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Looking at the Preparing curriculum it looks like it has almost everything. There are a few things I can't see in the samples or descriptions. I am wondering if these are things that are in the curriculum or that others have supplemented. In particular I am wondering about artist studies/art techniques (as opposed to the craft type projects or drawing), foreign language, map skills (how to read map legends, keys, a compass rose, etc.), and vocabulary building through learning reference skills(dictionary, thesaurus, etc.)

Thanks-
Jennifer

Each year is different with HOD in terms of Artistic studies. The first part of the year of Preparing had a fantastic artistic study as part of the Independent History box and dd was so sad when that book was over. I picked up on her desire to continue with an art program right away and used an Art Curriculum for Elementary that we really enjoyed (it included a famous painting to study and then the student attempted to recreate something similar) and we typically did one-two projects a month out of the book. Beyond that, we only supplement our homeschool with Piano (for music) and our Foreign Language.

The beauty of HOD is that you don't HAVE to supplement, it allows you to feel confident as the teacher that all areas are covered and yet it allows enough time in the day to pursue areas that your child naturally excels in and focus on those (or if you have an area that is particularly important to your family for your child to study).

HOD is totally sufficient as-is, in my opinion, academically. Btw, Vocab and Geography skills are well covered!

When we first moved over to HOD, I had a hard time making the switch. I continued to add in a lot of other programs I had previously used. It wasn't until I had used the curriculum for several months and saw how exhausted my kids were after doubling up on Grammar or Math just because I wasn't fully convinced that HOD would be right for us. Now that I've come to trust the "experience", my kids love HOD and I'm released from self-doubt about my dd's academic successes.

Hth,
Amy

Nothing!! Everything is covered The Draw and Write book is fantastic for teaching technique. We love every bit of PHFHG, as well as all the guides we've used before it!

Nada. Art, geography, vocabulary - all covered beautifully! I think you'll love PHFHG! Did you get a chance to see the PHFHG photobook? I just thought that might be fun to see...
http://heartofdakotasphotobooks.shutterfly.com/30

Have a wonderful year with PHFHG!
In Christ,
Julie

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and thank you for sharing the link, Julie.

Jennifer