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Hi everyone! We are currently doing MFW-ECC and are just about to be finished up for the year. This has been our first time using MFW. I've been very interested in HOD for a couple of years now but decided last year to go ahead with MFW. I am seriously considering switching to HOD for the next year. I loved ECC, but just felt that much of the science was too advanced for my youngest and I'd really like a more literature based curriculum w/out having to go to the library so much. My kiddos will be 10 and 8 when we would start. I'm thinking Preparing would be the best for their ages, but I'm wondering if any of you who are familiar w/MFW- ECC think that this would be too similar to what we've already been doing in ECC this year. I've noticed a few books in Preparing that we've also used in ECC. Would Preparing be too much of a repeat of what we've been doing? Would it be a bad idea to just jump ahead to CtC even though it's just above my youngest's age level? Thanks in advance for your help!

We began using HOD last year after using MFW ECC. We chose to start with Preparing (my boys were 8 & 10 at the beginning of the year, also) We all loved it! I don't think you will be disappointed if this is the route you choose !

You might want to check the placement guide: http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php too just to see where your dc place as far as skills. Where they are skillwise as far as being able to read, write, narrate, dictate, etc. seems to be more important in guide placement than anything. I'm unfamiliar with MFW so I can't help there, but I'm sure others will chime in and give you great advice. Welcome to HOD!

We came from MFWECC and starting with Preparing Hearts will NOT be redundant whatsoever! TOTALLY different in a wonderful way! I agree about checking the placement chart first. I would strongly advise against starting with CTC, b/c each guide progresses in skill level, and it would be way too much on at least your youngest. MFW doesn't have that progression so HOD is different in that you don't want to just pick based on which part of history you want to focus on. Check the placement chart for sure and ask any questions you have! We'd all be glad to help you figure this out

We are coming from MFW, as well, though the earlier grades. I cannot say how valuable the placement chart is in determining where your child fits best, and you might find that combining is not the best for both--and with HOD you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it all works out. I'm sure other more experienced ladies on the board can speak more to this, but do really dig deep into the placement chart for each child individually. The skill building is very different from MFW so keep that in mind. We decided to start our oldest daughter slightly lower than I thought she could handle, so that we have every opportunity to refine CM skills that are essential to HOD, while not overwhelming her yet still challenging her in some areas.

Welcome along! This board has been such a gift to me as I also waded through my choices. Blessings!

Wow! Thank you all so very much All of your suggestions were really helpful. I took a closer look at the placement chart for each of my kids and feel that Preparing would definitely be the best fit for them both. We covered phonics, reading, writing pretty extensively in A Beka (what we used before switching to MFW) so they are both doing really well in those areas. That was very re-assuring taking a closer look at that! I am getting sooo excited!! Now to just get through the last few countries in ECC so I can order HOD

This board is a breath of fresh air. Thank you all so much again

Miranda,

I just wanted to pop-in and welcome you to the board! The ladies have already done such a great job of helping you talk through your options. We pray that Preparing Hearts may be a blessing to your family!

Blessings,
Carrie

Miranda,
Sounds like you have a great plan figured out with Preparing Hearts! You are going to have a great year! We love HOD!

Welcome to the HOD Board, Miranda, and I'm excited for you to begin PHFHG! "Grandpa's Box" is still an all-time favorite at our house. I can't wait to teach PHFHG again to my second ds next year. My oldest loved it! Just for fun, here is a link to the PHFHG Photobook, so you can have a sneak peek at all the fun ahead of you :
http://heartofdakotasphotobooks.shutterfly.com/30

In Christ,
Julie

Oh my goodness, Julie! Thank you soooo much for sharing that link to the PHFHG Photobook! If I wasn't already excited enough already I am over-the-top excited about Preparing now

Thanks again to all of you wonderful ladies for such warm welcomes. This is the most homey, loving, Christ-like message boards. I just praise God for directing me to HOD.

Blessings to you all,
Miranda

Hooray, hooray - now let the fun begin and the Son shine in!

In Christ,
Julie