Excited about next year

Ruth in FL · Post by **Ruth in FL** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:08 pm

My manual should be getting here any day now!

I am getting so excited about next school year. I know BHFHG says ages 7-9, but my 10 year old is a very sweet gentle girl who learns best at an unrushed pace. She loves nature and science. The lessons look so simple yet so full of good stuff that I hope not to dread Science anymore! From all the glowing reports, I dont think I will! She still loves to be read to and do school with me right beside her!

My 14dd likes to do school independently now. She is dyslexic and did not learn to read until she was 11..but once she did...look out! She reads everything,which is why I chose the living book way of learning for her. She retains it so much better than a dry textbook or workbook.

She likes to do school on her own because for so many years, she needed me right beside her and each day was such a struggle. She is behind in Math, but she will eventually get that just like she did reading. I will be interacting with her for narration and dictation ,so she wont be all alone all day! She also has dysgraphia, which means she has a hard time getting words onto the paper. She is FINALLY getting Spelling. It was never fun when she would ask me how to spell a word and her younger sister would tell her!
Most of the books in the extension pack and read alouds will be great for her. I would like her to read some of the older history readers to her sister since the content is so good in them. The y love to read together and enjoy books on tape at night.

One reason I liked BHFHG is the sequence of history all taught in one year. I could decrease or expand the study of a certain period if I want to,BUT I dont feel trapped in the Civil War or War of 1812 for 6 weeks...sometimes it can be overkill!! The time frames for each period seem just right!

The way the lesson plans are laid out look so easy to follow. I will be using a different LA and Math with the girls, but I am just going to write the lesson on a sticky note and stick in on the page!

Sorry for the long rambling post. I am just so thankful the Lord led me back to this literature based curriculum. I was dreading trying to do it myself or use a curriculum I was not that thrilled to use again.

Talk to you soon,
Ruth

Kathleen · Post by **Kathleen** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:33 pm

It looks like you have a great plan Ruth!

I'm excited with you. (I'm excited about Bigger, too, as that's what I'll be doing with my oldest.)

I love the encouragement here as moms share how things are going for their families. I have learned so much...and gained a lot of insight and wisdom. Homeschooling is still kind of new for me. Anyway, I'd love to hear you share how HOD works for your family once you get started!

:D Kathleen

Melanie · Post by **Melanie** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:47 pm

Wow....Ruth, that was a great post!

I do believe that any curriculum can be as good (or as bad) as you make it, but it is just sooooooo nice to have one that follows your philosophy and way of teaching already mapped out for you AND you don't have to work at it to make it work! I think your post could sell anyone on HOD.

I use a different reading and math this year (not next year!) and utilize those sticky notes as well.

We look forward to hearing how it goes with your family!

Mel

pjdobro · Post by **pjdobro** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 7:00 pm

I love the idea of the sticky notes. I don't think I would have ever thought of that

Thanks for the idea

It sounds like you have a great year ahead of you.

Post by **Carrie** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:08 pm

Ruth,

I'm so excited for your year too!

We are getting close to the end of "Bigger..." and have really enjoyed our school year with it!

My son has especially grown to love drawing and studying things in nature, and also loves to talk abou the heroes in American history so much!

We pray you will enjoy it as much as we have!

Blessings,
Carrie