heartofdakota.com

I've been here many times before trying to make it work

I've realized in the past few months (spring thru summer) that I haven't looked at my son realistically with placing him. It's been hard! He's 9, but working around 3rd gr. level with most everything. He's a wiggly willy as Cathy Duffy says!
When I discuss curriculum with my husband, he says that I'm "living in the shadow of the public school". I spent time in prayer this weekend and I feel lead to just teach my son how I think he should be taught, regardless of what the school is doing! I have been struggling with this for some time. I have talked on the board with Julie and Carrie about this very thing before. I certainly don't think it's anything wrong with what the school is teaching (outside of evolution), but trying to "keep up" with what they're doing is burning this Mama out!
I don't know why I have had this mentality! I've been trying to homeschool my son since the middle of K.

Anyway, I feel more at peace with coming back to HOD on a realistic level. DS could probably handle Bigger, but I've gotta ease him into the CM style of readings. He is still pretty immature for his age and I really think it will be best to start with Beyond and use Bigger for some of the lang. As far as science, we have started the Apologia Zoo 1, and I'll continue that because he's enjoying it. However, we will seriously consider Bigger science when we get to that guide. We will continue MUS since it has worked the best. I will use either R&S English 2 or 3 (have both, believe it or not ). We used Abeka last year for 2nd, so not sure?? Also, I can use the spelling/dictation from Bigger this year.
Whew!
Sorry, this is soooo long! I would love your thoughts/opinions before I hit the purchase button!
momofone
ds 9, an only

Welcome to the board! It sounds to me like you are making a good choice by easing your son into HOD. I think it will pay off in the long run. I agree to use the science you have given his age and then do the science in Bigger next year. I will pray that it all works out for you.

Thanks soooo much Countrymom! That's one thing I love about this board, the support!
I'm going to continue my prayers tonight and hopefully purchase this week!

I feel good about this!

momofone

momofone,

I don't know if you saw my post about the 9 yo in Little Hearts, but I know exactly how you feel. I have been trying to place my son based on where he "should" be (age wise), and not where he really was (ability wise). It can be tough to know when to push and when to back off, and that's where prayer and God's wisdom has to take over. We want what is best for our kids, but sometimes we need help seeing what that "best" is. I know I have.

Just wanted you to know you're not alone. God bless you as you seek Him for wisdom and guidance.

I will read your post ncmom. I'll be praying for you too as you seek his guidance! We serve an awesome God!!!
I could not have made it the past few days without him gently reminding me of these things.
I will be keeping everyone in my prayers tonight. Since some of us are beginning a new school year, it is in order!
Blessings!
momofone

Sounds like you're making a good plan to me!! God knows just what your son needs - and made YOU his mom & teacher. So, with his direction, you can't go wrong here!

When we started with HOD with my oldest, we had completed the Grade 2 Language book from Abeka. We did R&S 2, and it was a great fit!

Kathleen

My ds is 7 and doing Beyond. We are using Zoology 1 as well as the Beyond science. The science experiments planned are easy and fun, and you might want to just do both.

Just wanted to encourage you that you're not the only one who has "lived in the shadow of public school." (Great phrase!) For me, it has also been the shadow of.... rigorous classical education or other people's expectations or is my 2nd child getting the same 2nd grade year that my first one got? I, personally, have taken a lot of pride in my own ideas about homeschooling the right way and that attitude has brought me stress and confusion that is not from the Lord! So, like you, I find myself coming back to HOD. I'm thanking God for His grace and mercy, and praying that I'm following Him and not my own great plan.

You are not alone

Momofone, you are definitely not alone! Looks like you're getting some great advice and encouragement!

So, I'll just keep it comin'! This year, my eight (soon to be nine) year old son is doing Beyond. He is a third grader and we, too, are doing the Apologia Zoology 1! Like Kathleen, my son did Abeka 2 for language last year for second grade, and now this year we're doing Rod and Staff English 2. She's right, it's a great transition. He's doing great so far! I have been so relieved with him especially. Last year we encountered a LOT of struggles. Many of them because we weren't using materials that worked well with his learning style. Like trying to put a square into a cirlce! This year with HOD, things are running very smoothly. We are adjusting to the CM way of doing things, but it's a good change. The kids are all getting used to it, and just tonight my older son remarked about how much he's learning, and how fun it is to do school! He thanked me for making the change to HOD!!! That was a real blessing!

It doesn't sound like your son is really all that far from where he should be. With some encouragement and a great curriculum like HOD, you'll be right on track! Blessings as you begin your new school year!

In Christ,

Lisa

From one "Momofone" to another, just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for your decision!

I appreciate all the encouragment and prayers! You all are awesome!
Thanks again!
momofone

I think that placement can make or break HOD for some families. Mine was one of them last year. My younger son placed in Little Hearts, but I was determined he would do Beyond. Haha. We went back to Little Hearts after 8 weeks and I can't say enough about what a GREAT decision that was! We had a wonderful year.

My older son placed in Preparing, but I wanted American History, so I tried shoving him in Bigger. It was a disaster! He didn't fit there and I pushed and pushed, but it just didn't work. We finally did R&S for the rest of the year and have now come back to HOD. We decided to do the placement chart and follow it to the letter. He placed into CTC and we couldn't be happier. It is the perfect place for him. The work is on level, but not too tough. He even declared today, "mom...I LOVE this new curriculum because I know everything I need to do and can get it done by myself."

All this blah blah blah on my part just to say that I think placing your son where he FITS is ever so important and you are so right to do so. I hope you both have a wonderful year!

Hi there,

I'll confess I did not read through all the pp, but I simply wanted to encourage you to begin where your son places and let God take care of the rest. It's hard to realize that a child can be working with materials targeted at one level and be advancing multiple levels without you even realizing it. The important thing is to boost your learner's confidence and provide the groundwork for success and delight. He will do wonders. Curriculum is merely a tool, use it wisely and it will yield great results.

When I first found HOD, I planned to put dd(7) in Beyond. I even bought my guide and books for that. But, as i read different posts about the content in each guide, I began rethinking my decision. I ended up going with LHFHG, and I can say, I'm glad I did. It seems to be a great fit for her. We are in the middle of out 3rd week and have no regrets bumping her down. She has some attention difficulties, so starting her out with Little Hearts was the best. You put your ds where he would best fit and don't worry about age or grade level. When my older three were homeschooling, I had the same issue with my now 21 yo. She was doing below GRADE level when she was in high school, but my evaluator said as long as you can show the child is moving forward, that's what matters. Not everyone in ps is on the same level either. Try to relax and enjoy your school year. Praying that you will know where placement should be.