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I was wondering, what happens when a child does like the curriculum/program at all or most of it. My daughter likes BJU math (or used too), doesn't like A reason for handwriting anymore (just letting her practice letters on the dry-erase board, doesn't like the history/Bible/action songs/music (still put it on while my kids are working on something else)...
We're doing K so I'm not concerned but for next year....what happens when a child really doesn't like most of the program??? Does that mean I have to use something else or just make her do it all. I know she likes action songs/finger plays but when it involves something "religious" she says it's boring. I really want a Christ-focused curriculum but....not sure if HOD will work.

I was looking at the Beyond book and for some things she'd be ready but for the rest of the materials, she wouldn't be ready for it. Just like this year with LHFHG. The history seemed to be over her head so we're using Abeka's social studies K instead.
For grade 1, should I redo LHFHG, doing the parts we missed and adding the grade 1 books or should I do something else....

I am no expert here. I have had my share of issues with LHTH with my daughter. I am not sure I am understanding your situation completely. Is it that the history/Bible/etc is over her head so she doesn't like it because she doesn't understand it or can't retain it? Or is it that she has no problem retaining what she is learning but just doesn't like how it is presented? If it is the first, you might want to give it a try again next year for 1st grade and see if she is able to retain it better. If it is the latter, I'd say she might benefit from a different program. As the history/Bible is pretty core to what HOD is all about.

The other option is to not do the finger plays or change how you do them. My daughter did not like LHTH finger plays. So i was concerned about how she would react to the ones in LHFHG. I sat down one day with LHFHG and started doing the rhymes from the back outloud while she was playing. She didn't care for the ones that just rhymed but she LOVED the ones that you sing to. Everytime I started singing, she'd stop what she was doing and come over to investigate. She just loves music. Perhaps try to put the rhymes to simple songs, she might like it better that way. That is my goal anyway.

Perhaps reading the history while she is eating breakfast or lunch might help. That way she could listen but still be doing "something else" and it would help her to sit still and listen better. If she isn't liking the Bible stories when you are reading them, maybe you could let her draw a picture while you read. Just tell her she has to pay attention to the story because you'll ask her questions at the end. Or just save the Bible story for bedtime.

I don't know if this helps. If you have to choose a different program, it doesn't mean that you failed in some way. You have to find what works the best for all of you. Sorry. I truly do understand.

The interest isn't there for the history/Bible/art/action rhymes...it may be an age thing or it may be not her thing....I don't know just yet.

Julie,

I guess I'm not quite understanding what you're asking. Sorry. I'm thinking from what you've shared that you're doing your own combination of curriculum right now that is not related to LHFHG .... doing ABeka for history, BJU for math, doing some of A Reason for Handwriting, and possibly playing the music CD from LHFHG, but not doing the LHFHG Bible, history, art, hands-on activities, devotions, music, rhymes, storytime, math, etc. It is certainly fine to put together your own curriculum, and many moms do! But, if your little daughter isn't happy with what you're doing right now, then it doesn't sound like it's related to LHFHG.

One thing to be aware of is that when we let our little one's likes and dislikes dictate what we do each school day, we are giving a 5 or 6 year old the run of the day. It's certainly alright to modify some things to meet their needs better and to change some parts of a curriculum to help them enjoy school day more, but if we're continually stopping or starting things based on our kiddo's mood, then we'll be stressed out and our kiddos will never really be happy with constant change. It also results in not really doing the curriculum we've purchased... by the time we've changed it so much there's nothing left of the original curriculum. How do I know this? I've done it myself, multiple times! Here is the nugget of truth I've gleaned from all of those changes: Often the curriculum that works best is the one that is taught as close to possible the way it is written, and the one that gets done every day so the kiddos know what to expect.

Whether LHFHG is for you or not is something only you can decide. I know and understand that HOD is not for everyone. But, no matter what you decide to do for school, I will tell you that not all of school is fun and that there will be things that your little honey will need to do whether she enjoys them or not. This is a fact that is true throughout all of life. The habit of diligence, even when a task is not a favorite one, is an important habit to cultivate. Of course, we want joy in our kiddo's school day, and we want them to have favorite things they look forward to each day! But, without a similar schedule from day-to-day, kiddos soon realize they can get out of doing things by acting disinterested or complaining. Children have sinful natures just as we do, and young kiddos will always prefer to play rather than do school (no matter how wonderful the curriculum might be).

Now your little honey is young, and is could be a maturity thing. If so, you might consider doing only the basics (reading, writing, and math this year), and then bumping up to a more formal introduction to school the following year. Or, it could be that you haven't had the time to devote to her that you need. This may also be different in a year's time. Either way, maturity rather than the curriculum may be the issue then.

So, before looking ahead to another change, I'd encourage you to take a look at the changes you've already made this year and decide whether or not they have fixed the problems you're seeing? Sometimes, the curriculum really is the problem, and sometimes it is something else. Only you can know for sure!

Blessings,
Carrie

Just popping in for a minute here...
But my children *in general* do not have much of a "say" in what they do or do not do- especially when it comes to school. You have to be the one to "call" the shots - in so many words. That said- I have not had much trouble with my children and their learning. We have usually dropped programs because of ME! not them.

Also- I did have some resistance with some of the boxes in LHFHG- I was able to discuss this with another mom- and she helped me understand the learning inherent in some of what was scheduled and also where some of the resisitance might have been coming from. Once I trouble-shooted that aspect- it has been smooth going and I wouldn't change it for anything. My son did not want to "enter in" to the dramatic play or rhymes at first, for example.

I have found with my children- that if I am excited about learning and enthused- they usually follow suit. I would not stop teaching my dc bible if they said it was boring. It would cause me to pause and wonder where their hearts are at- and see what I need to adjust.

As far as not liking handwriting- I think there is a point where kids generally don't like handwriting- because it is work. That is why it is good to just do a little excellent work than drag out letter practice and exhaust their fine motor muscles. However, my boys still are required to do handwriting regardless and we have used a variety of programs over the years and they still haven't always LOVED it- if you know what I mean. But it is not an option here.

Personally, I would press on with history that is "over the head." I feel that children take in much more than we understand or give them credit for - and it is possible that she will "grow into it"... it is more important to be "on level" in skill areas like math, spelling, etc than in content areas like history and literature. That is just what we do...

Maybe your family will flow better with a textbook/workbook approach- that is okay too! Sometimes you have to experiment as you find your way.
I hope something in here helps.
It is important to adjust for learning style, family conviction, etc.- and only you will know that for your family. But if you are really drawn to HOD and want to use it for your family- I wouldn't drop it just because the child doesn't like it- she might need to "get used to it", realize school happens always, she is not in charge, etc.

Rebecca

Sorry my question isn't clear...

I decided to only do 1/2 of LHFHG: the science (she enjoys that ), music, phonics (The Reading Lesson), math (I am using BJU), the R&S workbooks. The storytime books, my daughter really had no interest in listening to those, even while doing something else, so we stopped that. I thought that I'd start slow for K and then do the whole program next year with maybe going back to Singapore for grade 1 (did use the early bird series (1A/B) for pre-k) and use the program as it is written.

I still have her practice the writing but for a couple days I let her practice on the dry-erase board. For Bible we're doing Small Talks About God & Playtime Devotions for my son, not always every day but trying to get there to doing it daily.

I know I shouldn't let my child dictate what I end up using for school, unless something is really not going well, then we should just work through it. I guess I need to become less wishy-washy about what I have decided on doing and stick to it.

Julie,

I think I get you. I think what you are saying is that your little one has just not been ready for the whole thing as written so you are just using parts and plan to repeat it all again as written when they are more ready for it. I think that is a fine idea. LHFHG is very flexible and with the appendix if by the time you get there you need more that is there for you as well. If you finish all the science them just move to the science that is in the appendix for 1st grade and there you go. We have used LHFHG so many ways and it has really worked for us juggling between my 4 and 6 year old's needs. I think it is great you are making it fit for your little one as well. Sometimes things like sitting thorough stories etc and being able to do what is there for the day simply because it is your day takes time for some little ones. It sounds like you found a good way to ease her in and then get her used to a full dose of school in the future. If I am understanding you correctly it sounds great to me.

Hello Julie. You have received so many beautiful and wise replies! May I add just a tid bit, too? I imagine that you love your child so much, you are willing to do anything to bless her, please her, make her happy, etc. That is part of being a mom. Now part of being a homeschool mom is that sometimes we need to 'stay the course' and keep on with our slow and steady plodding, so that we can instill in our kids valuable character traits like perseverance and faithfulness. If you can pray each morning for the patience to keep a smiling countenance and happy attitude, even when she is expressing boredom or frustration, she will learn that she should 'do all things as unto the Lord'. Keep a song in your voice and be expressive when describing the Bible lesson or activity. She, as all children, have to learn that the scriptures are a precious blessing that we are privileged to have and learn from. Listening to storytime books may be an acquired taste, but she needs to be able to sit and respectfully listen, and also develop those attention skills that are important to upper level learning. I think it was Albert Einstein who said "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." Ah, an imagination is such a wonderful thing! It can be expressed through listening to wonderful stories, doing art projects, listening to music, playing, etc. Do those art projects along with her, it will be more fun with a partner. Keep at those storytime readings. She will improve in her listening skills. Perhaps take a couple of days off to regroup, and then begin afresh with a positive attitude of *Oh boy, it's a new school day! Let's get started!* Keep each 'subject' short and then move onto the next 'subject'. That helps with the wigglies. Try not to add to many extras to your schedule, no matter how wonderful they seem. Above all, stay steady with your decision and trust that the Lord will give you the strength and grace each morning to teach your little ones all about Him and His world. Blessings~
Ginger

SoaringEagle wrote:I was wondering, what happens when a child does like the curriculum/program at all or most of it. My daughter likes BJU math (or used too), doesn't like A reason for handwriting anymore (just letting her practice letters on the dry-erase board, doesn't like the history/Bible/action songs/music (still put it on while my kids are working on something else)...
We're doing K so I'm not concerned but for next year....what happens when a child really doesn't like most of the program??? Does that mean I have to use something else or just make her do it all. I know she likes action songs/finger plays but when it involves something "religious" she says it's boring. I really want a Christ-focused curriculum but....not sure if HOD will work.

I was looking at the Beyond book and for some things she'd be ready but for the rest of the materials, she wouldn't be ready for it. Just like this year with LHFHG. The history seemed to be over her head so we're using Abeka's social studies K instead.
For grade 1, should I redo LHFHG, doing the parts we missed and adding the grade 1 books or should I do something else....

Julie,

You have been given some wonderful advice, I hope that I can offer something helpful as well.
I will just share with you my experience and hope that you can benefit from it in some way. I am currently doing LHFHG with my young daughter. I can honestly tell you that she adores her learning time with HOD and I know without a doubt that this is the program for our family. God has made it absolutely, without a doubt, for sure, perfectly clear that HOD is where we should be! For me it is a feeling comparable to when you pull up at a red light...you know for sure, without a doubt that you are supposed to stop at the light, it is that clear for me.
Here is the problem however, despite knowing it is where we should be, I still sometimes continue to doubt things, change things, add things, delete things. As a result, the program gets re-shaped, re-invented, and changed to the point that it doesn't move and flow the way it was intended to. So then it gets put aside for a while as I go off on one of my researching episodes, looking for the perfect curriculum. Go figure!

Here is the good news...I am finally "catching on to myself" and realizing that I am just spinning in circles by constantly changing and adding/dropping things. I am realizing that moving forward with HOD, as written (with the exception of minor adjustments of course), is exactly where we need to be. Anything beyond it is simply clutter in our day and only serves to confuse me and the success of the program. It has taken me longer than I care to admit to realize this, but I think I am able to give myself a bit of a break and chalk it up to being a newbie homeschooler! Oh, and thank God for his patience every time I choose to ignore His direction/guidance in this area. I think He must be shaking His head every time I go off and try to decide for myself what is "best". He always waits for my return, and the reassurance and peace about what He has decided is best becomes even stronger in my heart. My hope is that if you know in your heart that HOD is where you should be, I pray that you will remain diligent in sharing it with your child.

I just wanted to share that at times my daughter would have resistance to some of the activities as well. She had a rough start with some of the dramatic play type of activities. She would refuse to participate, but I simply understood that she didn't feel quite comfortable having "the spotlight on her". Her verbal response would be, "I don't want to, I just don't like it". I know that was the best way she could verbalize her feelings even though her words probably were not completely accurate in describing what she was feeling. I know she felt a bit insecure and that it wasn't really an issue of not liking the program... and I am not about to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" just because my daughter was not feeling comfortable with one aspect of it. So, I simply went ahead and did the dramatic play all by myself knowing that she was absorbing it and she would eventually become so interested that the insecurity would fade away. And frankly, the bottom line is that I, as the parent (with God's guidance of course), have chosen this program because of Christ being the center. I can't let a "bump in the road" derail the entire program. What a poor example that would be!

I will say that my daughter does enjoy the history/bible portion very much. I think part of the reason for that is that I am very immersed in this part of the program and my daughter feeds off of that. I think when she sees my genuine interest toward the material she is eager to learn more. I enjoy asking her questions that arise from the readings and make sure I really take time out to connect with her and let her curiousity take her wherever she wants to go. I try to let her embrace the material in her own way and try not to get too focused on her remembering facts or having a perfect understanding of things. I know we will revisit things again and now is the time to cultivate her love and desire for learning, not memorizing things. Oh yeah, we purchased the coloring book that goes along with "History For Little Pilgrims" and it has been great for her to be able to color along with the stories.

Please know that I am a constant work in progress and I still have doubts and feel uncertain about things. And yes, I still put HOD aside at times and question the path that I am on. I guess because I am human and I am still learning to trust and follow God completely. He certainly is patient with me. I hope something here has been helpful for you in some way. I guess if you take nothing away from my message (and that's okay! ), for sure God will be ready to guide you in the best direction if you pray for His guidance.

P.S. The storytime readings started off a bit bumpy, but here is what I did...put my daughter in the swing while I read the stories with great emphasis on really "getting into the character" with funny voices... I can do the best interpretation of "Ol' Mistah Buzzard"! Just ask my daughter!

Candice

Candice wrote:

Julie,

You have been given some wonderful advice, I hope that I can offer something helpful as well.
I will just share with you my experience and hope that you can benefit from it in some way. I am currently doing LHFHG with my young daughter. I can honestly tell you that she adores her learning time with HOD and I know without a doubt that this is the program for our family. God has made it absolutely, without a doubt, for sure, perfectly clear that HOD is where we should be! For me it is a feeling comparable to when you pull up at a red light...you know for sure, without a doubt that you are supposed to stop at the light, it is that clear for me.
Here is the problem however, despite knowing it is where we should be, I still sometimes continue to doubt things, change things, add things, delete things. As a result, the program gets re-shaped, re-invented, and changed to the point that it doesn't move and flow the way it was intended to. So then it gets put aside for a while as I go off on one of my researching episodes, looking for the perfect curriculum. Go figure!

Here is the good news...I am finally "catching on to myself" and realizing that I am just spinning in circles by constantly changing and adding/dropping things. I am realizing that moving forward with HOD, as written (with the exception of minor adjustments of course), is exactly where we need to be. Anything beyond it is simply clutter in our day and only serves to confuse me and the success of the program. It has taken me longer than I care to admit to realize this, but I think I am able to give myself a bit of a break and chalk it up to being a newbie homeschooler! Oh, and thank God for his patience every time I choose to ignore His direction/guidance in this area. I think He must be shaking His head every time I go off and try to decide for myself what is "best". He always waits for my return, and the reassurance and peace about what He has decided is best becomes even stronger in my heart. My hope is that if you know in your heart that HOD is where you should be, I pray that you will remain diligent in sharing it with your child.

I just wanted to share that at times my daughter would have resistance to some of the activities as well. She had a rough start with some of the dramatic play type of activities. She would refuse to participate, but I simply understood that she didn't feel quite comfortable having "the spotlight on her". Her verbal response would be, "I don't want to, I just don't like it". I know that was the best way she could verbalize her feelings even though her words probably were not completely accurate in describing what she was feeling. I know she felt a bit insecure and that it wasn't really an issue of not liking the program... and I am not about to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" just because my daughter was not feeling comfortable with one aspect of it. So, I simply went ahead and did the dramatic play all by myself knowing that she was absorbing it and she would eventually become so interested that the insecurity would fade away. And frankly, the bottom line is that I, as the parent (with God's guidance of course), have chosen this program because of Christ being the center. I can't let a "bump in the road" derail the entire program. What a poor example that would be!

I will say that my daughter does enjoy the history/bible portion very much. I think part of the reason for that is that I am very immersed in this part of the program and my daughter feeds off of that. I think when she sees my genuine interest toward the material she is eager to learn more. I enjoy asking her questions that arise from the readings and make sure I really take time out to connect with her and let her curiousity take her wherever she wants to go. I try to let her embrace the material in her own way and try not to get too focused on her remembering facts or having a perfect understanding of things. I know we will revisit things again and now is the time to cultivate her love and desire for learning, not memorizing things. Oh yeah, we purchased the coloring book that goes along with "History For Little Pilgrims" and it has been great for her to be able to color along with the stories.

Please know that I am a constant work in progress and I still have doubts and feel uncertain about things. And yes, I still put HOD aside at times and question the path that I am on. I guess because I am human and I am still learning to trust and follow God completely. He certainly is patient with me. I hope something here has been helpful for you in some way. I guess if you take nothing away from my message (and that's okay! ), for sure God will be ready to guide you in the best direction if you pray for His guidance.

P.S. The storytime readings started off a bit bumpy, but here is what I did...put my daughter in the swing while I read the stories with great emphasis on really "getting into the character" with funny voices... I can do the best interpretation of "Ol' Mistah Buzzard"! Just ask my daughter!

Candice

Thank you so much Candice for your post. This sounds like me, changing, rearranging....I am glad we are only doing 1/2 of LHFHG now for K...For me the most important is learning to Bible/Bible devotions, learning to read, and math for her K year. We also started going to a playgroup and storytime at the library so she can have more interaction with other children other than our homeschool co-op.

Just this morning before coming here, I decided that I need to do the program as it is written and not add things or take away things unless there's a major, big problem. I know I want my focus for my school to be on Jesus Christ. Even if right now she has no interest, it is still getting into her head and I am praying that someday she will want to really and truly want to know Jesus.
So next year I'll do LHFHG, the whole program and using grade 1 materials.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I appreciate it.

Julie,
I just wanted to apologize if my post was "too blunt." I think you have a good plan in place!
I hope you are encouraged in the Lord today as you school!
Rebecca

Rebecca wrote:Julie,
I just wanted to apologize if my post was "too blunt." I think you have a good plan in place!
I hope you are encouraged in the Lord today as you school!
Rebecca

No problem Rebecca. I decided to stop looking and just go with what Carrie has listed in the guides...will make my life easier doing it that way and stop looking at everything so much. Will just have to teach my daughter to do the work, with small changes if necessary, even if it isn't so much fun.

SoaringEagle wrote: Just this morning before coming here, I decided that I need to do the program as it is written and not add things or take away things unless there's a major, big problem. I know I want my focus for my school to be on Jesus Christ. Even if right now she has no interest, it is still getting into her head and I am praying that someday she will want to really and truly want to know Jesus.
So next year I'll do LHFHG, the whole program and using grade 1 materials.

That sounds like a great decision. I have moved things around many times but often in doing that I realize how much work it is to get things to correlate and have that common thread of God speaking in the same way to them so that they really get the message that is intended at the end of the day. It is hard work to make things look so easy I have decided. For under $40 I can pay someone to do all that for me for the entire year. What a bargain. Now I personally had to bang my head against the wall several times to realize that but hopefully by the end of next year I think you will be feeling that way too. It gives you the freedom not to worry if you are catching it all and just enjoy the time you have with them.

Praying for peace in your homeschool!

Julie,

I want to applaud your sincere willingness to ask hard questions and evaluate carefully where you're headed and what factors are playing into your school day. I can see your heart is for the Lord and for your daughter too. All of us have walked the path you're currently on and had to evaluate and steer ourselves back to our original goals once again. Sometimes it's just a matter of our kiddos being young and needing more time to mature. In that case, it's perfectly fine to do the 3 R's and wait with more formal learning.

When I began reading about Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education, I was most struck by her constant emphasis on habits. I was amazed at how many habits I had allowed my kiddos to form that were less than stellar. Not to mention many of my own (which I still battle).

I am so grateful to this board, because it is one of the few places where ladies will both encourage and give counsel that I know is based on a commitment to the Lord. I had lurked on other boards in the past, and was always apalled at the quick advice given that often never really addressed habits or maturity, but instead were always advocating a curriculum change as the solver of all problems. While I realize that sometimes a curriculum change is needed, other times it is a matter of maturity or habits which most assuredly affect how well a curriculum works.

I think your plan sounds great and that you will be blessed by having a plan. I always feel better when I have a plan. I, too, have times during my year where I realize things are not going the way I'd envisioned. Then, it's time for me to re-evaluate to see what needs fixing. So, I just wanted to encourage you that you're not alone.

Blessings,
Carrie

Hi Julie!

I am so happy that you have found some help and support here. Everyone here looooooves to help, so if you have the need please ask away anytime! Also, feel free to PM me if you desire!
I think if you maintain your focus on Jesus Christ, as you mentioned, you will no doubt be headed in the right direction.
I too think your plan sounds just right. If your heart (God) is leading you to continue with your current plan, I believe you will eventually see the fruits of your labor despite your daughter's lack of interest at the moment. Give it some time and let God shape your daughter's heart. It is so wonderful to eventully realize the impact of God's word within your children. You have much to look forward to! I encourage you to persevere and see the gifts that will no doubt present themselves. It is so easy to become side tracked, I am so guilty of that, but Iam learning to quiet the distractions in my mind and to seek what I know is God's plan.

P.S. We are also using BJU Math K and love it, yet another common thread!

In encouragement,
Candice