I received two books today, Little Miriam of Galilee and Fountain of Life, for our upcoming restart with Heart of Dakota. I, personally, am getting excited about going back. Now that I have been better educated on the program, I am looking forward to diving into it with Laura. Truthfully, I should have started last year with Bigger Hearts for His Glory with Laura. However, I am not worried.
I've poured over the Heart of Dakota Message Board over the last few days, praying that God will make sure that I am on the right path. I feel assured. First, Laura is at grade level for math and above level for reading. She is working at grade level for grammar. Heart of Dakota is History, Science, Bible, and so much more.
Laura may be at grade level, but I do believe she is a bit ADD like her father and sister. She can sometimes lose focus quickly. Sometimes it takes her a bit longer to pick up on something. However, she likes to read, so that often compensates for any problems. I worried that using Preparing, which is perfect for her age but should use an extension pack for her grade level, would not be challenging enough. After reading the HOD message board, I am much more at ease. The work builds in steps. We are still learning how to do many things in more of a Charlotte Mason way. I don't want to throw Laura into a level that will make things difficult for her. She is just as new to this as I am. Heart of Dakota uses narration, which is new to Laura. Her skills in this area should be built slowly.
Second, I compared what Laura will be reading in Preparing Hearts with the public schools. Heart of Dakota's books for Preparing Hearts all begin at a late fourth grade level and continue well up into the sixth grade level. Since I care more about Laura's education and progression, plus we are using other sources for reading, then I am very comfortable with the difficulty.
HOD is scheduled for four days per week. We will probably work five days and finish early in the spring. I am contemplating year round homeschooling again, but have to wait until the spring to see how our schedule is going to play out. Truthfully, we could work in the morning and still have our afternoons free. We wouldn't have to review in the fall. We could take longer breaks throughout the rest of the year. Plus, schooling year round makes it seem more like a lifestyle and not just something we do. Heart of Dakota provides solid Biblical training throughout every topic. Why would I want to stop my children from having the private time with God every day as it recommends? I'm sold on homeschooling year round. It's my daughter that isn't so keen about it. Most of her friends are public schooled and have the entire summer off.
One thing I am hoping to begin in the spring is Heart of Dakota's Little Hands to Heaven with Megan. I would begin it now, but the funds just aren't available. Plus, I really just want Megan to have a bit more time to mature and just play and be read to as a free-spirited three year old. I'll get Laura set on a schedule, then add another student.
Things are changing in my family. My older ones are making plans for the rest of their lives. My step-daughter may not be with us quite as often. I want to remain busy, focused on God and my family and living the way he has told me.
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