"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." - Mark Twain
I have talked before about my curriculum hopping. I learned many lessons during this time of trying some of this and some of that. What I have found is what many homeschooling pioneers have known for decades: reading provides a deep education.
I went back to Heart of Dakota this year because I love the reading selections. With Heart of Dakota I'm not locked into any certain math or English. I can use what works for us if what they have suggested isn't my favorite. I can add or take away. I can slow down or speed up.
Heart of Dakota is a literature-based Curriculum that, I believe, is well-balanced and flexible. There are lots of read aloud books scheduled in the earlier years, with suggestions for more. Older children can add depth in study by using extra supplemental books that are scheduled for each unit in the appendix.
The read aloud books are very gentle. I like that. In a busy time, where maybe the mom doesn't have time to read aloud as much, the scheduled read aloud books only take a few minutes each day. In the early years, a mom may read a short history lesson, a bit of science, a poem, and maybe a chapter of a story. As the child gets older, the read aloud books may get a bit longer, but the child also grows more independent and will begin reading the science and history for his or her self. Slowly independence is built through the years.
"I read to live. Every book I've read and every story that has made itself a part of my imagination has taught me something about what it means to live life well. I'm passionate about reading because I'm passionate about life." -Sarah Clarkson in Read for the Heart
For the mom that wants more, we can add more. If we want more read aloud time, there is a whole list of selections. Or, we can read books that maybe the curriculum doesn't contain. For example, Megan and I just read The Prairie Thief by Melissa Wiley for our bedtime read aloud. I like some of the Abeka novels and have scheduled them as literature books for Drawn Into the Heart of Reading. This summer we have plans to delve into The Chronicles of Narnia! Extra reading doesn't take away from the beautiful selections and choices in Heart of Dakota. We are currently reading and loving Understood Betsy for our Storytime selection!
I have respect for all literature-based curriculum. Heart of Dakota adds some more Charlotte Mason aspects that I enjoy, such as dictation and nature study. However, I tend to occassionally skip projects that are assigned if I don't think they are vital. We do many of them, especially in the younger years when a hands-on learning helps developmentally. Curriculum is a tool, and I can pick and choose if necessary.
"We read because it is personally enjoyable and fulfilling. Reading is an adventure of the heart and the imagination. A well-written book is a joy to read, whether it is fiction, inspiration, biography, history, poetry, or any of a multitude of writings. Rather than being a passive pleasure like most media, reading is an active pleasure that engages, enlivens, and enriches the whole inner person." Clay and Sally Clarkson in Educating the WholeHearted Child.
There are times I need simple. Every morning is workbook time for my youngest. It may go against some beliefs, but workbooks for some subjects simplify work. As Megan works through her handwriting or English workbook, I know she is getting a line upon line, precept upon precept journey through skills. Using a workbook doesn't take away from the marvelous benefits of reading that comes from all the good books we are ingesting. It is just some balance for me as a busy homeschooling mom.
I trust Heart of Dakota. I know that my children are getting an education, a foundation, in the Word of God. They curriculum is very Biblically based. While we may do a lot more reading than scheduled in the Teacher's Guide, I know that the core is solid. The core of Heart of Dakota is a well-balanced meal. The extra reading I choose to do is like a vitamin for an extra boost if I desire.
Every time I doubt myself, I go back to the foundation of what I believe is a good education. My children are getting a strong foundation in the Bible. They are delving into history and science from a biblical perspective. They are introduced to characters, real and fictional, and stories and ideas through living books that are priceless treasures for the soul.
I know there are other literature based, Christian homeschool curriculum companies that are top quality. I know that at least one company contains much more reading aloud, which would mean I wouldn't need to schedule so many extra books on my own. But, I like the flexibility I have to choose for myself. I can bring home a feast of books and audiobooks from the library, pick up a small collection from the Goodwill an hour away, or fill the Amazon cart with new recommendations. I can read through an entire series, such as what we did with the Borrowers, or study the works of one author, such as we are slowly doing with Andrew Clements. The choice is ours. All our time hasn't been taken up by a schedule of books that, while wonderful, may not follow the rabbit trail we desire to take.
Heart of Dakota may have a lighter reading schedule, but it is thorough and high quality. A top quality education will be obtained by following Heart of Dakota's program, even if nothing else is added. However, the flexibility is freeing.
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