This is my dd12 second year of home school and first year with HOD! We pulled dd out of PS near the end of her 5th grade year. She was labeled as having a math disability, was below grade level in every subject and her teachers were very “concerned” about the fact that she was not passing the State tests. She hated school and considered herself "stupid".
On top of this she was coping with some health issues that caused her great discomfort and embarrassment. Thankfully, the LORD had already been preparing the way for me to home school my sweet girl. I was one of those mom’s who thought I NEVER could do that. HAHA It’s amazing what we can do when Christ goes before us and makes ready the way! 
We have spent the last year “de-schooling” and renewing dd’s love and joy of learning. Near the beginning of our year I discovered the CM method and immediately knew it was the perfect fit for us! I spent the rest of the year trying hard to put a thorough curriculum together. We succeeded in some areas and not in others. Both of us were burned out by the end…that is when I “stumbled” across HOD.
HOD was everything I ever wanted and so much more! I ordered RTR based on dd’s age and where we left off on the history cycle. (I know now it’s a no-no) We have finished the first 3 days of unit 1. Dd absolutely loves the program. She even made an “I love Heart of Dakota” poster for our fridge!
Here is the problem. She enjoyed every lesson, yet struggled with Medieval History Based Writing Lessons and the history readings took her a very long time. Our discussions were okay, but I felt as though I was leading her to the answers far too often. I am wondering if I chose too high a level or perhaps need to go at half speed.
She placed in RTR in everything is accept writing (CTC) Grammar (Preparing or CTC ??) and Math (??). She is a reluctant writer and does not seem to know how to apply what she has learned in Grammar to her writing. She is great at oral narration and has done her fair share of short written narrations. She loves poetry and recites with ease. She has no problem reproducing longer dication passages. She is ready for more independence and is excited to learn about medieval history. I have seen her produce excellent work...when she wants to. The challenge is getting her to do it regularly. Obviously some character issues still need to be worked out.
For Grammar we've been using Winston Grammar but would like to switch over to R&S. I am just not sure which to level yet. What do you all think? Should I try RTR at half-speed but do grammar and math daily? Or would it be best to move her to CTC???
I have never participated on a message board before...this is all very new! After reading many of the posts on here I knew this was a safe and Christ honoring group! I thank God for HOD and all of you ladies who lovingly support one another!
Thank you for your time,
Jennifer
I just wanted to agree with the wise advice water2wine and birchbark gave here. I too think CTC is the way to go, and I'm really excited for your dd to do that guide! It's an awesome way to learn about God's hand in history from the beginning of time. We had such good discussions in CTC - I am glad you and your dd will get to as well! 