Advice please. Help me redeem this year.

[marypoppins]

Hi there,

If you read my post the other day, you may recall that I am using LHFHG with my 5yo dd, and my own combo of textbooks for my 3rd grade ds. I had originally planned to do Bigger this year with ds, but sent it back b/c I thought I would be changing it too much with the different textbooks I wanted to use than those which were scheduled. Problem is, the textbooks are very dry for ds, but dd is having so much fun with LHFHG. I am feeling guilty about that. Although ds does not complain much about the textbooks, I feel like he and I are missing out on what dd and I are enjoying. I have decided that for next year, I'm going to move dd on to Beyond, and put ds in Preparing - as written, and including DITHOR, using all of the HOD resources except math (b/c BJU is the only thing that has worked for ds so far).

My main question is this: what are some ideas of things I can do to redeem this year with ds? I cannot afford $$ to change him over to HOD this year. Plus, I worry about the example I set when I change course mid-year.

I should mention that I did switch back to R&S English a month ago from BJU. (Had to be done! It does feel great to be back with R&S. Even ds agrees.) I also quit BJU Bible a while back because even though I love the program, it was beginning to feel redundant with everything else we are doing. We read from Vos's "The Children's Story Bible" daily at lunch, dc memorize scriptures through AWANA weekly, not to mention dh leads in nightly devotions using "Training Hearts, Teaching Minds." So BJU Bible Truths felt like it was becoming a chore when added on top of everything else. That's not the way I want ds to perceive studying the Bible. We also use BJU Spelling, CLE Reading, and BJU History and Science. I do check out quite a few books from the library to enhance history and science, but we do not seem to have a lot of time left over for "book basket" reading.

I'm wondering if I should go ahead and splurge on DITHOR now, and give that a try instead of the CLE reading?? We really do enjoy CLE Reading and all of the wonderful, character building stories, but with CLE being a Mennonite company, we are not going to hit many of the different genres, kwim? CLE is a good, challenging program, and ds does seem to like it enough, so I worry about switching it mid-course. OTOH, he loves to read novels, and I am wondering if it would kind of redeem some of our school time together this year just to be able to do something a little different and more interactive by using DITHOR instead. If I cannot fully change to HOD right now, I'm curious if making this small change would be worth it, or should I just use what I have and wait until next year and go full HOD at that point?

Thanks for sticking with me through these ramblings. I would love your feed back and advice.

[water2wine]

Well a few thoughts come to mind that hopefully will help. First I want to take a little pressure off please don't think it sets a bad example to change curriculum mid year. What sets a bad example really is using something that does not work over and over and not trying to find a best fit. I personally just think that makes you a good teacher. I did switch to HOD a little past mid year and it was the best decision I ever made. So if you can and want to switch I would not let anything but finances stand in the way.

I think if you can afford it DITHR would be a good introduction to HOD if you can't afford to switch now. And that would give you some reading of real books. I might try to pick some that reflect the time period you would like to cover to plug into DITHR. Then a free history idea would be this, simply do Bible Study from actually reading the Bible. We use the Narrated Chronological Bible for this but anything with commentary will work. It is fascinating to study it chronologically though. I often just decide on a theme and study it chronologically looking for that theme to be covered. This year we are doing NT and our theme is learning what it means to really belong to Him and to really follow Him. In our reading we are always looking for things that will unveil that mystery. An idea would be maybe to go through the gospels chronologically rather than reading one then the next, then the next. A wonderful book that we are using to coordinate with our Bible study is The Stranger on The Road to Emmaus By John R Cross. It is a bit like Victory Journey through the Bible only it covers more themes and doctrine. Form that there are lots of things you could do in the way of projects that would be interesting. We often lapbook things, like for instance we did a fun one that we just made up on the Full Armor of God. You can do anything that appeals to you or that you feel would benefit your children to learn. I did nothing but this for about 3/4 of the year one year and it was something that God really blessed. My kids really grew in their faith.

That is really all I can think of in the way of ideas right now. I hope something here helps.

[deltagal]

Hi Marypoppins,

"I hereby absolve you of any guilt manifested in you because of a desire or need to switch curriculums." Feel better? Honestly. You're the mom. If you've discerned you don't have your son where you want him to be there are many options. Do not. I repeat. Do not let allow yourself to be burdened by this very normal experience. It sounds to me that the real issue isn't DITHOR, but your basic plan, which may explain why you keep feeling led to pick up other materials to "enhance" your basic plan. IF you have the funds to put into DITHOR why not put them instead into the Economy package of Preparing with the science adder and just work with him using only those materials. That's right - no additional book lists etc. You'll be fine. You mentioned you have the Rod and Staff already. You'll basically be working the right side of Preparing and some of the boxes on the left. I'm thinking this will help you feel as if you are making progress and moving towards your goal of being an HOD user. And will be a very full and complete program. If, however, as time progresses you and your son are just chomping at the bit to add in the other blocks (which isn't necessary) use your guide to discern what books are coming up and purchase a few at a time as you need them.

This is more or less the very plan I'm working with, per the author's suggestion. We are doing the the basic plan with the science but I've gathered the resources to get us going through the first 9 weeks. I could afford that. And in another month or so I'll pick up a few more of the resources for the next 9 week as I sell some of the other curriculum I have Eventually I plan to add in DITHOR, probably in the spring.

I have no doubt that there is no need to redeem what you have been doing with your son. I imagine you are quite on track just desiring more of the joy you are experiencing with your other child. So, declare what you've done this fall a success and move on!

Blessings on you and your discernment.

[marypoppins]

[quote]IF you have the funds to put into DITHOR why not put them instead into the Economy package of Preparing with the science adder and just work with him using only those materials. That's right - no additional book lists etc. You'll be fine. You mentioned you have the Rod and Staff already. You'll basically be working the right side of Preparing and some of the boxes on the left. I'm thinking this will help you feel as if you are making progress and moving towards your goal of being an HOD user. And will be a very full and complete program. If, however, as time progresses you and your son are just chomping at the bit to add in the other blocks (which isn't necessary) use your guide to discern what books are coming up and purchase a few at a time as you need them.[/quote]

(okay, have you figured out that I do not know how to use the quote function? Lol.)

HMMMMMMM........ Florence, this is something I absolutely had NOT considered, but now that you've brought it up, I actually already OWN several of the economy pack books for Preparing! I was mainly looking back at BHFHG, and never considered forging ahead with Preparing. This is something I'm really going to think about.... I would have to be brave and get over the fact of starting something that would carry into the next school year. I am really going to ponder and pray about this. Thanks for the marvelous idea!

[marypoppins]

W2W,

I also wanted to thank you for your advice, too. I love how you are studying the Bible with you dc. Your dc are so very blessed to have such a wonderful, diligent, and talented mommy (I'm still trying to figure out your knitting while reading trick! )!

I know it is okay to switch curriculum, and ds will adjust fine if I do... I am just thinking about how much $$ I have spent (wasted) buying/selling curriculum over the past four years. Last spring was the worst with trying to figure out what to use for this year. I just don't know if I can justify something new mid-year to dh. He has the classic engineer personality. You know - the "make it work" type of attitude, Lol.

[mamas4bugs]

I just wanted to chime in and say that I think Florence is on to something. This is the third year in HOD for my youngest ds, but my older son has done some curriculum hopping over the years. We're using Preparing with him this year, and he is an official HOD convert. He is adamant that this is the best year ever. He was 9 when we started and has just turned 10. He uses the extension package. My younger son will be 8 (3rd grade) when he starts Preparing, and I think he will do fine (no extensions, of course ). Blessings on your decision!

[water2wine]

I know it is okay to switch curriculum, and ds will adjust fine if I do... I am just thinking about how much $$ I have spent (wasted) buying/selling curriculum over the past four years. Last spring was the worst with trying to figure out what to use for this year. I just don't know if I can justify something new mid-year to dh. He has the classic engineer personality. You know - the "make it work" type of attitude, Lol.

My dh is the engineer type also. Our first year homeschooling we made a $3,000 mistake with an online school. The kids were not learning, we had to jump ship. I vowed from that point on anything I used for the most part had to be non consumable. What I love about HOD is that the program still has value after you are done. I will use each program at least twice and maybe three times before we are done. It makes it real economical. So just to give you another thought, workbooks are money spent and down the drain but the materials for HOD are not. I don't think I will be allowed to sell off my materials because my kids want me to keep everything for their kids (not kidding). But there is a lot of value in the program in that it is non-consumable and if you are worried that it won't work you can get your money back if you for some strange and unexplainable reason do not like it.

On another note, I have no more talent than you. I just pray and God helps me. The Bible study is something anyone can do. It takes no special talent. You can do anything with your homeschooling that God puts on your heart to do. I think the key is listening to what He wants for you and it is different for all of us. But nobody is better at it for your kids than you are. He chose you and you are the perfect one for the task.

[deltagal]

(okay, have you figured out that I do not know how to use the quote function? Lol.)

LOL I just figured out how to use the quote function 2 days ago, so I'm very excited to share this with you. You must log-in for the message function to work. Once you are logged in and you are reading a thread each post will have a quote box in the upper right hand corner, just click on this box for the post you want to quote. A reply box will pop up on your screen with all the words of the post you were reading and you simply delete what you don't want to include. Make sense? Again, you must be logged in to see the quote boxes.

On another note, I'm glad my "idea" might have some merit. Continued blessings on your discernment. Have a wonder-full Thanksgiving.

With Joy!
Florence

[marypoppins]

[quote="deltagal"] IF you have the funds to put into DITHOR why not put them instead into the Economy package of Preparing with the science adder and just work with him using only those materials. That's right - no additional book lists etc. You'll be fine. You mentioned you have the Rod and Staff already. You'll basically be working the right side of Preparing and some of the boxes on the left. I'm thinking this will help you feel as if you are making progress and moving towards your goal of being an HOD user. And will be a very full and complete program. If, however, as time progresses you and your son are just chomping at the bit to add in the other blocks (which isn't necessary) use your guide to discern what books are coming up and purchase a few at a time as you need them. [/quote]


First, I STILL cannot get the quote function to work, Lol. I did what ya'll said, and it still comes out looking like this.

UPDATE: I have decided to follow your advice - kind of. I decided it was too much $$ to go forward with Preparing at this point. When we get to that program, I want to be able to jump in with both feet and be able to use the deluxe package and the whole shebang. I think I would be disappointed going about it any other way. But you did have a great idea. I've decided to go ahead and spend the $$ on the Bigger economy package. You are right, DITHOR, in and of itself is quite a bit of $$, so I believe you are right that it may be wiser to put the $$ into the main program. And like W2W stated, this is all stuff I will use again in the future for dd. I feel the most comfortable going about it in this way. So PLEASE, PLEASE SAY A PRAYER for me that I will be able to sell my old stuff QUICKLY!!!! (Ya know anybody who's in the market for some nice 3rd grade BJU?! JK!)

[deltagal]

I've decided to go ahead and spend the $$ on the Bigger economy package. You are right, DITHOR, in and of itself is quite a bit of $$, so I believe you are right that it may be wiser to put the $$ into the main program.

Isn't it wonderful to make a decision AND I think your decision is RIGHT ON for what your son needs. I've been thinking about you all morning. I really believe that the Bigger economy will speak to your son where he is now. Welcome aboard.

Hmmm. I can't figure our what's happening with your quote function, but you're making progress Keep playing with it - it will come clear after a few more tries.

[Carrie]

marypoppins,

The ladies are giving you such excellent advice. I just wanted to pop-in and let you know I'll be praying for you to have peace with your decision and that your items will sell quickly. We enjoyed Bigger last year very much and pray you will get a chance to use it too, if that is where you feel the Lord's leading.

Blessings,
Carrie

[my3sons]

MaryPoppins - I am late to this thread, but I think your decisions makes total sense. I had a year I made myself finish some curriculum materials (not with HOD - I got ahead of Carrie's writing ). That year I made myself stick with a few poor curriculum choices, and when my ds and I finally had become weary of it and I stopped doing those things (about 2/3 of the way into the year ) I was sooooo relieved. I felt an incredible sense of peace, and my ds was so much happier. As moms, we have a lot to consider when homeschooling our dc - age, personality, funds, siblings, to combine or not to combine, levels, content, etc. It's not that these decisions are really "mistakes", so much as they could be "better" choices. Sometimes that's hard to tell until you're in the middle of it.

We did BHFHG last year and LOVED it! I think you are making a great choice, and I am praying your curriculum sells so you can begin BHFHG soon!

In Christ,
Julie

[marypoppins]

Thank you so much, Ladies! I had a nice talk with dh yesterday and let him know my thoughts and plans. To my surprise , he said he agreed that we need to use something that meets our goals, even if it costs a little extra $$ this year!! Of course it helped when I explained how it is all non-consumable and will be used in a couple years by dd - saving us $$ in the long run. He was also relieved to hear I have quite a bit of curriculum for sale to cover the costs. I really do appreciate and covet your prayers concerning the sale of our old curriculum. (Dh works for an automotive supplier to the Big Three, so times are a little uncertain right now.)

Thanks again for all of your advice and support! I feel such overwhelming relief and peace about this decision, and I feel the Lord confirmed that for me with dh's supportive attitude.

[water2wine]

(Dh works for an automotive supplier to the Big Three, so times are a little uncertain right now.)

I will be praying for your dh's employment. I know how hard that is.

[anointedhsmom]

So PLEASE, PLEASE SAY A PRAYER for me that I will be able to sell my old stuff QUICKLY!!!! (Ya know anybody who's in the market for some nice 3rd grade BJU?! JK!)

marypoppins,

I am a HOD convert that ditched BJU literally a few weeks into the year. I so wish I had gone to HOD earlier. It's been the best decision I could have made. I will pray that your BJU sells. You don't know anyone that would want some 1st & 2nd BJU do you Mine is still sitting here and I really just need to get it out of here.

I pray for us both that we might have supernatural favor with selling our old curriculum.

Blessings,
Paige in TN