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My dad was a principal for 25 years. He has never been a fan of homeschooling, but when I told him I would be homeschooling Noah he tried to be supportive. I think he understood why I wanted to do it based on Noah's special needs, but I don't think he was really convinced it was the best thing. Today when he was here for Christmas I showed him our timeline, Noah's poetry writing, and his written narrations as well as some of his copy work. He was very complimentary. He was amazed at how much Noah's handwriting has improved, as well as being very impressed with the quality of his writing in his poetry and narrations. My Dad loves history and has always been frustrated at how little history my "gifted" dd who is in advanced social studies knows about history and geography. I think he loves the fact that we are putting an emphasis on those things. He made sure to pull Noah aside and tell him how impressed he was with is school work. I think that meant a lot to Noah. Carrie I know you don't write to impress men, but I think it says a lot for the curriculum when even a cynical ex-principal is impressed with it.

Very encouraging!

He's not the only one my father the ex-principal and then ex-superintendent says nothing is missing with HOD (He just thinks the rod and staff grammar is too biased.) He's not "into" Homeschooling either but after some of the experiences my dd1 has had this last year in p/s he's beginning to think his schools really were the exception not the rule.

LynnH wrote: He was amazed at how much Noah's handwriting has improved, as well as being very impressed with the quality of his writing in his poetry and narrations.

That is just great!

We have also seen an improvement in those areas of our oldest son's development. We got a slow start with Preparing but by the time we got to Unit 6 or so, we could see a great deal of improvement in his handwriting. My husband is so pleased with his written narrations and very proud of his poetry assignments. It's all coming together. I'm so glad we did Preparing before CTC.

Lynn - I bet that made both Noah and you feel so good! We just naturally desire approval from those we love the most, and I'm so glad you've received it. It is well deserved! I'm so proud of the progress you've noted with Noah. It's so important to look back and see where we've come from to fully appreciate where we are, which is why I love the portfolios we create with HOD. Just paging back through each child's binder to the beginning of the year they're doing now does wonders for showing improvements (and sometimes a few things to continue working on). Thanks for letting us celebrate this happy moment with you and your ds!

In Christ,
Julie

Ladies,

Thanks so much for sharing! You can each feel so good about your kiddos and the progress they are making due to the sacrifices each of you make as moms for your children. Even more important, is the way God is using each of you to share your faith on a daily basis with your kiddos. It is an opportunity that we are blessed to have.

It is always affirming to hear other lifetime educators positive opinons about our guides! I appreciate your taking the time to share your stories with me!

Blessings,
Carrie