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New Curriculum Unboxing | Heart of Dakota Unboxing



Hey Mocha Family!

I am starting over!

First, let me say that I am very grateful for the support Abeka afforded when while working with multiple students at different levels. This post is not about what Abeka is doing wrong.

I've been feeling the urge to return to a more personal approach all year.  My ten year old is extremely extroverted and was really frustrated with watching a screen.  She wants to have a real person, interacting with her in real time for school.  Perhaps online classes will work for her in the future, but I noticed that she was becoming more and more frustrated with her videos and making excuses to avoid school altogether.  She came alive any time I had to stop and explain things to her.  I want to see more of that.

I've been around this block before, of making a radical changes to curriculum. It's hard!  I already know Abeka video and could probably jump back in anytime.  It's more comfortable for me to return to Abeka video, though it's not working well for us any more.  I don't want to be too ambitious.  I really want this new plan to work for us.  I don't want to crash and burn by October.  One thing I can trust is experience.

Here are three simple things I plan to do to help me succeed this time:

1. Make the curriculum your own.  In the past I have needed to use every resource and check every box, as if some invisible curriculum guard would crack a whip if I veered off even a little. Things work better for me when I consider everything directive to be a suggestion.

2. Schedule breaks.  There's nothing noble about working myself and the kids into the ground.  Rest will refuel us all.

3. Commit to schooling.  One of the best things about homeschooling is the flexibility it affords, but interruptions can become habit.  School doesn't happen unless we actually school.

I'm a little nervous, but amazed at the excitement I'm feeling.  I've made the right choice.  I'm not sure that Heart of Dakota will be our curriculum for years to come, but I'm happy that we stepped out and chose something!

I will definitely keep you posted.

Be blessed!




Comments

  1. jasnjojJuly 30, 2016 at 7:16 AM

    Hey Mocha Mom! We used (and loved!) Heart of Dakota's Little Hands to Heaven with my two oldest. I pray blessings on your coming school year!

    If you are looking for something along the same lines (to do the "core" subjects (history, Bible, science) with your kiddos, we have been using (and loving) My Father's World the past four years.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am a Mocha MomAugust 4, 2016 at 9:13 AM

    Thank you! I know someone who uses My Father's World and loves it too! I actually plan to use HOD for my core subjects. Why did you decide to make the switch?

    ReplyDelete

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