heartofdakota.com

Hi...
My daughter who is almost 8 started kindergarten at a local charter school...it went pretty good but I knew a full day would be tough for her in the first grade...she has struggled with reading and in reality this school has not been a winning situation for her. I am giving a little background only because I really need some help....I do not know what to do at this point...as far as getting started with homeschooling...and is it right and can I do it....questions keep popping up in my head...The first grade was a disaster....the teacher was totally as he liked to call himself...laid back...and the class was out of control....my daughter was bullied by another child..and it was a tough yr....the class is a tough calls anyway...with the stuff that goes off and some parents have been upset with what has gone on....so we took our daughter out last year in April...and finished up at home....We did not start the second grade right away....and I was going to homeschool...but I didnt know in what direction to go...what curriculum to get and how to go about it...She went back to this same charter school (we live in a very small town and choices are limited) and some positive things happened such as it was brought to light about the bullying...and that resolved...and my daughter felt really positive about it and the girl was moved to the 3rd grade....so that helped! But the same kind of stuff has still gone on...it is not a positive enviroment...and although my daughter is pretty social...she feels stress alot at school....So that brings me back to....homeschooling....and why I am here!

I need to know what I should get for my daughter to begin in January with homeschooling...She is doing better in reading but not up to grade average.....I really do not even have a clue what to do....I have two sons who are grown and they went to Christian schools til high school...and I did not homeschool them....So if anyone could help walk me thru on what I would need to purchase to get thru the 2nd grade...This is also not a strong homeschool community and so not alot of support with that either...I have tried and it just seems not many homeschool anymore...I also struggle with the feeling of what is best for my daughter...as far as learning....so any input would be SO appreciated....Also some of the abbreviations I do not understand that I am reading...so have no idea what it is referring to....sorry for this disjointed email I just feel so unbalanced on what to do.....Beth in Idaho

Beth,

The first thing to do is to check out the placement chart: http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php That should help you get a good feeling for which program would work best for your dd. I'm so sorry that you have had problems with your dd's schooling so far. You're in the right place to find a great curriculum which is God honoring and laid out well enough to make it easy for you to implement. Welcome to HOD!

Hi Beth,
Just wanted to pop in and say "hello" to you and encourage you to follow God's leading. I "hear" your mother's heart as you explained all that was going on with your daughter.
Heart of Dakota (HOD) is a fantastic program that will allow you to homeschool with confidence. It might seem daunting at first, but God will equip you to do what He's called you to do!
Once you have used the placement chart to get a direction on which guide to start your daughter the ladies on this board will be great at helping you to "fine tune" things.
This is a great, encouraging place to get help and advice.
Welcome and many blessings to you!
Andrea

Andrea....Thank you for your encouraging words! My heart has always been drawn to homeschooling I just have not known how to implement it! I do think I might be able to do it with this program as well as ....this board!! I just am not sure what to order..but will look over the placement information....I think my daughter is pretty much on course as I look over the stuff I just do not want to get something a bit too advanced and although she could do it I dont want her to miss out on the basics...so just thinking of how to do that....

Thanks Patty for the placement link...I will look study it and get started on trying to see what I need to order....hey are you Patty from Arizona?

Beth in Idaho

Beth,

I just wanted to welcome you to HOD. We are new here as well and these ladies are wonderful. HOD is so easy to implement. As a matter of fact, tonight I just commented to my dh that I was done planning for the week and I couldn't believe it. I used to piece my curriculum together and it would take me hours on Sunday night to get everything ready for Monday. HOD is a blessing for our homeschool, our family, and my sanity. I feel like I can really do it now and do it in a Christ honoring way.

Just wanted to "high-five" you and cheer you on!

Karen ...Thank you! I am trying to figure out exactly what I need to order...I think I will start my daughter in Beyond LIttle Hearts...even though I think she could do the next program I really want to get her a solid foundation...so will start here and see where that leads us...I really am not sure exactly how to figure out what I need to order so working on that now! I am not sure how many book sets I need to order...and how it all goes together....I do like the format of this program..we have looked at many...and I have alot of the sonlight program and that just didnt make sense to me for some reason! This seems like I will be able to work thru it....I do love the idea of homeschooling and the flexibility for sure! Especially the Christ centered approach....My little girl is like a sponge and always wants to learn about God and has such a kind heart...I dont want to lose this opportunity.....Again thank you so much....for the warm welcome...Beth in Idaho

Just wanted to add my 2cents!! You sound just like me up to this point!! This is only our 2nd year in homeschooling. First, know that you are so NORMAL...all of the questions/concerns/doubts that you are having. I have had all of those and sometimes more!! My best advice would be...take this journey you are embarking on ONE DAY at a time. You will learn in "bites" as you go. Know that it is okay that you don't know everything to do right now. Take all your questions ONE AT A TIME in searching for wisdom/answers!! Trust and ask the Lord to lead you. He will!!! I heard a popular christian speaker once say, "Do it afraid!!" I love that! We can move forward and learn what our children need even if we are afraid WHEN we do it. I hope this encourages you!! By coming to this board, you have started at a great place!! Also, more advice.....be prepared to go back to the drawing board in your homeschool plan when your "plan A" doesn't work!! It is okay! Remember, as homeschool moms many times we learn as we go! I hope this makes sense and encourages you!!

Keep moving forward!

Choosing joy,
Liz

Liz....Hi! I love that ...*do it afraid!!* I will remember that! Thank you for your encouragement and sharing your journey...it is so encouraging to hear from others...and especially those who are new to this and still doing it! I guess one of my concerns is...she is an *only* child in the fact that her brothers are grown....and moved away...although one is coming home in Dec after graduating from college...not sure for how long ...but for awhile....so he will be here...in our home too...The concern is what to do in the day when the work is done....We do not watch t.v. and once in while watch a Planet Earth video...with her being an only child...in that sense...I worry about her not having anyone to play with....I dont want her to be bored...not that being bored is a bad thing...but day after day....we can only do so many outings...so trying to work all this out in my mind! Beth in Idaho

Beth,

About your concerns with "what to do" with the spare time being that she is an only child...this is what I would tell you to do: First, see what local homeschool organizations have to offer in group activities and get-togethers. Second, connect with friends (even if they don't homeschool) to have scheduled park days or just to come over and play. I try to have the kids friends over once a week just for play time. Third, see what other local resources are available to you such as library storytimes once a week, sports, church/outreach activities, etc. When our children are in school we kind of just assume that their need for social activities is built into their school week. When we homeschool we kind of have to switch over to a different mindset. I have found that I have had to make these social connections for my kids more "planned" and intentional on my part. It is work but it is worth it!!

HTH!!

Choosing joy,
Liz

Hi! Just wanted to say another hello and welcome! For ordering, if you go to the "Beyond packages" page, towards the top right you'll see a little lightbulb for "help with ordering". Click on it and a box will pop up to walk you through the parts you need to decide on. We're chomping at the bit to start Beyond - I'm sure you'll enjoy it! HTH (hope that helps)!!

I think Beyond sounds like a great place to start! If she seemed to place well there on the placement chart, then I would definitely go with that over Bigger. Bigger is an excellent program-we're using it this year. But it is definitely a step up from Beyond. Beyond prepares them so nicely for the pace and skills introduced in Bigger that I wouldn't want to miss it. Plus it is just so much fun! I think you'll really enjoy it. I also think HOD is a perfect choice for you since everything is scheduled. You don't have to think about a lot-just follow what's in the guide and go. Everything is included and with the Christ-centered focus, I'm sure you'll love it.

Hi! These ladies here are awesome in helping someone new get started! I can compeletely understand your heart and concerns as well.
I just wanted to also add this for the social aspects as well: 4H and Girl Scouts are also really good social outlets to have and if you don't know any groups in your area..you can always start one!
Another neat thing about 4H and Girl Scouts is that you can find ways to work in the projects/badges/community service projects as school work.
I'm sure Carrie or Julie will also chime in soon too to help you

Hi Beth, and welcome to the HOD (Heart of Dakota) Board! You are making the right choice to homeschool - bullying is difficult to overcome and can have long lasting effects. I am thrilled your daughter will be out of that situation, and I truly think she will blossom with HOD! I'm very excited for you to homeschool with HOD. We are here to help on this board, so don't feel alone. I wanted to encourage you that my family lives in the country, and we only have one other homeschool family we get together with once every week. I do have 3 sons, so I realize that is different than having just one child at home, but I truly think that it is very healthy as parents to be the prime socializers for our dc (dear children). So, if you could find just 1 good gal for your dd (dear daughter) to play with even just once a week, I think you'd be set! 4-H is a good one to consider too, as well as church activities if you have a nice group of gals in her grade there. There are a few past threads I thought you may enjoy reading as you get ready to begin your HOD homeschooling days...

Homeschooling only one child:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5598

Best tips for peace, sanity, or really helpful stuff!
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4929

Now for Beyond Little Hearts - it is a wonderful program to come into HOD at! You are going to have such fun with this. I agree I would start with what she can do fairly well and build her confidence up, letting her just soak it up and enjoy her homeschooling. As far as ordering, here are the nuts and bolts of it...
*order the Economy Package
*order 1 reading program (Is she at the phonics stage and needing a phonics program? Or, is she reading easy readers like Levels 2-4 and at the Emerging Reader's Set stage? Or, is she reading more difficult chapter books and at the Drawn into the Heart of Reading Level 2/3 stage?)
*order a Basic Package (you can give her a free math placement test by going to www.singaporemath.com to know whether to order the Basic Package with 1A/2A or the Basic Package with 2A/2B) OR - if you want to use a different math, then order individual pieces of the Basic Package instead
*order 1 Deluxe Package for read-alouds (either Girl Interest or Classics)

Of course, you could make substitutions, use your library, etc. - BUT, I think I'd just get what you need right away as Beyond Little Hearts is not an expensive program, and having everything on hand and being able to just open your guide and use it as it is written is an INCREDIBLE BLESSING that I really think you'd LOVE! I know I do. I don't add anything to HOD, and my kiddos are flourishing with it. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to post them - we are an encouraging bunch of gals on this board. I started homeschooling unsure about it 8 years ago and haven't looked back once - but then I have had HOD to hold my hand along the way too. We'll embark on this journey together, okay? You could be living in Siberia alone and homeschooling your dd and yet still feel like you've got a bunch of friends to talk to and share the journey with here on this board - it's that way for me at least (no, I'm not in Siberia , but the SD prairie in the country - especially in winter - can seem like it). Looking forward to getting to know ya better!

In Christ,
Julie

Thank you Thank you Thank you ALL!!!!!! What an amazing group of women you all are!!!! I feel so renewed in my quest to homeschool my daughter...it has been such a heavy burden on my heart...and I want to do the best for her...it has been a difficult and trying times with our daughter...She came to us at 9.5 months but it was clear from the beginning she had severe attachment/bonding issues...Thankfully she came into a family...where her mom is an amazing researcher! ( ) and she has healed so much with the team of professionals we have put into place...her healing is amazing...and her love for me is very apparent now instead of the hate she once had in her heart....fear and trauma really ....but it came out as hate....and that is why I have struggle so much...with this....when we pulled her out of school last year...she was not doing well..with the bullying...she just crumbled...she was tough with me ...but not so tough out in the world on her own.....I thought she was strong enough to go back..but now looking at it I wonder what exactly I was thinking! As soon as she went back she started being bombarded by a new little boy in her school that wanted to date her... She was terrified...she didnt know what it all meant but she did know she did not like all the attention and the hugs he kept forcing on her...so after a few sessions with the teacher and school this seemed to be taken care of but now I see she is still under alot of stress trying to hold it together at school....She has a very sensitive spirit and is loving and caring and is always concerned when she sees someone who is homeless or needs something....So she struggles....and she holds it all inside til she gets home and than she just is a wreck....I am thrilled that I have found this board and this program...I now feel like I can do this!!!

Julie thank you for the breakdown and others who gave me suggestions on what to order...I have it all written down and will be ordering it today...I will be bringing my daughter back home and as my husband and I were talking last night this is way deeper than *schooling* it is about healing her heart and nurturing her loving spirit and getting her to a safe place in her heart where she can go out and not be in situations like she has been in school....She is such a wonderful little girl and she deserves ....to be in a safe spot where she is not living in fear during the school day with a smile on her face...just trying to make it thru....Thank you all for your kindness and encouragement .....For the first time since starting on this journey....I feel I can do this...and I feel much more at peace that this is Gods plan...for our family....Beth in Idaho

Hi I just wanted to welcome you to the group and chime in that I SO Know Where you are at!
I just recently brought my DD1 home from P/S Charter also. She was adopted at 23 months, has sensory issues, attachment issues, you name it. Putting her in p/s was good for a season but now I'm glad I have brought her home. Were doing Nuro developmental therapy and HOD with her which has helped Amazingly.
So tell me have you read the Connected Child yet?

big squishy hugs!