Why, oh why can't I get HOD off my mind????

[sharonb]

I am having the hardest time here lately. Normally when I contemplate getting a different curriculum, I ponder it for a bit, read some reviews, and quickly decide yes or no. For some reason HOD has been different. But I can't decide if I have "grass is greener" syndrome or if God is really calling me to use this curriculum. Although we have Bible time (reading from Egermeier's Bible Story Book) and memorize verses, sometimes I wonder if I'm doing enough. I wonder if I'm spending enough time on the character-building activities and discussions. For example, my 5-year-old listens to Bible time, quickly recites some verses (he's great at memorizing things), rushes through his phonics and math lessons, and then runs off to play. He has trouble paying attention to me, but when it comes to doing his workbook exercises, he is all business. I am trying to get him to pay attention in Apologia Zoology I and he's enjoying making a simple notebook for that. We aren't doing any history at the moment because I have all these books here and I'm trying to organize some lesson plans to read them somewhat chronologically (they are mostly biographical living books geared at the 4-8 crowd). I keep trying to convince myself that what I have here is fine; it's just a matter of scheduling it properly and taking the time to do it right. So why do I keep coming back to HOD? I wish I could just order the full Bigger package for my 7 year old (for 2nd grade) and the full LHFHG package for my 4/5 year olds. I know I should talk to my dh about all of this, but he was totally fine with using 100% R&S for the rest of elementary. But I've looked at their 2nd grade science and social studies and it's just not what I'm wanting. I'm afraid my dh will think I'm just fickle and can't make up my mind!

Anyway, how do determine if something is God's will or if you just have "grass is greener" syndrome???

[1GirlTwinBoys]

I am having the hardest time here lately. Normally when I contemplate getting a different curriculum, I ponder it for a bit, read some reviews, and quickly decide yes or no. For some reason HOD has been different.

I was going through the same thing a few weeks ago. I just could not stop thinking about this curriculum and kept coming back here looking at it over and over. There was just a pulling for some reason towards it and I just knew it had to be the Lord. We are going into our 3rd week using the LHFHG program and it has been wonderful. We are having great conversations after our History and Bible lessons. When it's storytime, we all get up in my bed or I'll read to them while we eat lunch. They are enjoying the story about Reddy Fox so much right now. I knew that I would never know if I just didn't try and wouldn't be happy if I didn't give it a chance. I'm so glad that we did!

[sharonb]

What age are you using LHFHG for? If I do go with HOD I have a decision to make: Either put my oldest in Bigger by herself, and then combine the 4/5 year olds in Little Hearts. OR I can combine the 7/5 year olds in Beyond and then use LHTH for the 2/4 year olds.

My 5 year old is finishing up K and is already doing 1st grade math. But he can't sound out words (he's awesome at memorizing though). His attention span is okay when he wants it to be. So I'm just wondering what would be best for him (and buying 3 different guides probably isn't an option; I want to stick with just 2 if possible).

[1GirlTwinBoys]

What age are you using LHFHG for?

My daughter turned 6 last month and my twin boy's will be 5 the beginning of May.

I'm thinking your 5 year old would not be ready for beyond, but I'll let others that have much more experience comment and make suggestions for you.

[sharonb]

That's what I was thinking (that my 5 year old would not be ready for Beyond). So, at the moment I'm thinking Bigger for the 7 year old and Little Hearts for the 5 year old (and let the 4 year old tag along where he can).

[Jessi]

Grass is greener....ahhhh the proverbial thorn in my side. Someday I am sure I'll get over that.

One of the biggest proponents (in my mind) is that HOD makes learning FUN! Kids want to do school and they retain so much because they are enjoying themselves. My recommendation is to sit down and talk with your husband about your concerns for second grade with R&S. Perhaps if you show him both programs and get his honest feedback it would help you know if what you are feeling is just a "grass is greener" syndrome or if God is truly leading you here.

I'd vote for the latter but then I am biased. No, honestly pray, pray, pray about it. I prayed and prayed and I just kept feeling like I was supposed to do HOD, even though I thought I would do MFW. Even when using HOD I have looked at Sonlight because I love their book selections too. But even when I am looking around I have such a peace about HOD and I know that we are using exactly what God wants our family to use right now.

I am beyond excited to see so many great programs out there to fit everyone's needs. YAY!!!

[pollo_la]

Pray, Pray, and then Pray some more!!! Talk to your DH about this. You NEED your husband's blessing on this or you will never have the peace you need! Talk to your DH and pray together!! Look at the placement chart and pray some more! All I can really say is that for ME, once my decision was final to go with HOD I have felt a tremendous peace. I honestly feel like there is no need for me to look at another curriculum again, which I have not had anytime I went with any other curriculum. I know this was right for our family... you need to pray, and if God is telling you to wait for now, then wait!! Maybe God still wants you to use HOD, but now is not the right time to make the purchase.

[sharonb]

That's something that did occur to me- that maybe HOD is something we can start using in a year or two, since I already have enough resources for this next year! I was thinking once dd is ready for Preparing maybe she can work on that without her brothers tagging along. That would be a good year to let them do more on their own levels.

I did talk to dh a bit last night; not too much about HOD in particular, but about school stuff and our budget. We are very close to getting out of debt (have credit card debt from when dh was in seminary) so I have a renewed desire to get that taken care of soon. So, I do think it would be wise for us to wait on anymore curriculum purchases for a while.

I do appreciate all the advice. It's been great.

[Carrie]

sharonb,

I pray that the Lord will give you the peace that you're seeking! I know it can be so tough to choose curriculum and that each of us just desires to be within His will for our lives.

If you do end up going in the Heart of Dakota direction, you may wish to check out the placement chart to get the best feel for where your kiddos fit. Here's a link to the placement chart: http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

I'd be leaning toward Little Hands to Heaven or Little Hearts for your 4 and 5 year olds and Beyond or Bigger Hearts for your 7 year old.

Blessings,
Carrie

[sharonb]

Thanks, Carrie. I requested a catalog today so I can look through the options some more once I get that.