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My ds and I are really not enjoying the CDs and I'm wondering if there is a book version we could use instead?

Thanks!

Ann

Not that I know of. I know she talks very fast and can be a little difficult to listen to at times, but the CDs are PACKED with information. Can you look at it as an acquired taste and stick it out for a little while? We have learned a ton from the CDs and are looking forward to the set in RTR this year.

Ann,

I'm thinking that you've just begun with HOD, and if so you'll definitely want to give it some time before making a judgment call on the Diana Waring CD's. For some, she can be an acquired taste. Others love her from the beginning. It's true that I've seen both sides with my different boys, but all of my older 3 have come to truly enjoy her and learned so much from her.

A couple of things that will really help will be to have your child do the listening on his own. This is because this is meant to be an Independent Box, meaning its not done with the parent. The reason this is important is that kiddos often take their cue from us as to how to react, and if you aren't enjoying it that will most definitely affect your son's enjoyment. It's so important to have him do all the boxes marked 'I' independently, as independent work has different goals than that expected to be done with a parent.

To encourage your child to do the listening on his own I would have him listen with headphones. This helps a child focus better and keep any outside noise down. Another thing that can make a big difference in enjoyment is whether or not your child is an auditory child. If your child does not lean in that direction learning-style wise, then it can take a bit of time to grow in that area, but it is definitely an area worth growing in. So, I'd keep on going. Diana has such a Biblical worldview and an engaging storytelling style that the longer your son listens the more she will grow on him. Children like her better than adults, and as an adult I have now come to appreciate her vast knowledge and enthusiasm too. I would encourage you to be positive about his time spent listening and require your son to listen with a cheerful heart as well. Believe me, you won't want to miss out on her Biblical perspective as you go through the guides!

Blessings,
Carrie

My older daughters used these 5 years ago but it wasn't with HOD wonderful TM. I recall making a study guide (like a syllabus) so that my visual learners would pay attention to certain topics. I used these CD's to "train" them for lecture based learning i.e. college. They have completed 1-3 years of college and are straight "A's" so it must have helped. Yes being auditory learners stretched their muscles. It would be beneficial in other areas besides college ie at a work site as directions are often auditory, even sermons at church! Diana Waring's material has been beneficial as she looks at history in a Biblical Worldview and finds interesting tales.

I remember when DD first plugged in that first cd. She came out of her room after the first listening and said, "ummmm, Mom???? Have you listened to this lady?", in tone that indicated I may not approve. So I thought to myself, "hmmmm, what could be on there that she thinks I would find offensive". So then I asked why she asked, and she said, "well, this lady is really, really excited about history". So I laughed it off and told her that was good, and she should like it then, because she liked history also . She said something like, "well not THAT much!"

She knew that it wasn't really up for discussion. She didn't have an option not to do something that is "in the box". So she drudged through it for the next week or so. Still making an occasional comment about listening to the "weird, happy lady". After a month or so, the comments stopped and she would begin telling her dad things she had learned from the "weird happy lady". I never listened to the cd (I know, terrible mother ) until about half way through the year. One night I picked it up, plugged it in (after she was in bed), and thought to myself, "good grief, this lady really IS excited about history!".

Fast forward to Box Day, getting our books for RtR.......DD picks up the cd volume 2, and exclaims (with the happiest of tones), "Mom, LOOK! Its the weird, happy lady!!!!! I didn't know she had more of these!!!!" She was sincerely very pleasantly surprised. So I smiled (one of those terrible, mommy evil grins ) and said, "I thought you couldn't stand listening to those?". And she replied, "Oh, Mom, you know how it is. Sometimes the stuff you hate the most turns out to be your favorite".

We both had a laugh at that, but I say all that to say......they really do seem to grow on you, and really do have valuable information. ( I did end up listening to the entire thing, and though I certainly wouldn't say she's my favorite speaker, she truly did "grow" on me too).

Angie

Well, the reason I listened with him was that I thought I'd kill two birds and have him listen while we took my dd to piano lessons. He is an auditory AND visual learner, thank goodness, so whatever he hears or sees he remembers.

I really was neutral when I listened to the CD Even when ds said he didn't care for the CD.

I will have him listen on his own from now on, Carrie, I promise . I trust your teaching strategies! I'm standing in faith and I know the Lord will bless that!

Thanks again everyone ....... maybe next year I won't need so much handholding

holdinon wrote:I remember when DD first plugged in that first cd. She came out of her room after the first listening and said, "ummmm, Mom???? Have you listened to this lady?", in tone that indicated I may not approve. So I thought to myself, "hmmmm, what could be on there that she thinks I would find offensive". So then I asked why she asked, and she said, "well, this lady is really, really excited about history". So I laughed it off and told her that was good, and she should like it then, because she liked history also . She said something like, "well not THAT much!"

She knew that it wasn't really up for discussion. She didn't have an option not to do something that is "in the box". So she drudged through it for the next week or so. Still making an occasional comment about listening to the "weird, happy lady". After a month or so, the comments stopped and she would begin telling her dad things she had learned from the "weird happy lady". I never listened to the cd (I know, terrible mother ) until about half way through the year. One night I picked it up, plugged it in (after she was in bed), and thought to myself, "good grief, this lady really IS excited about history!".

Fast forward to Box Day, getting our books for RtR.......DD picks up the cd volume 2, and exclaims (with the happiest of tones), "Mom, LOOK! Its the weird, happy lady!!!!! I didn't know she had more of these!!!!" She was sincerely very pleasantly surprised. So I smiled (one of those terrible, mommy evil grins ) and said, "I thought you couldn't stand listening to those?". And she replied, "Oh, Mom, you know how it is. Sometimes the stuff you hate the most turns out to be your favorite".

We both had a laugh at that, but I say all that to say......they really do seem to grow on you, and really do have valuable information. ( I did end up listening to the entire thing, and though I certainly wouldn't say she's my favorite speaker, she truly did "grow" on me too).

Angie

Thanks Angie, that was VERY encouraging!

I still need hand holding sometimes and my oldest graduates this year. We all need alternative suggestions when something is not working.