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We are starting our 7th year of home schooling. Some of those years I have been more eclectic going to the next page in the books that we are using. Some of those years I have used curriculum that schedules all of the subjects. I usually research our year in the spring and summer. After spending an entire summer though planning this school year I decided I would begin to research and pray about next school year now. I would like to order next year in March so that I can become much more familiar with the materials we will be using in the fall, then I was able to do over a few weeks in August this year. As my children are growing older I would like to settle in a place next year that will take them through high school. I will be thinking and praying about this over the coming months. My hope is for an over all planned path that will build towards an end point.
I would like to ask some questions about HOD. I am not concerned about placement at this point. I am more interested in knowing what moms love about the curriculum, where the challenges are, and the benefits they are finding over time. I have been reading the pinned notes at the top of this board and reviews on other boards. So I have learned much about HOD. I would like to learn though from those of you using it currently. Some of these questions come from both the positives and negatives I have read.
Questions:
*Are you able to finish the entire scheduled day each day? Are you able to finish a guide in a year? Can you do the 4 days scheduled in 4 days (I am looking at probably 3 guides between Preparing and MTMM), or does it take you 5 to complete the 4 days of work? Is there any time to add other things you or your children are interested in learning; such as a foreign language or sport? Is there any time to add extra Bible with all of your children during the day or with dad in the evening?
*Do your days feel at all rushed? Are you just pushing one thing to the next? Or, is there just enough time that going through the material at the speed of HOD is allowing for an integration of learning?
*Do you do everything suggested in the guides, including Drawn Into the Heart of Reading and Writing Programs?
*We started with Singapore math for years, but I am using a different math at this point. Will that impact our ability to complete guides?
*Is HOD truly Christ centered?
*I have read conflicting reviews on some of the books in the Geography guide. HOD looks to me like it knows well Jesus Christ is the one and only way to Heaven and salvation. To clarify though does the program reflect an ecumenical view of Christianity and conflicting teachings or does it stay centered on the teachings of the Gospel when Jesus told us that He alone is our only way to the Father? (To clarify I am referring to the review that mentioned that the Queen of Sheba book says there is no literal hell and there are many paths to heaven. Was this review on this book accurate? If that information is accurate do the parents read that book to discuss? How is it handled in the guide?).
*I noticed that HOD uses the Scarlett Letter. I haven't read the Scarlett Letter in decades, since I read it in college, and have vague memories of it. Since then I have learned that in the 1800s Christians wouldn't touch the book, and that other books in fact out sold the Scarlett Letter substantially. I have noticed it is used in various Christian curriculums. I honestly don't remember the book much at all. Why is it OK for us today as Christians, when Christians of the past wouldn't touch it? I don't have an answer to this question. I really am only asking because I don't have an answer of whether it would be good for us to read or not.
*What benefits have you found in HOD for your family?
*What do you love about HOD?
*I had a fairly rigorous academic education. Is HOD working for moms with that background?
- Does HOD's history show God's hand in history?
*We have ended up doing a lot of family learning (I actually started K with text books). Has anyone switched from family learning to HOD independence and had it work? They are used to sitting in on everything together. How did that splitting up of children's academics work for you?
*What advantages have you found to having your entire day scheduled and planned? I think I read Carrie that you have graduated your oldest without the HOD Guides. Compared to educating your oldest without the Guides, what benefits do you see in your younger children's education with the HOD plans/Guides?
*Will HOD match our home school goals as a substantial part of our day:
~ Our first and foremost goal has been to encourage our children towards a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; knowing only the LORD can do this amazing and magnificent work in them.
~ Bible: we have spent many hours teaching and training them in the Word of the Lord.
~ Academic rigor: this is the area I have struggled achieving the most, and it does matter to us. Our children learn easily, but they need to learn the discipline of study and I have struggled to teach this element that I know how to do to them. Would HOD help me teach an area that is important to me that I am struggling to teach?
~ Character training: this probably should be above academic rigor. It is another area I have struggled to teach. Would HOD help me in this area?
I realize that I just asked a lot of questions for a first post, and that I am talking to moms that are as busy, or busier, then I am. I hope over time perhaps I can receive some answers as moms are able. Please take your time, as you have time. I am in no hurry.
Thank you.
In Christ,