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This is our first year with HOD, and my kids are loving it! I had tried to homeschool my oldest dc in K and 1st, and everday was a struggle (tug of war). So we went a different route for her 2nd, and I am so glad to have her back home. I love seeing her excited about working at home. With all that being said, I do have a few family members that are not happy about our decision and they question my oldest when I'm not around. (which I will deal with in a loving, Christ-honoring way)

Sunday, they asked her what she was learning and she started naming all the men we have read about in history (Columbus, John Smith, etc..) One of the relatives was asking her dates (when were they born/die) and she couldn't answer; which was no surprise to me b/c we have been working more on content instead of dates. I guess my confidence is a little shaken; although I see that they are doing great for only 3-4 weeks of school. But should I be drilling dates into her; she's 8... or just let dates keep sinking in through the years b/c I'm sure she will hear this material again before she graduates.

Thanks!

Hi, I would kindly and politely let my "well-meaning" family members know that content is what's important. Your dd is learning history...what if she memorized the dates these historical figures lived and died, but didn't know what they did to become historical figures? In P.S. that's exactly what goes on. We all learned that "in fourteen hundred and ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue". But do we remember being taught that Columbus founded Hispanolia which is now Haiti...or that he really wasn't the one who discovered North America, but that it was John Cabot..or that they were actually looking for Asia when they set out to sea? Your dd has already learned more about history...and remembers it...in 3 weeks, than I can tell you that I learned about history in the entire 3rd grade in PS. You and your husband are responsible to God for the choices you are making for your dds education, and the questions will continue to come from those who are "well-meaning" because the enemy doesn't like what you are doing. He'll always try to make you second guess and doubt! I have faced those questions from family members, and believe it or not...our pediatrician tried to quiz my dd when she was younger. My take is that if they have an issue with your education choice, they should discuss it with you...and you, armed with evidence and facts about the benefits of homeschooling (if you decide to spend time explaining it to them) can discuss it with them to ease their concerns. But, I have had to ask politely and kindly for the interrogations of the dc the end because all that does is confuse and make the dc feel self-conscious!

BTW, I think it's great that your dd is excited to share what she's learned...how many of us remember being asked at the dinner table "What did you learn in school today?" and we responding with the ole "I dunno"? HOD is wonderful!!

Also agreeing I would not try to "drill" the dates into your dd. Right now you're trying to establish a love for learning, not kill that love. I think it's inappropriate that they would be "testing" your dd when you weren't around. I think it's fine if they want to discuss what you're dd is learning, but not in the way it's being handled. Please don't doubt it's wonderful what your dd has remembered.

Also agreeing I learned more about Columbus since homeschooling than I ever did in school, but I had the date memorized. The same goes for many other historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

You're doing a great job.

All I learned in school were dates when it came to history. I knew them all, got straight "A's", and today I can't tell you a one. I'd let your dd just tell them, "I don't know, but I sure do love history" and change the subject. I just let our kids know we're very happy and proud of how they're doing in school, that we have different goals than some other families, and that they don't have to "impress" anyone (or be accountable to anyone) other than the Lord. When I learned about history being just about dates and numbers, it was dry and uninteresting to me. It came to life for me with the living books in HOD! I have even gotten the extension package of RTR to read (for me) just for fun! Don't sweat it over well-meaning, somewhat rude relatives. Time will be on your side. My relations weren't sure homeschooling would be rigorous enough at first... now they quiz my kids if they got enough days off. Just be confident in what you're doing - it's a very good thing. Good job, mom! We don't hear that enough, but I'm saying it for all the people that should be telling you.

In Christ,
Julie

I wouldn't be drilling dates into her no matter if she is 8 or 15. I have never, in my life, other than on a test in high school, had to remember dates for history. Sure...know the time period (that is the reason for the timeline), but for an 8 year old to recite dates just out of the blue...Um, no. This is actually part of what I don't like about the classical style of learning...all the "memorization." Knowing that Columbus sailed the ocean blue back in 1492 is one thing...knowing when he was born and when he died is completely useless information IMHO.

my3sons wrote:All I learned in school were dates when it came to history. I knew them all, got straight "A's", and today I can't tell you a one. I'd let your dd just tell them, "I don't know, but I sure do love history" and change the subject. I just let our kids know we're very happy and proud of how they're doing in school, that we have different goals than some other families, and that they don't have to "impress" anyone (or be accountable to anyone) other than the Lord. When I learned about history being just about dates and numbers, it was dry and uninteresting to me. It came to life for me with the living books in HOD! I have even gotten the extension package of RTR to read (for me) just for fun! Don't sweat it over well-meaning, somewhat rude relatives. Time will be on your side. My relations weren't sure homeschooling would be rigorous enough at first... now they quiz my kids if they got enough days off. Just be confident in what you're doing - it's a very good thing. Good job, mom! We don't hear that enough, but I'm saying it for all the people that should be telling you.

In Christ,
Julie

I agree with Julie 100% in all that she said...from the straight A's to the rude relatives!

Ladies,

Thank you for confirming that I was doing the right thing. I felt like we were on the right track, but if I wasn't ~ now would've been a good time to change our approach. I know how I am personally, if I did not get your opinion, I would worry and stress (one of my weaknesses ) . So I do sincerely appreciate each of you encouraging me in what has been the best year I have had in homeschooling. I thank God that He allowed a friend tell me about HOD because I know this was the missing puzzle piece that works for our family!

UGH!..The interogation happens to us too and sometimes by my other hsing friends! They, of all people, should know better. I suppose they just want to think that their kids know more?! I don't really get it.


Rest assured..you are surely doing a wonderful job! Your dd is enjoying learning! That is alot more than I could say for us before we found HOD!