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Hi everyone! I was told about HOD about 8 months ago, by a fellow HS. I have been looking at it from time to time in those past 8 months, and I am at the point that I need to make a purchase, but I am still unsure as to what it is I need to by. I am a little confused by what is required to buy in order to use the program to it's full extent or what is optional. If anyone has advice for a new comer that would be helpful. I am hoping to start the BHFHG ( for my 2nd and 3rd grader) and LHTH ( for my 4 year old and 16 month old). For example, are there math books that I need to purchase to complete the math? Or science, history etc? It just isn't seeming very clear to me, and I must be missing something. I am attending a HS convention this weekend, and have had no luck finding anyone who knows much about HOD, or even have one that I can look thru. Thanks in advance for your help! I appreciate it.

Welcome to the HOD Board! HOD has been such a blessing in our home, and I think you would find it to be in yours as well. I've used both programs you have mentioned, and what fun lies ahead of you!

For LHTH, most ladies get the guide, one of the children's Bibles, one of the devotionals, and the music. For a typical 4 you doing LHTH, this is what you would get:
*LHTH guide
*New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes
*ABC Bible Verses
*The Singing Bible
All you have to do is click on the "4/5 Package" at this link to order that:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/little-hands-packages.php

For Bigger Hearts, you can click on this link and then click on the little light bulb at the top labeled "Helpful Tips on How to Order". If you take a look at that and get back here with any questions, I'd be glad to help you with that too!
http://www.heartofdakota.com/bigger-hearts-packages.php

One of the most fantastic things about HOD is its flexibility. Fine tuning your placement is worth it, as you will reap the rewards of dc properly placed the entire year. I'll check back here after you've had a chance to check out the link! I look forward to getting to know you here. This board is full of wonderful ladies! It's my grab my favorite coffee and enjoy chatting kind of place.

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks so much for your tips. The 4 year old program seems very easy and straight forward. I did look at the link for the older two kids, and the lightbulb helped me out a ton. I do have a few questions about that if you don't mind. Both kids are independent readers, and I see I can either choose the drawn into the hearts option, or suggested book idea list. If I choose to order the teachers guide, are the book titles needed included as a list? And with this option, how do I incorporate books of our own choosing?
I have a handwriting program I am using. Then when I get to the part about ordering the whole deluxe package, I am not sure what part of the program this is for.
I am excited to get started with this and I have found this forum to be very positive and helpful. What a blessing! Thanks again for all your help.
Tawnya

thood1 wrote:Thanks so much for your tips. The 4 year old program seems very easy and straight forward. I did look at the link for the older two kids, and the lightbulb helped me out a ton. I do have a few questions about that if you don't mind. Both kids are independent readers, and I see I can either choose the drawn into the hearts option, or suggested book idea list. If I choose to order the teachers guide, are the book titles needed included as a list? And with this option, how do I incorporate books of our own choosing?
I have a handwriting program I am using. Then when I get to the part about ordering the whole deluxe package, I am not sure what part of the program this is for.
I am excited to get started with this and I have found this forum to be very positive and helpful. What a blessing! Thanks again for all your help.
Tawnya

I'd be glad to help! You would want to order the 2/3 Drawn into the Heart of Reading Package at this link (it is your best savings as it includes the DITHOR Teacher's Guide, the 2/3 Student Book, and the Suggested Book List):
http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-packages.php

Since you have 2 students, you can choose if you want to copy the student book for your own use (which HOD allows for family use) or just purchase an extra Level 2/3 Student Book for $21.95.

Then, you can either use the Suggested Book Ideas list (which comes in your 2/3 Package) to choose your books, or you can use one of the HOD Book Packs, which has the books chosen for you. We've enjoyed each of these options over the years. Right now, I prefer the book packs, as they are excellent books and I'd rather not take the time to pick my own. If you went the book pack route, you'd more than likely choose Book Pack Level 2 for your younger, and possibly Level 3 for your older. Here is a link to those:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional.php

If you decide to choose your own books, you just need to choose 1-3 books for each child for each genre, for 15 days worth of reading. There are 9 genres (biography, adventure, etc.) listed in your DITHOR Teacher's Guide. You can use the Suggested Book List to help you choose, as that list is conveniently categorized by genre and age level.

Then, it sounds like you have your cursive handwriting figured out, as well as the Basic Package (if not, just ask whatever questions arise). As far as the Deluxe Package, those are your read-alouds for the Storytime box of the plans. You just choose 1 of the 3 packages. Or, if you want to choose your own read-alouds, you just need enough for each of the 9 genres, as that's how the Storytime box plans in Bigger Hearts are written. Some people mix and match from the packages, just being sure to have 1 book for each genre at the end. Me, I just like getting the package again.

HTH, but keep asking away until you have your order put together. We like to help here!
In Christ,
Julie