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Benelli wrote:He has asked me on several occasions before, "Why did God make me this way? Why couldn't I just be like other kids." Of course, I always tell him God has a special plan for him that his energy and "wiggliness" and inquisitiveness will be perfect for. Outside a classroom setting, people always comment on what a polite, respectful, articulate little guy he is. His trouble seems to simply be a "school setting" issue.

The quote from my dd the day I decided no more ps was "Mommy, it's a hard life when you don't read."

You are going to find that the progress you make hsing is going to be enormous. There are tough days too. But have to say that is why you want something so easy to use so that you can have the time to work on the extras with a LD that you will have to do. The schools just don't have the resources to give the kind of one on one attention you can.

Hope you find what works best for you!

joyfulheart- I don't think you are off topic. Mom's need to support each other when we have common experiences.

Lisa, I just wanted to pop-in and welcome you to the boards! The ladies have done a wonderful job of encouraging you and welcoming you already.

If you have other questions, feel free to ask. I'll be praying that the Lord will give you clarity and peace in your homeschool decision!

P.S. Joyful Heart you were right on topic when you addressed the emotional needs of kiddos. It is a very important part of homeschooling.

Blessings,
Carrie

Well, after much prayer, discussion, wonderful advice and thoughts from all of you, and with much excitement, we did it! Ben's last day of school will be this Friday, then next week is Spring Break for us, and he will not go back.

We've also decided to jump right in and use BHFHG. I will take it easy, but one of the things we wanted to see was what it would be like teaching HOD for me. Even though it's only with 1 of the kids, it still should give me an idea. The school principal has also offered me any and all books they are currently using, and teacher's guides, to just continue what he is doing. (Our principal is a wonderful, Godly man, and is thrilled for us. We will still continue to see his, as he and his wife are in charge of our church's kid's program.) So, I think I'll just use the school information to see what he would have been learning the remainder of this year, and make sure we cover that.

I know many people have told me to just "deschool", but I feel like this remaining 3 months is my opportunity to see if I can do it. Gain confidence. Get the feel for actual teaching of HOD. Do you think if I go gently with him, this would be OK?

Then, in the Fall, we could either switch with the oldest (4th grade) and Ben (then, 3rd grade) to Preparing... OR, I guess we could continue with Bigger, and supplement with the advanced pack for the 4th grader? I guess I should just take one step at a time, and just see what God has planned!

Thanks so much for everything. I'm looking forward to being a part of this board!!

Lisa,

I won't comment on the best route to begin schooloing with your son , as I am so new at this. Just wanted to congratulate you on your decision. I can tell by the tone of your post, it is an excited one and filled with relief. Just know all of us here will help in any way we can if you run into tough areas! Again, welcome!

Candice

Lisa,

How wonderful for you that you and your husband were able to come to a decision about what you feel is best for Ben. I do think your idea of taking it easy as you start with "Bigger..." is a good idea. I also think that while a period of deschooling is needed - that can mean different things to different families.

Sometimes totally deschooling gives kiddos the impression that school at home is all fun and games with no real structure or learning. Then, that makes it hard to do real "school" the following year. So, there is a need to balance that. I think a gentle start is a good idea.

You do also have a unique opportunity to "try it out" for yourself with just one kiddo and that will give both you (and Ben) a sneak peak of what homeschooling will look like for your family. We're excited for you too!

We'll look forward to hearing from you as you go.

Blessings,
Carrie

Hi Lisa! We had the stomach flu here, so I missed out on a lot of this discussion! I just wanted to say that I wholeheartedly think you made the right decision here. We are doing Bigger Hearts... now, and we're just loving it! I have 3 very wiggly boys, so I understand what you are saying. You will find that Carrie has written many "wiggly" activities in the plans (she has 4 boys herself)! Give yourself some time though - and your ds too. Just be careful about being too hard on yourself - it is a WONDERFUL curriculum, but you will probably still have a bit of an adjustment period. I don't think I'd pull out the borrowed school book - they may bring back negative feelings. Just starting with Bigger... will be a fresh start for your son, and I think that would be great!

Also, plan to have extra time in the day. Bigger... takes about 3 to 3 1/2 hours to do - it is very complete, but so well planned out that there are no time wasters there. I think it would be great to use the extra time for things you already know your son enjoys - preferably wiggly things! We finished at 1:30 PM today, and the boys are all outside playing football, riding their 3 wheelers, and just enjoying the sunshine! When they come in, we'll have hot cocoa together, play some games of UNO, and then have some great indoor playtime too. All of this is a benefit of homeschooling with HOD - so just enjoy the extra time rather than begin filling it up with other "schoolish" things. I used to fill extra time with school-type things when we first began homeschooling, and it was a real mistake for us, which is the only reason I wanted to point out that possible pitfall.

I am confident you can combine your children successfully in several HOD programs and thoroughly enjoy homeschooling them all next year. But - for now, bask in the "sunny" time you'll have with your son now, and keep on posting here - we like having you here!

In Christ,
Julie

P.S. Very few males enjoy careers where they have to sit in a desk next to 20 other people in close proximity (like public school) - your son is completely normal, in my opinion. Once boys/men have the choice what they can do with their time, few choose careers with that type of setting. One of my sons falls off the couch at least 10 times a day when we're doing school, and he has yet to sit on his bottom without being told - he's always crouched up on his haunches, ready to take off! He's thriving with reading, math, etc. - probably mainly due to the fact that he can "move" all day while he learns! Your son will probably be a "mover and a shaker" like that during homeschool too - maybe he'll be like one of my sons and do his very best thinking while he's moving though! Excited to hear about your first week!

Your story is very similar to why we started homeschooling. Two of my children asked me to homeschool them. One was getting in trouble because he is wiggly and a bit impulsive and the other one was ahead of the class and bored. We haven't looked back and are in our 5th year.

I have been a bit of a curriculum junkie in the past, but I always look for what makes my job easier and what is effective with teaching my children. I belive Heart of Dakota fill both of those, without costing an arm and a leg. So many of the books I can get from my library.

I wish you blessings on your journey and hope you find all the answers you need.

Yeah! So glad you were able to decide. I am very excited for you! For me it was a decision I never regretted and know I never will. I think you will be really happy you did it and that you chose to go with Bigger. We are loving it!

Congratulations!