decision?need support

[pjsullivan]

please forgive me for yet another post. I am still trying to decide what to do with my children. We are finishingup SOTW 4 and using SL readers for the 13 and 10 year.8 yrold twins are getting basics but not much more. I triend HOD for a week/two in october or november and it seemed overwhelming to be doing two programs--we were doing preparing and bigger.(13 year old is not included)It was a touch week, my husband was gone and i was on prednisone which made me crazy. So i tried again last week to get going again, and i got physical sick. i am a relatively new believer and sometimes don't feel comfortable with some of the views-i grew up with a evolutionary view and am now just questioning and searching for truth-i guess that's what drew me to HOD to begin with. I ordered Sonlight-we have done it in the past-but i still come back to HOD. Has anyone used sonlight that can compare-i would be using core 1, core 7. I am just not sure of anything but need to decide. guess i am just looking for support -don't know if this is where i will find it.
pam

[crlacey]

I am sorry to hear about the problems you've been encountering.
I don't think I'll be much help since my kids are younger than yours. But we did Sonlight 4/5 and have been with HOD for LHTH, LHFHG, and Beyond now. We like it becuase it feels more like a unit study which includes history, science and the Bible. Yet still allows us to have the freedom to make choices in the math and LA. I love that HOD is more Bible/ heart training focused than most other programs. We also like that it is a lot cheaper to get the package we need for each kid. I also like that I can meet each child where they are at and still have time in my day to do fun things. Of course all this may change as my little guy gets older, but for now, those are the main reasons we picked HOD over SL.

[frankesense]

Has anyone used sonlight that can compare-i would be using core 1, core 7. I am just not sure of anything but need to decide.
pam

I have used Sonlight and I did like it but started using HOD this year and it is a much better fit for our family and our homeschooling goals. Here is a thread that might be helpful for you. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5044&p=37555&hilit=hod+vs+sonlight#p37555

[crlacey]

I think the link about should look like this:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5044&p=37555&hilit= ... ght#p37555

[my3good&perfectgifts]

I ordered Sonlight Core 3&4 last Spring, looked at it, and sent it back. I think it is a great curriculum, but it was not as Christ-centered as I wanted. I didn't want to have to preread the books to check for things that went against what we believe. I spent many hours praying over our books, and God definately led me to HOD. We have only been using HOD for 6 months, but in my opinion, it is a great curriculum for a new believer. It is the only thing I have found that is in keeping with the Bible (which is the true history of the world). I grew up in church, and in the last several years have rededicated my life to Christ. I have learned so much from teaching my children using HOD. The Scripture alone is enough of a reason to use HOD. There have been many times that the Psalm my son will study for the week, ends up being exactly what I need to read. So, I think HOD would be a great way to teach you and your children about the world God created and about the Lord himself. Above all, I truely believe God will give you peace about what you should use to teach your children. If you keep coming back to HOD, then maybe that is your answer.

[Carrie]

Pam,

I just wanted to pop-in and encourage you too. The ladies are so right that the Lord will bring you to the curriculum that He has planned for you as you spend time seeking His will for your life. It sounds like you have health challenges that you are dealing with too, but it's good to know the Lord walks with you in ALL things if you only continue to call upon His name. He is your refuge.

One thing to consider, since it sounds like you will battling some ongoing health issues,is that it may be wise to consider doing EITHER Bigger Hearts OR Preparing Hearts with your crew (instead of doing both). Doing both Bigger AND Preparing Hearts would be tough even for those who have been using HOD awhile. Typically, when we give advice on the board we lean toward combining those that fall within the age ranges of our guides that CAN combine.

I would probably lean toward doing Preparing Hearts with everyone, and having your 13 year old use the Extension books (plus upping the level of the 3R's for your oldest). I'd lean toward Preparing Hearts first since its target range is 8-10 with extensions for ages 11-12. This would be closest to your kiddos' age range. However, if your kiddos have some struggles in the 3R's or academically overall, you could also look at Bigger Hearts for the 8 and 10 year olds, but would need to really beef up for the 13 year old.

Just some thoughts.

Blessings,
Carrie

[Kirsten]

Pam,
I am using Sonlight 2/3 core this year and wish beyond wish I had found HOD last year. (I saw an ad in a Homeschool Mag) I am now considering HOD because though I like some parts of SL, there is not enough Bible focus for our family. I am ok with explaining Greek gods and such with my kids, so that doesn't bother me. But to OUR family, there isn't the fun stuff in SL - no hands on activities, nothing to reinforce what your are teaching. Some people thrive on that, it isn't working for our family. These are 2 of the main reasons I am considering HOD. Also, I found SL to jump all around in the core we are doing now; the geography doesn't match the countries we're studying, books reading, etc. The VERY good thing about SL is it's mission focus. My kids are praying for people all over the world.

Good luck and I'll pray for you and your decision if you pray for me!!

Kirsten