Back from touring the 'other' curriculums...

[NicoleJ]

Hi! I haven't been on here for a while, I have been more on the SL board, and dabbling in MFW, but I am back with a few new questions and a few new persepctives on homeschooling and what the LORD would like in our home!
I have used Bigger with my DD7 (well, we didn't use ALL of Bigger, just the English and Maths, and even then we had to choose a different English book as R&S just wasn't going to work - so I guess you could probably say that we didn't really get to try Bigger properly) and we are currently doing WP AW as well (for science). I was planning on doing SL Core 1 next year, but after much prayer, reading an awesome book on TRUE education, and revisiting catalogues, etc, I am thinking I may be back with Preparing for next year - but ALL of Preparing (except substituting R&S and also possibly the science - we have had two years of OSS books already, not sure if I could handle it again for another year!). I am thinking I might do Preparing with DD8 and WP's HIH for DD5 as they are both one year world overview programs.

Anyway, just wanted to chat about all this with you.

The main point for not going with SL but possibly doing HOD again (and considering MFW) is that with HOD and MFW, God's Word is made the real spines of the program, interwoven through the programs, and not just a tack-on Bible program. Also, I just could not read even half the books in Core 1 to my kids - Greek Myths, etc. At present I am doing p4/5 with DD4 and we have had to substitute half of the books in that Core too. I really like all of the books that go with Preparing though. And that is saying something, as we are a very conservative family and really choosy with the books our kids read.

Anyone else had the same feelings as far as SL and HOD?

Nicole

[4froggies]

Nicole, that is exactly why we have chosen not to use SL. They have some really wonderful books, but history from a biblical worldview/timeline is a must for us. If you are choosy about the books you use, you will love the ones HOD has picked! We have used MFW, (and would probably be using it still if I had not found HOD) but found that HOD is much more user-friendly and just a better fit for us. HTH!

[crlacey]

I would agree that HOD and MFW are centered more around the Bible than SL. If you are considering Preparing, why not use Little Hearts for His Glory for your 5 yr old? I haven't seen the new spine for WP HIH, but I have the older version of the program and it just has Bible tacked on and not woven into the program. Little Hearts does cover the Bible very heavily in the beginning of the program, but it also covers some major people, places and events that happened over the course of history.

[my3sons]

We loved PHFHG! Though I am sad you'll have missed Bigger Hearts, I do think you and your child would enjoy doing PHFHG. Have you checked out the placement chart to be sure that's a fitting placement for your oldest? Here's a link in case you need it:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

Here is a previous thread that may be beneficial reading as well:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6204&p=45509#p45509

We did PHFHG and LHFHG a few years back and enjoyed that combination very much. LHFHG is a one year sweep of history as well, so I can't think of a better combination than doing LHFHG and PHFHG if that is your desire. HTH, but if more thoughts arise, you'll find this board to be a wonderful place to be encouraged and get your questions answered.

In Christ,
Julie

[NicoleJ]

Thankyou! You're all so lovely! I checked the placement guide and Preparing really does seem to fit where my DD will be for Gr 3. I don't think I will go with Little Hearts, as we are an Australian family, and though the history is supposed to be a world history overview (and it is to some extent) it is still quite American focused. And also I would have to switch the RA's as they wouldn't fit our family reading standards. Otherwise, it looks like a lovely program! Maybe I will have another good look at it... decisions, decisions! I understand that HIH is a Bible tack-on, but I am going to possibly be using MFW K for DD5 (which has Bible through it) and the HIH component was going to be more of and add-on to go along with Preparing. I thought the hideaways, etc, would be a fun addition for DD8 and DD5 when they are learning about history from Preparing. Does that make sense? Thanks for your encouragement!!

Nicole

[annaz]

I bought SL our very first pre-k year and I was astonished at what they thought a pre-k child would understand, not to mention some topics that were introduced. As I looked further, so much of it was just sooo old and advanced. And with all the books out there, why? Why so old, why introduce things at that age, etc.? I sold it and never looked back. I love WP, but the bible integration just isn't there. The book choices are lovely, however, I believe bible should be fully integrated, not just a separate reading. If there's no application, how can kids connect the dots? I know some parents can do this successfully, I can't. I also find great peace in knowing that certain topics are being delayed or skipped until the kids are ready. To me that's true dedication and planning in a curriculum and I feel safe and secure using HOD.

[NicoleJ]

I bought SL our very first pre-k year and I was astonished at what they thought a pre-k child would understand, not to mention some topics that were introduced. As I looked further, so much of it was just sooo old and advanced. And with all the books out there, why? Why so old, why introduce things at that age, etc.? I sold it and never looked back. I love WP, but the bible integration just isn't there. The book choices are lovely, however, I believe bible should be fully integrated, not just a separate reading. If there's no application, how can kids connect the dots? I know some parents can do this successfully, I can't. I also find great peace in knowing that certain topics are being delayed or skipped until the kids are ready. To me that's true dedication and planning in a curriculum and I feel safe and secure using HOD.

That's great annaz, I agree with you whole heartedly. It is really nice to meet others who feel the same way as I do about things. And I liked your 'connect the dots' sentence - that is what Christian education is all about, hey. Not just tacking Bible onto an otherwise fairly worldly education. I think my children will also enjoy the more hands-on parts of HOD and MFW, 'just reading' is not going to cement the points in my children's minds (or make them excited about school), I'm afraid.

[my3sons]

...If there's no application, how can kids connect the dots? I know some parents can do this successfully, I can't. I also find great peace in knowing that certain topics are being delayed or skipped until the kids are ready. To me that's true dedication and planning in a curriculum and I feel safe and secure using HOD.

This is so well said, annaz! That connection just doesn't happen on its own most of the time. I too don't feel like I would be able to do that successfully without the guidance I am getting from HOD. I know for sure I would not probably do it consistently or thoroughly enough. I too feel that peace about delaying topics that my dc's level of faith and maturity just aren't ready to handle. Excellent thoughts you've shared here, annaz!

In Christ,
Julie