heartofdakota.com

Hello,

I am seriously considering HOD for this upcoming 2015/2016 school year. I have a 7 (8 in July) and a 9 (10 in May) son. We have been using textbooks. I have used/tried different curriculum in the past (MFW, Sonlight, Beautiful Feet, Learning Adventures, etc) with my four older children, but have only now (not sure how that happened) come upon HOD. Due to an unforeseen family tragedy at the end of 2011, I have only had the energy for textbooks and have not gotten back my mojo to get out of textbooks. I have two graduated, one about to graduate, one who is currently 10th grade, and my two youngest. I would like to have my three boys doing HOD but am not sure what to do. I have been searching the forum, but I am still confused or not sure.

My 16 year old has done World Geography, and US Government in his 9th grade. He is currently on World History with Notgrass. He has done General Science, and currently Biology with SOS. He did Abeka Language/Grammar and is currently doing 10th grade SOS language. He completed Algebra 1 and 2 and is currently doing Geometry with Teaching Textbooks. He is doing Bible with Abeka. Required History is World Geography, US Government, US History, World History, State History, and one other 1 semester history. I see that HOD for high school is World Geography and World History with US History not coming until the 2016/2017 school year (if I am understanding that right). I would like him to have more emphasis on writing and studying of literature that HOD seems to be strong on, and would love for him to have a stronger background on that. But because he has already earned his required credits in the two history currently available on HOD, it doesn't look like he would do HOD this year. Does it makes sense to just do the Language Arts portion of HOD, can that be done?

For my 7 soon to be 8 year old, he is an emerging reader, picks up on math well (currently doing Abeka in 2nd grade math, Language, and Letters and Sounds, Science and History), is writing okay. He will copy a sentence or two.

My 9 soon to be 10 year old, picked up reading fairly quickly, is pretty good in math (currently doing Abeka Language, Teaching Textbooks grade 4, Easy Grammer, Spelling Power, Abeka science and history) This son doesn't like to write. He can work independently, but takes a little time on picking up new concepts.

What would you recommend for my two youngest? I am torn between keeping them together at Bigger, or starting my 9 year old at Bigger and my 7 year old at Beyond to give them (and me) a better chance to get use to a more "rigorous" schedule. I think that "normal" levels would be Bigger and CTC? But I am concerned it may be too much at this point in time? I think it's because I feel like I haven't done enough, that I should start them at a lower level to help them do better. Does that make sense?

I do apologize for the length of my message.
Thank you for any help.
I do appreciate it!
Warmly,
dandi

I think placement of level is very individualized and personal. I would not feel behind if you decided to place your 10 year old in Bigger. If it were me, I would probably place both of your younger kids together in Bigger and add in the extensions. The entension activities would have additional writing activities that your younger child would not complete. You would just adjust the grammar level for the 9/10 year old. Have you done much formal grammar in the past? If so, then your child will probably be ready for level 4. If not, then I would recommend completing level 3. HOD uses studied dictation for spelling. You could with to the dictation or continue on with the path you have already established. It seems that you like TT and I would probably stick with that rather than jumping to Singapore. I love Singapore but finishing a series is usually best, especially with math. I would add in DITHOR for the older child. I previously came from a textbook based curriculum and DITHOR is very different from that. You are discussing various story elements rather than answer reading and comprehension questions. And if your 9/10 year old child is a good reader, you cold probably start with the level 4/5 student book and pick either the 4/5 book pack or the 5/6 book pack.

As for your to be 11th grader, is this child a stronger reader? HOD is publishing their 3rd high school guide this year and it won't be available until the fall. But at the same time, this curriculum is very different and placing your child at the correct level based on skills rather than picking a level because of subject. If it were me, I would probably wait a bit longer before making any decisions about what level to complete. HOD just published a sneak peek of their Chemistry selection. If your son needs more instruction in writing, he could probably do the literature in the WG or WH guide. And as for history, you may be happier looking at Rev to Rev or MTMM and adding extension. These books are listed for a lower level but are still excellent books. Plus, the extensions have additional activities scheduled and highly increase the level of the books. I do think that HOD can work for all 3 of your kids but I think it might take some tinkering with the oldest. You may need to purchase multiple guides to give this child a complete year. However, when you look at placement, you may find that your child scores very well and may be fine with the higher guide. The only thing I would worry about is HOD is very full. If your oldest isn't used to the style or volume, I would be concerned about their reaction to it. But you know your child best and if you feel that they would be okay with it, then it may be fine. They haven't published the placement chart yet for this upcoming level so it may take a bit of time before you can decide for yourself if that level will work out or not.

Hi Sandi, I'm wondering if maybe Rev to Rev this year and MTMM next year, with extensions would work for your older ds. Maybe use the chemistry and literature/comp/grammar from the new US History guide with Rev to Rev, and the science/literature from the last guide (which will hopefully be available the following year) with MTMM? This is if the content of the new guides will be too heavy, although, if he places well skill wise in the new US History guide, Carrie does plan to have it available in increments for next year as she needs it for her own son. Here is the link to her first "sneak peek": viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16078 .
For the younger two, you could certainly do Beyond and Bigger, and if you need more challenge after you get going comfortably, add in DITHOR. I have three boys, and all are different in skills, but HOD is so flexible and fun for all

It appears that my phone autocorrected your name I believe it should be *Dandi*

Thank you so much Nealewill and Jennymommy for your very thorough guidance! I am so encouraged and thankful for your kindness. I was so hesitant to post my question, but am so glad that I did.

I am very grateful for you addressing all the subjects and giving me much information to help me decide on which level to use. It is so helpful because I was thinking I was going to need to change math curriculum, and for the help on writing and everything! Thank you for all the different things to take into account to help me decide. For the different scenarios that could work.

Your suggestions are so invaluable to me!! I am excited to start HOD now, and am so happy to have found a community of encouraging, kind and nonjudgmental group of amazing people to be a part of.

I am so encouraged, like a very heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

With a huge hug of gratitude!
God Bless you both dear, dear ladies!

P.S. I apologize if two replies get posted from me. I wrote one out and thought I hit submit but when I went back to check it wasn't there and I am not sure if it takes a while to post or is immediate.

Also, another great thing about HOD is their customer service! If you call them, they will help you with placement decisions for your oldest. I believe that they are traveling back from a convention early this week, but if you call and leave a message they will return your call. Although I haven't needed this service, I've heard from many people on this forum about how extremely helpful (and non-critical!) they are in helping with placement issues.

Thank you so much Deb! That is a good idea. I am encouraged by the fact that many have found customer service to be helpful and especially non-critical!
Thank you again!
God Bless you!