O.k., having a break down, need help! (long)

[momofone]

I have missed chatting with you all! I want to say that first.

Well, for starters---Last year we had trouble with math and this year it's science!uggh! We decided to go with an alltextbook approach, which has gone fine except for not much fun or hands on. We did this for family reasons--- Dad works very long hours and mom has more than she can handle with church, house and etc. Thought this would bring more even flow for the subjects. Also, as a former teacher, this was the most comfortable for us.

We don't want to ditch everything. Some things are working fine, but I really think my son may be (mildly) ADHD. Talking non-stop, moving all the time and etc. I have really thought long and hard about this! However, we are able to get our work done. Some of it may be done while he's jumping around some, but it gets done!
We are not fans of meds for this and would like to experiment with different things to help. This brings me to homeschool choices! I am tired of swithching (really), but I really think we need to combine some book work with some hands on different methods, which brings me back to HOD. I haven't quit thinking about it!

What do you all think about the history/science switch to HOD? I don't think I can really say that I can switch anything else at this point. Last year (end of year) beyond looked like the best fit. We are reading better this year and language is coming along well. He has started cursive writing. I am thinking Bigger this year??? What do you all think. I would love suggestions, as I'm at the end of my rope!!
Thanks for letting me cry/ramble on your shoulder!
Tina
ds 8--only child that we really try not to spoil

[water2wine]

It is hard when they have learning or attention issues and I completely understand your stance on not wanting to medicate. So you adjust and try to retrain. I commend you on that I know that is not the easiest options sometimes.

But as far as HOD I think what you are asking is would it work to keep the LA and Math you have and just do the rest HOD. And the answer is yes! Absolutely. I do that with some of my kids It is actually designed to do that. You said History and Science, you do not want to skip the Bible perfect actually for a child with focus issues because it is short. But ti ties into all the history and the Science so you would want to do all the left side of the program pretty much and that will definitely work! I would look carefully at the placement chart to pick the program and I think I would recommend that you look at is as if you were going to do the entire program even though you are not for the best fit then let that help you decide. http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php I think if attention is a huge issue and it looks like Beyond could work I would tend more that way and give him another year but if it looks like Beyond is really off on skill level then perhaps Bigger is the way to go. The placement chart is really good. Looks at all the skills even though you will just be using part of it.

Welcome back!

[momofone]

Thanks water2wine!
I am thinking about just the history/science for now. However, we've got a few spelling issues also. ds is a good speller, but I've yet to find a program that I really like.
I will pray and think on this again.
Tina

[ncmomof5]

Tina,

Just wanted to jump in and comment on your spelling dilemma. I have an 8 yo that although he may not be ADHD or anything, he is very active and has a hard time focusing at times. All About Spelling has been a wonderful thing for him. It has him actively involved, doesn't involve too much writing (you can control how much to have them do), and it is very teacher friendly. You might want to take a look at it. We have been very pleased with his progress and with my being able to keep my sanity.

In His love,
RuthAnn

[water2wine]

Well then I think it would work for just history and science too. Whatever you need I think it could work. The way it is set up just pick your boxes. Whatever blesses you then that is good and right for you. Definitely think that could work.

[lmercon]

Any combo can work, but I suspect that you will be drawn to how well the subjects flow together. There is a beauty to the program that I don't think is experienced as well when you cut and paste it with other programs, but that will be for you to decide. LA and math are easily substituted.
hth,
Laura

[momofone]

I really appreciate you all helping me think this through!

I have been thinking about a possible Beyond/Bigger combo, as I considered last spring. The left side of Beyond and some of the right side of Bigger---like the science, LA (our own) and reading/spelling is still up in the air. We're using all Abeka for now, but I can take or leave the reading/spelling that we have. Lang. book has been a winner though. We also have HWT and it's been good so far.
Hope this doesn't sound confusing!

Well, for now, I'll be praying about this! You all are a big help!!
Tina

[water2wine]

Your plan sounds great! Praying God brings you confirmation on the path He has for you!

[momofone]

I want to thank you all for helping me with my frustrations! Also, thanks to water2wine for the continuous encouragement!

I'm starting over fresh with HOD. We did a little with Beyond last year and then I panicked and sold it.
(o.k. that's over and done with)
I've made up my mind and I'm sticking to it.
So now, we have a Beyond (left side)/Bigger combo. I'm planning on all HOD except for math. Math was our biggie last year and I just don't want to change what's working for now.

I'll re-think about my son's wild boy ways after we change over to HOD from complete textbooks. Some hands on/interesting work should help out.
Please keep us in your prayers!!!

Tina
ds 8 years--Beyond/Bigger

[lmercon]

I think your ds will enjoy that combo very much, but I did want to throw out a word of caution and encouragement. A textbook approach and a CM style of learning are VERY different. It may take your ds a while to get used to the way you'll be presenting material and the activities he will be required to do. He may love it, or he may balk a bit. He may seem confused and not meet your expectations at first. Don't be discouraged if magic doesn't happen overnight. He will improve with this method, but it isn't an instant fix. I'll just encourage you to familiarize yourself with this philosophy of education so that you understand the "why" behind the "what." Start easy and add in as he gets more comfortable. You will see an amazing change in your ds, but it may be rocky at times, particularly at the beginning. I'd hate for you to get discouraged and throw in the towel and revert back to the old, familiar textbooks. Learning the CM way is such a treasure!
God bless,
Laura

[momofone]

Thanks sooo much Laura for your help!

I'm going to need encouragment, I know. So, you all stay close!
One question, o.k.???
How do you think I should start?? Any ideas??? Maybe, alternating history/science daily or something???
He has been use to doing lots of workbooks/worksheets.
Just would love some ideas, if you all don't mind.
Thanks!!!
Tina

[my3sons]

Thanks sooo much Laura for your help!

I'm going to need encouragment, I know. So, you all stay close!
One question, o.k.???
How do you think I should start?? Any ideas??? Maybe, alternating history/science daily or something???
He has been use to doing lots of workbooks/worksheets.
Just would love some ideas, if you all don't mind.
Thanks!!!
Tina

Tina - I like your decision to do Beyond/Bigger combo. I'd start half-speed since you've been used to the textbook approach. I'd do the left side of the plans one day, and the right side of the plans the next day. I'd do this for 2-4 weeks until you and your dc get used to the routines of the boxes. Then, I'd up it to full-speed, doing both pages of plans in one day. Laura made some good points - and I agree. Having been a former teacher myself and used to the textbook approach, I'd never go back. CMstyle teaching is a breath of fresh air and a treasure to enjoy. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[Happy2bMommyof3]

I just wanted to chime in on the mildly ADHD issue. I too have a child whom I suspect of the same issue. I have changed his diet and he is a much more focused and attentive child. He used to go into fits where he couldn't even concentrate on my face when I was talking to him. Anyway, we did a dietary overhaul and changed the following things: No artificial colors especially Red 40, and cutting down on the preservatives while completely eliminating Sodium Benzoate. Sodium Benzoate occurs in most boxed foods and it also occurs naturally in Cinnamon, Apples and Plums. We also replaced the white flour with wheat and try to avoid the High Fructose Corn Syrup.

It seems like alot of things to do, but it requires much less energy to plan the food prep in advance than it does to have to deal with the exhaustion that comes with ADHD. You may already be doing these things, but I just thought I'd mention it in case.

Blessings to you and your family!

[momofone]

Oh, thanks so much Julie and Heather!

I agree about the half-speed of the books. I think my ds will think anything I do outside of the textbooks is a breath of fresh air!
When I asked him about returning to HOD, he said "yes, yes, yes!" He still remembers a little of what we did last spring.
I will be nervous about this, no doubt. However, I will post about our experiences after I get all my books in and we get started.

Heather, I have limited some of my son's foods. Not too much sugar and etc. We deal with a serious nut allergy and I think that the allergies are linked somehow to this. Most people say that they think he's just spoiled or just "all boy". However, as a mom, I tend to worry a little too much. I'm going to keep trying things to see what works. Thanks for posting. I may want to talk with ya more later about the diet plan.

Thanks again!!!!
Tina

[water2wine]

Tina just saw your post on HSR so just seeing here that you are here and getting help but saying welcome again. You are going to do great!