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Hi! I am wondering if there is any reason to not do both the spelling words each week in the unit instead of choosing a certain lists? We did both last week and my daughter has had no trouble ...and rarely after the first time thru misses a word....It seemed too easy to just do the one list...Is there any harm in doing both the lists each week...as long as she is saling thru them....with no resistance...it is interesting because although she is not the strongest reader...she loves to spell and seems to be advancing in it...which doesnt make sense to me as to why she has a bit of trouble with reading...when she can spell the words...I am a bit concerned that certain things are only covered one day....like last week we did the two parts of the sentence....we practiced this all week because my daughter would not retain that information without some sort of review....I guess I am looking for others who have already gone thru beyond...and how this worked for them as far as remembering...what they had learned the week before....I do love this program and can not imagine being able to homeschool without it! Beth in Idaho

I can't help with the spelling question, but I can with the grammar. The idea for grammar in Beyond is just to introduce the concept gently. Next year when you do R&S 2, you will go through all of these things again in much greater depth. So the idea here is just to introduce the ideas and then next year delve into them.

Okay....what is R&S? Maybe I am still in the public school mindset a bit...thinking we need to be learning and *cramming* and impressing our friends with how advanced my child is!! lol......I do think that her reading is holding her back a bit in moving forward....I like how you explained how this is just the beginning of introduction...that helps me understand this a bit better....I was just thinking we were further ahead in spelling in school....and math even...and we are working ahead in the book...yet I see so much that was missing too...so very grateful we found this program so we can go back and work on a more solid foundation....Maybe I am the one with the issue! Wanting to push her a bit ....instead of just enjoying the process!! Thanks Patty! Beth

It's so easy to get in that hurry up and learn routine. I think it is pushed on us everywhere. I think I was that way for a while as well and every now and then I have my moments thinking that I need to press harder and get them to learn more, but I've come to the point that I think a love of learning and knowing how to learn is more important. I suppose there is some benefit in acquiring more knowledge at an early age, but all in all I think having a desire to acquire knowledge and know how to discern it is more important in the long run. I guess I'm waxing philosophical here , but it's really helped me a lot to just chill out and enjoy the journey along the way. Feel free to go at a pace that works for you and your dd. If that is faster than what is the TM that's ok but try not to rush. There is much to be gained by savoring the moment and the material if you KWIM. R&S is Rod and Staff and that is the grammar that comes next in HOD. R&S2 is scheduled in the Bigger guide. I'm glad you are enjoying your homeschool journey!

Hi Beth,
You probably have noticed we use a lot of abbreviations on this message board-R&S is Rod & Staff Grammar . Beyond Little Hearts provides a gentle introduction to grammar concepts, introduction being the key word. The child would not be expected to know those points backward and forward, but rather to become familiar with them so that they are not foreign when she is old enough to grasp more. More formal grammar instruction is included from Bigger Hearts on up using the Rod & Staff books, and will build incrementally year after year on the foundation you are laying now. For example, my daughter in 6th grade is using Rod and Staff level 5, and she too was just learning the two parts of the sentence a few weeks ago-but with MUCH more detail than would be expected of a child in Beyond Little Hearts. As for the spelling, if the List 1 words are really too easy, try her on the List 2, but I wouldn't do both lists, because doubling up defeats the purpose of the short, relaxed lessons of Heart of Dakota. Young children retain more when taught in bite-sized bits So, relax and enjoy!

Excellent advice, ladies! I concur.

Blessings,
Carrie