of course but it is so much more then just that. The key ideas tie everything nicely together. Love love the key ideas. It helps me explain things more clearly. The devotional is nice as well.

I love how the burgess books teach about character but because it's fun stories about animals they don't even realize it. Lol. I've even been able to use the stories as examples when dealing with issues at home. In fact, just the other day I was able to refer to a story in grandfather frog that we just recently read and the thoughtless behavior of a couple of the characters. ( she was exhibiting the same behavior towards her sister) It was a blessing! Now I'm not saying this works so well in my home all the time but on occasion I can seize a good opportunity and the timing was perfect.

Ultimately, I'm on my knees first seeking The Lord for HIS guidance but I feel HOD really partners with me as I try to raise these blessings for God.