Higher Up and Further In

I discovered this curriculum recently.  I really enjoy reading their explainations of CM methods…it gives a slightly different perspective than SCM and by reading the two, I usually gain a few more ideas on implementing a new method.  The author posts a wonderful example of nature notebooking over 10 years by showing samples of her DD’s drawings.  I found it very inspiring!  

As far as the HUFI curriculum, I’ve been using it to get ideas for next year.  I love how the family rules are worked into memory work.  For K, she has them keep a year-long homemade calandar…I was thinking of having my 6yo do this (and maybe even my older two).  I’ve also been getting some ideas for independent reading for my older two.  Right now I have a list of 15 or so books for my 10 and 8yo to make independent reading selections from (I’m not planning on having them read through the entire list, but use it to help find an appropriate book).  There are also lots of ideas for independent Bible studies.  

I’m not planning on switching over…I need everyone combined as much as possible and the SCM guides just really “click” with me.  However, I think it’s a nice resource to get more ideas of possible living books to add into our studies.  As long as you don’t add too much in (which can easily be a problem for me), I think it’s a great resource.  

I visit her site frequently for different ideas or and have found some to be very helpful (I’ll be implementing some this coming year.) I think it would be wonderful for someone that doesn’t like the idea of picking and choosing but is not into a box curriculum either.  Everything is pretty much laid out and if you’ve already read a book or studied an artist/poet, whatever, you could easily substitute.  I’m having my ds read through a list of books that are recommended before high school (or is it Jr. High, not sure). The ones he’s read we’re skipping and some will be read this coming year for history (SCM guide). 

The only thing that I can’t quite understand, or maybe I don’t care for, is the set up of the discussion forum and not being able to discuss substitutions to the curriculum (unless they’re OOP).  I “get it” but that doesn’t make it very helpful to me.  I love this forum specifically for that reason.  Like I said, I get it, she owns it, so I’m not trying to make waves, just adding my .02. 

I think most books/sites that are dedicated to CM are extremely helpful and am thankful for them.

That has bothered me too.  I’ve had a few questions, but am too scared to asked them.  lol

HUFI has a full curriculum (all curriculum is a servant not a master remember) for grades K- 11th, including science, etc.

i believe that Lindafay has asked that her forum be limited to the books and things suggested in her curriculum because that is what she is familiar with and is suggesting. She does not want to investigate other options as the ones suggested work for her. You are free to take or leave her curriculum suggestions, of course, but by limiting the scope of her forum she isn’t inundated by requests for substitutions that work. I don’t think it’s so much that other things can’t work, but rather protecting her time without making her seem rude by avoiding those requests. It’s her site and what works for her. I can understand that. Though I do appreciate the openness here, too.

Dana, she has schedules for each year too, but no guide. There are lots of books no matter which you choose. You might consider Heritage History ebooks and guide with an ereader to save lots on shipping.