heartofdakota.com

Hi Girls,

Short Story: I am going to change my oldest from doing "Bigger" and move him to "Beyond" w/ his brother.

Long Story:

I have noticed that Colton has LOVED the Science and Bible from "Bigger", but his eyes glaze over with the history. (He has significant auditory and visual processing disorder) Well, we went for our year end testing and had quite a surprise in store. One GREAT, one not so great!

The GREAT surprise was that Colton jumped 1.5 grade levels in his math using his time4learning. (very visual and interactive) But using Time4Learning as his Language arts did NOT go so well. He only jumped 4mos in a 12mos period.

Our tester (not a homeschooler, but a tester for both homeschoolers and public schools in our county) was totally intrigued with HOD because the boys kept chattering about it. She felt as though we should stay with T4L'ing in math, but after looking at HOD she LOVED it for all the other subjects. (She loved it all, but REALLY loved the spelling)

However, as I look at Colton's test scores I saw that other than general info and math he was testing at a 2nd grade level in everything else.

Though we've been able to do 3 programs very easily, I have to admit I am REALLY excited about doing two. (we will continue w/ Little hands for Jacob)

I like this because next year both Seth and Colton can move into "Bigger"!

that's GREAT!

I really wish we could afford the time4 learning. It's supposed to be great for LD kids

That sound like a good idea. I am planning on doing my 2nd grader and K next year with beyond. I woundered if it was the right one, but after the testing and looking at the HOD beyond I know even though I will have a 3rd grader and 1st grader next year it is the right one for my oldest level. he also has a LD. That is one nice thing about home schooling we can tailor make the programs to fit our kids. Good luck!!!

Sheila mom to five very active kids.

Mom of the year award....right here!!! Mary, I LOVE the way your boys are front and center and you are so on top of their individual needs.

I always worry that I'm not pushing hard enough or that I'm too laid back (am I the only hs'er whose kids didn't start reading at 3 or 4 or even 5??) but everytime I read one of your post, I feel so refreshed. You have no idea how inspirational you are!!!

Your tester sounds like a wonderful person and I think it should make us all feel good that she liked HOD.

Please keep us posted when you start....I'll be using Beyond for 2nd grade next year.

Your cyber sis! Mel

Mary I can completely understand that decision. I will miss the pictures though of seeing you guys do the same thing we are. But you have to do what is addressing their needs. And when you have LD to accommodate it does mean being flexible. Great thing you can do that with HOD. Now you are going to be the Beyond Queen!

On a note about T4learning. My dd has a completely different special need but she is language delayed and we found T4learning did not stick for her with LA (which was the reason we used it). I found for her to learn she really needs a written component for some reason on the computer did not stick even if she could do it there it did not translate to other places.

Ok go ahead, make me covet Beyond now.

Mary,

I have to agree with Melanie. When I was reading your post I was thinking gosh, she is so in tune with where her children are and where they need to be...what a blessing you are to your boys. So cool to hear HOD gets a thumbs up!

Candice

You girls just bless my heart beyond words. It was all "HIM"! I am so excited to get back from vacation and get started! (and we haven't even left yet )

So neat the tester loved HOD, and also most importantly that you feel at peace with what you feel your ds will do best with. It is really nice to have all of the HOD manuals on hand - it makes decisions such as the one you just had to make much easier to do! I'm jealous that you are done with testing - that's coming up for us in a few months! Like W2W though, I'll miss doing Bigger with you - loved your pics so much!
In Christ,
Julie

Mary it is wonderful to see how much you seem to just go with the flow of things. You are very intune to what your boys needs are and you are willing to meet them where they are at. That is so awesome! I have seen your Beyond pictures and it makes me want to do it so bad. That is truly the level I think my ds is at but my dh wants him to get an overview of World History first so we are doing LHFHG.

Sarah

Mary,

I'm so glad you are finding the right fit for your family! Your children are so blessed to have a mom that works hard to makes sure each individual child is getting just what he needs!

As I read this thread I was struck by the wonderful way the moms on this board love to uplift and encourage. What a blessing you all are!

Thanks so much for sharing! We'll look forward to lots of pictures of "Beyond...".

Blessings,
Carrie