heartofdakota.com

Hi. My name is Kathy. I have been homeschooling for 17 yrs. and found out about this site while researching things for next year. I have 4dc, ds married w/2grandbabies, dd in college, ds in college, and ds in 10th grade. About a year ago we got custody of my great niece who just turned 6 and I am starting out on this journey again. I have used lots of different curricula over the years and loved most of them. It seemed like nothing fit our family's needs for more than a couple years. I have been doing 100 easy lessons for reading, Five in a Row, Developing the Early Learner, Reason for Handwriting, and Horizons math. It's been going well. I love the natural style of learning and so was drawn to this site. I have read just about everything on the site, looked at all the examples, read all the reviews and testimonials, and read most of the message board topics. I was thinking of using another literature based program next year that I have used in the past, but am now strongly considering doing Beyond with my niece for 1st grade. The only thing I haven't been able to figure out completely is the Language Arts. From Looking at the excerpts, am I right in assuming that all the language arts instruction is in the guide with no need for an outside text? I saw the spelling lessons, copying and dictation. Are there also grammar lessons in the guide? This curriculum looks like such a good fit for us. I love having things planned out for me, but am free to be flexible when I want. And we are voracious readers at our house so I love all the excellent literature that is a part of this curriculum. My older children still have fond and emotional memories of many of the books we've read over the years. Looking forward to hearing from all of you and gleaning valuable information.
Blessings,
Kathy

Hi and welcome!! I'm a little biased, but I think you'll LOVE HOD!

As far as LA go in Beyond, all the LA are within the text. Every 5th day is a grammar day presented in a gentle, but memorable way. It's a very well rounded, balanced LA that we've really enjoyed! The following year in Bigger is when you'll start with an outside text...Rod and Staff English 2. That's when grammar gets a little more serious and I believe it's presented daily

I love the way HOD waits on the heavier grammar, b/c kids don't remember what they don't use and most kids aren't using it in 1st grade! Come 2nd or 3rd grade, they are writing more and get a chance to put their grammar lessons to good use-- makes it stick much better!

Hope that clears it up! If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask us! We're all glad to help

Kathy,

Tamara did a great job of answering your questions, so I'll just pop-in to welcome you. We're glad to have you here!

Blessings,
Carrie

Kathy,

Welcome to HOD! The ladies here are quite helpful and give great advice. I am sure your great niece will love all of the quality literature in the HOD programs.