heartofdakota.com

Heelo,
We're the proud parents of an 11 year old boy. We've decided to start homeschooling him this coming school year. He'll be in the sixth grade. Our son has
been able to function in the regular classes setting(getting A's & B's). But since we're going to homeschool him, we were wondering if you know, what curriculum would be better for him. We would like to make it fun and enjoyable while still learning, but want to make sure that we use the proper curriculum for his learning level. Any suggestions are welcome, we just want to do what's best for our son. He expressed to us that he wants to be able to use the Bible, Bible stories, books that he wants, etc. We were wondering if we can choose our own curriculum???

Thanks,

Rick & Neny

This forum is specifically geared to the Heart of Dakota program, and I would suggest that you have landed on a gold mine here! In my opinion, as a former ps teacher and hsing mom for the last four years, this is the finest program I've seen or used. I would suggest that you read the portion on the site regarding the philosophy behind this curriculum, and then look carefully over the placement guide. It is very helpful as far as placing your ds. Don't get too caught up on grade levels or age levels. Choose the level where your ds's skills best place. This curriculum is quite different than what your ds is probably used to in ps. If you do choose to use HOD, start slowly and work up to full-pace. He will probably be very unfamiliar with the use of living books instead of textbooks, as well as notebooking, narrating, copywork, and other elements of a Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum. CM was a nineteenth century educator who wrote numerous volumes on the best way to teach children.
HOD is the most fun, yet educationally-rich program I've come across. It is Christ-centered and character building-focused. It is quite simply, wonderful. Hsing is a delightful path to take. I hope you and your ds are richly blessed by this experience. Oh, and don't panic when you have a bad day here and there! We all have those too.
hth,
Laura

I LOVED imercon's advice! I don't think I can say it any better. I'll just agree, I think you've come to the right place! I have 3 sons, and HOD has made school FUN for them. They love what they are doing, and they feel so good about what they are learning. Christ is kept right at the center of learning. I think that is terrific that your ds wants to be sure to use his Bible during his school day - get ready - he sure will need it with HOD! Your ds can choose his own books for his reading instruction within "Drawn into the Heart of Reading", as well as choosing from among read aloud sets. I think he'll like the choices he has in HOD. If you get a chance to look at the placement chart with your ds in mind, and could share a bit about his reading, writing, grammar, math that would help us better help you. Here is a link to that chart...
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

The ladies here are all kind-hearted, Christian ladies that have a real heart for helping and encouraging one another -as you can tell so well from imercon's post already. We would love to help you out with placement, just share a bit more about your ds, and we'll chat about it until you're set. I'm so glad the Lord has led you to HOD. It's been a blessing for our sons, and I think it will be for yours too.

In Christ,
Julie