New here....please help!

[momx3]

Hello. My name is Kelley and we have 3 dc: Benjamin (16), Emma (11), and Millie (7). This fall will be our 5th yr hs and we've yet to find a program that "fits". We started with SL, then WTM/Classical, Weaver, and just finished with CLE. I'm so frustrated! I would really appreciate any advice you ladies could give me!

I've been searching desparately for something new next year so the kids won't be so burned out by May. I thought that I had pretty much decided to go with MFW and then came upon this website. This curriculum sounds wonderful!!! I hope this won't take too long, but if I give you guys some background, maybe you can offer suggestions.

It seems that I tend to go from over-structured to no structure. (We were so stressed with WTM that we tried "unschooling". That was a disaster! ) That's why I think HOD would be a great fit for us. I really want to combine as much as possible. I'm sure that is unrealistic to combine the soon-to-be 10th grader, but would LOVE to combine the younger girls next fall (2nd and 6th).

Sooooo many questions!
#1- Is there any way to use HOD for HS?
#2- Where would I start my dds? I'd really love to begin with Preparing (8-10yr olds) but I'm worried that the 2nd grader won't be ready. I really like the history portion of Preparing or CTC.....but I cringe at the thought of using 2 programs with them.
**Emma (6th grader) loves to read. All the time! She is more of a creative, artistic, musical person that really doesn't like doing "school". It's hard to get her to sit still for regular subjects. We're still having to constantly review multiplication facts, and she despises grammar. CLE is pretty intense with their subjects, so she is SO glad to be finished, to say the least!LOL
**Millie (2nd grader) is pretty flexible. Everything comes pretty easy for her. She reads very well and has had no problems, per se, just loses interest and becomes bored with doing "school".
#3-Can I use another Math and Grammar? Is Science included ( I'm so confused after looking at so many pregrams!LOL)

We are just looking for a more "gentle" approach to school. I don't want them to dread each day and hate school. I really appreciate the help you ladies offer to one another> I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions while I'm trying to figure this out!LOL Please bear with me....after the youngest 2 get situated, then I'll need help with ds (10th)
Thanks so much!
Kelley

[deltagal]

Hi Kelley,

Welcome. Yes, HOD is a homeschool curriculum. A good place for us to begin our discussion is for you to go to the homepage and look over the placement chart and determine where your children would fit best academically. Then post back with your thoughts and we can go from there. HOD does include everything you need - science, math, etc.. However, you can certainly sub in any curriculum you would rather use. The truth of the matter is though that the HOD selections are all part of a healthy balance that Carrie (the author) has disccerned. It's very easy to get sidetracked making all our great ideas "fit"!

[momx3]

Florence,
After I posted, I went to the homepage and looked through the "Preparing" package. I really like the scope and sequence. I'm just wondering if it will be too hard for a 2nd grader. I'm sure with the extension pkg my 6th grader will be fine.

I'm really, really trying to put them both in the same package, because we don't do well trying to do 3 different things with 3 different kiddos. That's where I think the HOD program would be great, if it would work for both girls.

I looked everywhere and didn't see anything about using HOD for HS. I may just have to do an eclectic thing and pick and choose for 10th grade ds.

Thanks for answering so quickly.
Kelley

[pjdobro]

Welcome! I think Preparing might be a stretch for a 2nd grader, 7 year old. Will she be 7 and in second when you start or will it be 3rd grade by then? Here is the chart for placement: http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php Do you think her reading, writing, and grammar skills would fit in Preparing? It seems like Bigger would be a better fit for your younger, but might not quite be enough for your older dd with extensions. What do you think after looking over the placement chart?

[lovedtodeath]

Welcome! I am new to HOD also, and thrilled to have found it. I have a good baring on the books used in Preparing. I think that your second grader could go along for a great deal of it. Child's History of the World would definitely fit and I am betting most of the history readings. From what I have seen it is possible she might be able to join in the readings and experiments in the One Small Square books from the science, and also the Louis Pasture book. From what I have seen of the read alouds, most of them would be too advanced. I would get her a guide of her own for the story time, language arts, and math. You could still combine for the history and science portions.

Remember HOD includes every subject and has writing integrated with the grammar and the rest of the program. Look at the placement chart to see what guide she would need: http://heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

[momofgreatones]

I am planning on using RTR next year for my 10th grader, and I know of at least one other mom who is also. I am using CTC right now for my 9th and 7th graders (will be 10th and 8th this fall). I am planning to add to RTR an upper level science, literature analysis, and writing, and of course continuing on with her own math and language arts. Plus I'll add in some more in-depth history books. So it does require adding things in, but the basic structure is there with so much great stuff! HOD is such a quality curriculum that it is easy to do this no matter what the age. My daughter wouldn't hear of me using anything else for her right now.

As it gets closer to fall, I'm sure that there will be some threads on what books exactly that can be added to RTR for high school.

HTH!

[3boysandagirl]

We'll be doing RTR for 10th and 8th grade in the fall. We are really excited to get started and plan to really utilize the scheduling, while adjusting it for high school. My boys already have a great maths program, we love MUS and are doing Geometry this summer and plan on moving to Algebra 2 in the Fall. We are using Apologia for our science doing Biology this Summer and probably most of the Fall. For our Literature and History, I intend to do it the way it is written w/extensions for my 8th grader. I plan to beef it up with some of the Ambleside selections for my highschool student. The only problem I might run into is that Carrie chooses books that are really God-honoring, I don't think I'll be able to count on that with Ambleside.

Hopefully, when RTR is released Carrie will be able to come on here and guide us in ways to "beef it up" for our High Schoolers. I know that she's done that for CTC and I'm sure she'll guide us in RTR.

[deltagal]

Kelly,

Here are some links regarding HOD use for high school.

CTC for High School: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5400

Grammar: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5494#p40330

There is also a Geography guide, which will be HS planned, but It would not be ready for your oldest. However, your youngers would have it to look forward to. I imagine there will also be some in depth discussion regarding RTR for high school, but I haven't caught it yet, if it has happened.

Regarding your youngers, did you find the placement chart? http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php
As others have suggested check the skill level for both of your daughters and let us know where they fall. One of the real gems of HOD is that you work with your child/children according to their skill level and bring them along together. I completely agree that it is difficult managing multiple levels of most homeschool curriculums, but not HOD.

I'll log back on tonight and see where you are.

Take care.

[shaybird]

Kelley,
I have 2 in excellent colleges and 2 young ones still at home. My college 2 are both on the deans list. I thought I would respond with some of my older insight. Take what will work for you and leave the rest behind.
First, you can totally use preparing with your 2nd grader. Just read a different story time to her and let your older student read hers to herself if short on time. You can cover the same concept in story time instead of buying a second guide but deliver on her level. Do the appropriate LA and math with each. I have done this with my 12 and 6 year old and it is working fantastic but we used Bigger instead of Preparing but am familiar with most books in Preparing. I think your creative children will enjoy HOD.
Second, you can use HOD for high school with addtional extensions. No problem, they will be prepared.In college, your student will walk into an English Comp class that assumes your child can barely write and that is at the rigorous schools as well. Why? Most kids coming in can't.( Unless your child cleps or tests out of this class.) Mine took it at 15 thru our Jr. College thru dual enrollment, ok, my oldest daughter took it at the local university thru dual enrollment and we all had a good laugh. Way easy!! Ok, this is going against the grain, colleges really do not care about what your children have done in school for the most part!! They look at GPA's and SAT or ACT scores and that is about it. I am going to let you in on a secret. Your children must meet the staff at their intended college. Crucial! Both my children have scholarships and they hinged more on their character and ability to communicate with the staff about their education and desires than anything else. Now, my students are A students with B's in math because we do not move on until the student has mastery (in high school.) But we studied most all subjects through great literature and writing and discussing it.(even the sciences! Gasp) My children and I were clear on this point at interviews. The colleges loved them!!! My 21 yods was chosen by his professor for his oboe performance studio even though he was not the best player because of his character. And politeness. She has told us so on numerous occasions." More important," she said and he is a fantastic hard working player. BTW, not a Christian school, quite the contrary. not a conservatory either. All this to say that all this worry and stress over who expects what is more than overdone. HSers have an " in" that regular kids do not have. Just to let you know we have interviewed at Florida State University, Harvard, New England Conservatory, Gordon College, Palm Beach Atlantic, Oberlin College, Belhaven University, and Indiana State University. They were accepted at all and offered scholarships at all. Their SAT scores loomed around 1250.(only took it once with no prep except a short overview the day before on how to take the test. Not recommended for most children.) The interview and school visit is crucial!!!
Enough from me.
Hope this encourages you,
Sharyn

[my3sons]

Kelley - Welcome to the HOD Board! The ladies have done such a great job already of helping you. Isn't this board amazing? I would love to hear a bit about each of your dc (especially the younger 2 dc) in regard to the first page of the placement chart, and in which programs you think they would place individually. Then, we can give several different options, the pros and cons of each, combining and non-combining scenarios - and then you can pray about it and make the best decision for your family's goals. I have 3 dc, and the HOD placement chart has been super accurate. Being placed properly in HOD is a big help to a successful year. We have loved all of years of doing HOD - all 7 years to be exact! Actually, if every curriculum had placement help, there would be a lot more happy homeschoolers out there because dc would be doing what they are actually supposed to and able to do for their ages rather than being asked to do things that either drag them along or hold them back. This flexibility is such an amazing facet of HOD I don't want you to miss out on! All of HOD's programs are wonderful, so the placement chart at least narrows the field.
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

I can't wait to hear more about your kiddos and get you on your merry way with HOD!
In Christ,
Julie

[momx3]

Hi everyone!
I was floored by the responses and the time you guys take to answer questions and help out new people.

I've written down all the ideas and suggestions that ya'll gave me and I am so excited to learn more! I just feel bad when I go on and on and ask so many questions! The placement chart helped narrown down the choices SO much. Here's what I've got now:

Millie (will be 2nd)- Ok. She is 7 now and will be 8 in October when she's in 2nd grade. I started with her age group and followed the chart. It seems like she would fit perfectly in Beyond Little Hearts. We've used Math U See and this year CLE math for her. We used CLE Language Arts (phonics) and she's done fine in both. Should I go with HOD's suggestion for Math and LA for her?

Emma (will be 6th)-She fit into Preparing Hearts except for Math. She has so much trouble, like I said earlier, so it looked like she fit into the Math box for Bigger Hearts(??) She's also used CLE Language Arts this year and struggled, IMO it seemed really above what I would consider to be 5th grade LA. I think she'd be fine with the LA in Preparing Hearts. I feel reluctant to use Singapore because I've heard that it's pretty hard. So what should she use for Math??

Question about the girls:
How in the world do I combine them? There is a bigger gap between them that I didn't realize. I'm really worried about having one or the other in the wrong program, but I don't know if I can do 2 (3 with HS) programs! That's how it was with CLE and I thought I was going to go crazy. What should I do? I don't want to be in too high a level for Millie or too low a level for Emma.

Benjamin (will be 10th)-I see that some of you use either "RTR" or "CTC". Forgive me , but are those the same as the programs in the chart? Is there another place that I can find RTR or CTC? I have Apologia's Chemistry but I think it will be too hard this year. He just finished Biology and wondered if Pacworks Integrating Physics and Chemistry would work....is it too easy? Would this be ok for college credit? Math....who knows. I have some ideas but can't remember if I've already mentioned them.Is there anyway he can do Literature instead of Grammar? He struggled with CLEs Level 800 Grammar and I'd really like to give him a break from diagramming and mechanics.

Thank you again for taking the time to help out with suggestions ! I really appreciate it.
Kelley

[my3sons]

Millie (will be 2nd)- Ok. She is 7 now and will be 8 in October when she's in 2nd grade. I started with her age group and followed the chart. It seems like she would fit perfectly in Beyond Little Hearts. We've used Math U See and this year CLE math for her. We used CLE Language Arts (phonics) and she's done fine in both. Should I go with HOD's suggestion for Math and LA for her?

Emma (will be 6th)-She fit into Preparing Hearts except for Math. She has so much trouble, like I said earlier, so it looked like she fit into the Math box for Bigger Hearts(??) She's also used CLE Language Arts this year and struggled, IMO it seemed really above what I would consider to be 5th grade LA. I think she'd be fine with the LA in Preparing Hearts. I feel reluctant to use Singapore because I've heard that it's pretty hard. So what should she use for Math??

Question about the girls:
How in the world do I combine them? There is a bigger gap between them that I didn't realize. I'm really worried about having one or the other in the wrong program, but I don't know if I can do 2 (3 with HS) programs! That's how it was with CLE and I thought I was going to go crazy. What should I do? I don't want to be in too high a level for Millie or too low a level for Emma.

Benjamin (will be 10th)-I see that some of you use either "RTR" or "CTC". Forgive me , but are those the same as the programs in the chart? Is there another place that I can find RTR or CTC? I have Apologia's Chemistry but I think it will be too hard this year. He just finished Biology and wondered if Pacworks Integrating Physics and Chemistry would work....is it too easy? Would this be ok for college credit? Math....who knows. I have some ideas but can't remember if I've already mentioned them.Is there anyway he can do Literature instead of Grammar? He struggled with CLEs Level 800 Grammar and I'd really like to give him a break from diagramming and mechanics.

Thank you again for taking the time to help out with suggestions ! I really appreciate it.
Kelley

Kelley - thanks so much for checking out the placement chart and sharing about each of your kiddos! That really helps so much. Having options is such a wonderful part of HOD, as it allows families to have several placement possibilities and lets you choose which fits your goals best. Some families combine, and some don't. This is quite a personal decision, and one that doesn't really have one exact answer. So, I think you may enjoy reading this post as you consider whether to combine or not:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5290

Here are a few options to consider for your sweeties.

Option #1: Beyond Little Hearts for Millie, and Preparing Hearts for Emma. You could do 1 Storytime read-aloud with the 2 of them. I would go with HOD's LA suggestions for sure. They are outstanding and easy to implement. For the math, you can give the free Singapore placement test and see where they place. We love Singapore, but you could sub in a different math if you'd rather. For your older especially, I think a math change would be beneficial.

Option #2: Combine Millie and Emma in Bigger Hearts for His Glory, using the extensions for Emma and the right side of PHFHG for beefing up her LA and math (unless the Singapore placement test places her in 2A/2B or 3A/3B in which case that's covered in the BHFHG manual). I would definitely not try to have little Millie do PHFHG. It would be stretching her way too far from what you've shared, and that would just make for years ahead of her begin stretched too far. Let me make mention here that this would be true of any program you would use with the 2 of them, not just HOD. Having the core guide fit the younger and beefing it up for the older is an excellent way to combine, as it prevents the younger from being dragged along year after year, but still appropriately extends the learning for the older child. The target age range for Bigger Hearts is 7-9 yo, with extensions for 10-11 yo's, so this would work just fine for you your 2 dc.

For your oldest, "CTC" stands for "Creation to Christ", and "RTR" stands for "Resurrection to Reformation". Yes, I do think you could do CTC or RTR for high school for your oldest, and you can consider the wise ideas ladies already shared about how to go about doing that, as well as using ideas from the link given in the pp's.

You really do have several good options here, so it just depends on what you think fits your goals the best. I will say that I personally enjoy teaching my dc separately as they are very far apart in abilities, and 3+ years apart in age. I would not teach separate programs with other curriculums, but with HOD it is easy to do. With that being said, your 2 dc could easily be combined in Bigger Hearts as well, and that may be the route you'd enjoy the most. Just continue to pray about it, and keep asking questions here until you have a plan put together. We like to help!

In Christ,
Julie

[momx3]

Julie,
Thank you so much for the suggestions. I need to go back and look at each level and see what is in each one. When you said possibly combining both girls into Bigger and using the rt hand side of Preparing for Emma, do you mean to order 2 guides but only the "program" for bigger? If I do put them into 2 programs, do I just do it like I've done with CLE? They just have their own time with each subject except for story time? PS...since Benjamin will be in the 10th grade, would I start him at RTR so he can go through the history cycle chronologically?
Thanks again for taking time to help out!
Kelley

[MomtoJGJE]

One thing you have to keep in mind, is if you follow the placement chart for where your child would fall then doing more than one program would not be as hard as if someone was struggling while you combined them. I cannot imagine combining my 7yo and my 3yo who are 4 years apart in school age And by the time all of mine are doing school I'll have three programs... right now I'm doing two and it really is no trouble except for the fact that it's so nice outside I really want them to go play instead of doing school with them.

[my3sons]

1. When you said possibly combining both girls into Bigger and using the rt hand side of Preparing for Emma, do you mean to order 2 guides but only the "program" for bigger?
2. If I do put them into 2 programs, do I just do it like I've done with CLE? They just have their own time with each subject except for story time?
3. PS...since Benjamin will be in the 10th grade, would I start him at RTR so he can go through the history cycle chronologically?

HI Kelley! I was at the NC homeschool convention, so I am just home to get back to you now. Here are a few thoughts about your above questions:

1. You'd order Bigger Hearts along with its coordinating materials for your core program. You'd order the PHFHG manual to up the dictation, grammar level, and math level. You can decide if you want to have her do the PHFHG Bible Study as well.

2. If you combined your 2 dc in Bigger Hearts, you would do all of the boxes on the left side with the 2 of them, and from the right side the Storytime and Science box with the 2 of them. The things you would do separately would be the Math, Language Arts, and Reading Choices boxes. You would also have Emma independently follow the Extension Package schedule in the Appendix to extend her science and history.

3. I would start Benjamin in RTR as it is HOD's highest level of plans and is the most befitting him.

HTH!
In Christ,
Julie