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I just realized that it is the options and extension packages that HOD gives that allow me to make guided choices toward each child's needs. We using Preparing this year with 3 different ages. They are all doing it differently, but they are all enjoying it and I am super pleased with each individual child's progress! I love that I still get to make decisions within the curriculum. I love that it still fits so neatly into the Guide's schedule. I love the fact that at the end of the week I feel like we kept a steady pace and balance in all of our "subjects". When I did my own "eclectic" style of homeschooling of pick-and-choose what I think looks great I continuously felt unbalanced and lacking in some area ! Frankly, it's because I had no idea how much time to allow for certain great books and projects. Thank you, Carrie and HOD, for those options and extension choices! Ahh well, yet another reason why HOD works so well for us!

I'm so glad to hear it! This is what we strive to do so that you can have structured flexibility in customizing the guide to meet each child's needs. Your post blessed me beyond measure today!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Blessings,
Carrie

juliekay wrote:I just realized that it is the options and extension packages that HOD gives that allow me to make guided choices toward each child's needs. We using Preparing this year with 3 different ages. They are all doing it differently, but they are all enjoying it and I am super pleased with each individual child's progress!

You said this so well! Having these options is what makes it possible to use the same guide in different ways for different children's needs. It is what allows us to "tweak" a guide without rewriting it ourselves. I too am so thankful for these options. I've found that each of my dc have done a slightly different plan with HOD's guides - used a guide at slightly different ages, used different options, started emerging readers/DITHOR at different points, done different math options, etc. I know it makes the details of placement choices take longer, but it is well worth this customizing because then each child's needs can be squarely met while still following the plans. I like this so much better than being handed the same box of curriculum for a certain age of child year after year, when my dc are each quite different from one another with different needs at the same age. Thanks for sharing this, juliekay - you hit the nail on the head!

In Christ,
Julie