Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Hello,
This winter, two of my homeschool support group buddies told me about MFW. I began MWF's geography program in February. Now, I'm looking to start a history program in the fall (rather than take a whole year on Geography). Well these two friends decided to move to HOD, so I took a look. At first, I thought it would be "too much" for us. But after visiting the table at a conference yesterday, I'm shocked to be seriously considering the program!
My older son will be 11 next month. This fall he would be 6th grade. He is behind in his reading skills, and does not like writing. However, we are making progress and I believe some things I learned from Dianne Craft at the conference will help catch him up with these things. Anyway, he's not the typical 6th grader in terms of reading/writing and independence.
My other son, in the fall, will be 9 1/2 and in 4th grade. He's my vorocious (sp?) reader. He's very independent also.
I was thinking of starting them with Preparing (the 8-10 year old program) and taking some license with the book list. Does this sound right to everyone?
When I first looked at the program I thought it would be too many things to do in a day. But now I read that it is 4 hours a day (does that include math and language and foreign language?), and 4 days a week. That along with the overview of world history is exciting to me.
Thanks everyone!
Kris
This winter, two of my homeschool support group buddies told me about MFW. I began MWF's geography program in February. Now, I'm looking to start a history program in the fall (rather than take a whole year on Geography). Well these two friends decided to move to HOD, so I took a look. At first, I thought it would be "too much" for us. But after visiting the table at a conference yesterday, I'm shocked to be seriously considering the program!
My older son will be 11 next month. This fall he would be 6th grade. He is behind in his reading skills, and does not like writing. However, we are making progress and I believe some things I learned from Dianne Craft at the conference will help catch him up with these things. Anyway, he's not the typical 6th grader in terms of reading/writing and independence.
My other son, in the fall, will be 9 1/2 and in 4th grade. He's my vorocious (sp?) reader. He's very independent also.
I was thinking of starting them with Preparing (the 8-10 year old program) and taking some license with the book list. Does this sound right to everyone?
When I first looked at the program I thought it would be too many things to do in a day. But now I read that it is 4 hours a day (does that include math and language and foreign language?), and 4 days a week. That along with the overview of world history is exciting to me.
Thanks everyone!
Kris
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Welcome! Yes, I would say Preparing would be a good placement for your boys. Yes, it can be done in about 4 hours w/math and LA, and we love the 4 days.
The books are fantastic and the understanding they come away with is incredible. I too had previously done MFW ECC and enjoyed it, but moving to HOD for my family for history was just what we needed. BTW, my 10 yo 5th grader is also a voracious reader so while Preparing is for ages 8-10, the extensions have been a great addition and kept her engaged at a deeper level so definitely use some of those books for your younger one if he is ready. Also, it does lend itself nicely to independent work if your child wants to be. Ask any questions you have. The ladies here are great.

I've done all the guides now with at least one child and still feeling the HOD LOVE. LOL!
DD 9- Preparing
DD 13- Rev 2 Rev
DS 15- Geography
DD 9- Preparing
DD 13- Rev 2 Rev
DS 15- Geography
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Thanks for your reply!
My voracious reader is actually my younger son, age 9, so Carrie recommended the deluxe pack for him.
So by the way, I spent a good 1/2 hour talking to Carrie today at the booth. I was glad I'd spent some time on this site last night so I knew who I was talking to! She was extremely generous with her time, and gave me tons of info to bring me up to speed on HOD.
I am still a little gun shy about the program, only because I will be so tightly tied to a teacher's manual. It can be freeing, or it can be bondage. I had been leaning toward Simply Charlotte Mason, or Ambleside (although very scared of the latter for multiple reasons).
I guess I need to pray about my decision.
Thanks again!
Kris
My voracious reader is actually my younger son, age 9, so Carrie recommended the deluxe pack for him.
So by the way, I spent a good 1/2 hour talking to Carrie today at the booth. I was glad I'd spent some time on this site last night so I knew who I was talking to! She was extremely generous with her time, and gave me tons of info to bring me up to speed on HOD.
I am still a little gun shy about the program, only because I will be so tightly tied to a teacher's manual. It can be freeing, or it can be bondage. I had been leaning toward Simply Charlotte Mason, or Ambleside (although very scared of the latter for multiple reasons).
I guess I need to pray about my decision.

Thanks again!
Kris
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
I felt that way at first too. I really don't like things scripted for me, and I was afraid that I would feel trapped by the guide. On the other hand trying to implement the CM philosophy on my own overwhelmed me. I realized I needed guidance, and I felt HOD was the perfect way to do that. I went into it with the idea that I would use the curriculum as I saw fit and not allow myself to feel constrained by the boxes. I must admit this was challenging for me because I don't like the idea of leaving a box unchecked in a to do list.I am still a little gun shy about the program, only because I will be so tightly tied to a teacher's manual. It can be freeing, or it can be bondage. I had been leaning toward Simply Charlotte Mason, or Ambleside (although very scared of the latter for multiple reasons).



Patty in NC
b/g twins '02 Rev2Rev 2014/15
previously enjoyed LHFHG, BLHFHG, Bigger, Preparing, CTC, RTR
******
Nisi Dominus Frusta (Without God, frustration)
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1
b/g twins '02 Rev2Rev 2014/15
previously enjoyed LHFHG, BLHFHG, Bigger, Preparing, CTC, RTR
******
Nisi Dominus Frusta (Without God, frustration)
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Thank you Patty! That is so encouraging.
I admit that when I first scanned the boxes in the TM lesson plan, I saw "BUSYWORK." Now that I've more carefully considered them, I see that a) has a more living-book orientation than what we do now with MFW ECC, and b) it adds a richness by giving me some scripts to engage my kids both on the scripture and the living books. Did that make sense? Ah, it's late, and I'm still on a conference "high" here.
Anyway, I've been surfing around online, and see a lot of HOD love out there. It's getting me kind of excited!
Kris
I admit that when I first scanned the boxes in the TM lesson plan, I saw "BUSYWORK." Now that I've more carefully considered them, I see that a) has a more living-book orientation than what we do now with MFW ECC, and b) it adds a richness by giving me some scripts to engage my kids both on the scripture and the living books. Did that make sense? Ah, it's late, and I'm still on a conference "high" here.

Anyway, I've been surfing around online, and see a lot of HOD love out there. It's getting me kind of excited!
Kris
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Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
This was me too. I'd been trying to do it on my own for over 5 school years with my oldest. Sometimes I did ok. Many times I failed miserably. I finally decided for my youngest that I HAD to have something to guide me in my daily lessons. I positively adore HOD! It has been such a blessing to our home school. A peace I didn't know I could have. I love that even the fun stuff is teaching and the tough stuff is gentle.pjdobro wrote:I felt that way at first too. I really don't like things scripted for me, and I was afraid that I would feel trapped by the guide. On the other hand trying to implement the CM philosophy on my own overwhelmed me. I realized I needed guidance, and I felt HOD was the perfect way to do that.

~Angie
Helpmeet to James for twenty six years
Mom to Race, 23- homeschool grad and Zane, 12- RTR
Helpmeet to James for twenty six years
Mom to Race, 23- homeschool grad and Zane, 12- RTR
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Hi Kris, and welcome to the HOD Board!
I just have to say we loved our year in PHFHG. Some of our all-time favorite books are a part of that guide, and the growth I saw in my ds's reading and writing in that year was HUGE! I especially loved Grandpa's Box along with CHOW. The staircase timeline we made in PHFHG still hangs inside our closet, though we did PHFHG several years back. That was the year HOD helped my ds begin his own Bible Quiet Time. He still does this today, even though we are on break. I have always loved CM, but HOD makes CM really work in our home. HOD incorporates the short lesson format, outstanding living books - but not so many we are overwhelmed, and helps me come alongside my dc to assist them in becoming excellent at oral narration, written narration, dictation, copywork, and poetry study. My dc are good at these skills because of HOD's outstanding helps in these areas. I think your dc would love PHFHG!
In Christ,
Julie


In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Thanks for telling me about your experience with Preparing! My boys could really use that growth in reading, narrating, etc. I really love the "handholding" that HOD provides.
My final deciding factor will be whether the religious viewpoint will agree enough with our family. We are Catholic, and I don't want to end up having to explain, correct or add a bunch of things to make things in line with our beliefs. I think I will email Carrie about that.
Thanks again,
Kris
My final deciding factor will be whether the religious viewpoint will agree enough with our family. We are Catholic, and I don't want to end up having to explain, correct or add a bunch of things to make things in line with our beliefs. I think I will email Carrie about that.
Thanks again,
Kris
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Oh good, I'm glad you are excited about PHFHG! It really gave us an excellent tour through history.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3594&p=27372
In Christ,
Julie

I remembered this previous thread that may be helpful that I thought I'd share here...KrisC wrote:... We are Catholic, and I don't want to end up having to explain, correct or add a bunch of things to make things in line with our beliefs...
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3594&p=27372
In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
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- Posts: 470
- Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 12:47 am
- Location: Fort Richardson, AK
Re: Considering HOD: Shocked Conference Goer
Hi Kris! Welcome! I know the ladies have answered a lot of your questions. I just wanted to add that we also considered some CM-type programs you mentioned, and I know that HOD had them all packaged up and ready to go for us, rather than my having to plan. PHEW! More family time! I think you'll find everything you looked for here, and at a very affordable price. Carrie has really organized and packaged everything nicely! Welcome! And I am glad Julie is here - she was able to link you up with some prior conversations about your questions!
Heidi
loving teaching my rewards!!!
Girlie (dd7) - Beyond, 4 days/week
Boy-o (ds4), LHTH, along for the ride!!! (all boy, whatever he can get his hands on, FULL OF ENERGY!)
Psalm 78:3-7
http://heidihovan.blogspot.com
loving teaching my rewards!!!
Girlie (dd7) - Beyond, 4 days/week
Boy-o (ds4), LHTH, along for the ride!!! (all boy, whatever he can get his hands on, FULL OF ENERGY!)
Psalm 78:3-7
http://heidihovan.blogspot.com