Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering:
(Click on the questions below to be brought to a specific answer.)
Shipping Policies:
Q: How are your shipping costs calculated?
A: Shipping costs are as follows:
We are excited to announce that we now have a reduced shipping option and a free shipping option!
Order Total
| Shipping
|
Minimum
| $4.95
|
$5 - $25
| $6.95
|
$25 - $50
| $8.95
|
$50 - $100
| $10.70
|
$100 - $200
| $14.95
|
$200 - $300
| $19.95
$10.00! We'll pay 1/2 of your shipping costs!
|
$300 - $399
| $29.95 $0.00! We'll pay all of your shipping costs!
|
$400 - up
| $35.95 $0.00! We'll pay all of your shipping costs!
|
The above shipping rates apply to domestic orders. To place an international order, place your order
online choosing the standard shipping. Once we receive your order and additional postage is calculated,
we will e-mail you requesting to charge the additional postage to your credit card. After receiving your confirmation, we will send your package right away.
Q: How will my order be shipped?
A: We use either US Post Office Priority Mail or UPS Ground on continental domestic orders and US Post Office Media Mail on orders to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and PR. If you would like expedited shipping that is different than these options, please note that on the "ordering instructions" on your online order and we will contact you with your options. International orders are typically shipped via the US Postal Service.
Q: How long will it take for me to receive my order?
A: During peak season (July/Aug) your order will be shipped within 3 business days. During the rest of the season, your order will be shipped the following day if all items are in stock. Typically, it takes 3-4 days for you to receive your package.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: You may return any item within 30 days for a full refund if we receive the items back in new condition. Shipping is not refundable. Please pack the box securely to avoid damage in shipping. After 30 days there is a 15% restocking fee for returns. After 60 days, there are no returns.
Q: How do you handle international orders?
A: To place an international order, place your order online choosing the standard shipping. Once we receive your order and additional postage is calculated, we will e-mail you requesting to charge the additional postage to your credit card. After receiving your confirmation, we will send your package right away.
Q: What credit cards do you accept?
A: We accept MasterCard, Visa, & Discover
Q: How do I order?
A: There are 3 ways that you can order.
- Order Online!
- Call:(605)-428-4068 - you may have to leave a message as we are a home-school family.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
- You can also mail your orders to:
Heart of Dakota Publishing, Inc.
1004 Westview Drive
Dell Rapids, SD 57022.
You can use the printable order form to mail in your order.
What is your substitution policy?
Substitution Policy:
We understand that you may already own some of the titles in our packages,
so we are now allowing substitutions within our packages to enable you to always take advantage of the
package discounts. This is easy to do online. Simply add the package that contains the book(s) that you
already own to your shopping cart, and then enter the title that you wish to substitute in the "Ordering
Instructions" box on our website at checkout. You may make a "one for one" substitution with any
book that we offer of equal or lesser value to the book(s) you already own, and still receive the package
discount!
The following packages are allowed one title substitution per package:
- Little Hands to Heaven Packages
- Little Hearts for His Glory - Economy and Basic
- Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory - Economy and Basic
- Bigger Hearts for His Glory - Economy and Basic
- Preparing Hearts for His Glory - Economy
- World Geography - Logic
- World History - Fine Arts Package
The following packages are allowed two title substitutions per package:
- All Guides - Deluxe, Extension, and Science
- Preparing Hearts, Creation to Christ, Resurrection to Reformation, Revival to Revolution, & Missions to Modern Marvels - Basic
- Drawn into the Heart of Reading - Book Packs
- Creation to Christ - Economy
- World Geography - Any English Package
- World History - Any English Package
The following packages are allowed three title substitutions per package:
- Emerging Readers - Set
- Resurrection to Reformation - Economy
- Revival to Revolution - Economy
- Missions to Modern Marvels - Economy
- World Geography - Economy and Living Library
- World History - Economy and Living Library
- U.S. History I - Economy, Living Library, and Any English Package
Military and Missions Discount
We are pleased to offer a discount for active military families and also for missionary families who raise their own support and do not receive a salary. Simply contact us by email at carmikeaustin@msn.comor by telephone at 605-428-4068 to receive your discount.
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Hands to Heaven:
(Click on the questions below to be brought to a specific answer.)
How much time each day does the program take?
How much time is needed for preparation and planning?
How long does the program last?
What resources are best for a 2-3 year old?
What resources are best for a 4-5 year old?
I have a lot of children's Bibles. Can I just use one that I already own?
Is the Singing Bible available on CD?
Q: How much time each day does the program take?
A: The program takes 30 min. or less daily. Activities can be done in one
sitting or spaced throughout the day in 5 min. chunks as time allows.
Q: How much time is needed for preparation and planning?
A: None. It is an open up and
teach program (providing that you have basic art supplies handy and are teaching
in a home setting).
Q: How long does the program last?
A:
Little Hands to Heaven contains 33 five-day
units. It is meant to take one school-year to complete. Often customers stretch
the program out to a year and a half by doing lessons 3-4 days each week, rather
than five. Make the schedule suit your needs.
Q: What resources are best for a 2-3 year old?
A: We recommend
A Child's First Bible,
Big Thoughts for Little People, and
The Singing Bible for this
age group. If you have an advanced 3 year old, you may want to use the 4-5 year
old recommendations.
Q: What resources are best for a 4-5 year old?
A: We recommend
The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes,
My ABC Bible Verses (our previous
recommendation,
Small Talks About God, is currently out of print), and
The Singing Bible for this age group.
Q: I have a lot of children's Bibles. Can I just use one that I already own?
A: Yes, you can use a Bible you own. A
scripture reference is listed for each day of plans. However, the Bibles that we
carry were handpicked to match our curriculum. It is just a matter of preference
and ease of use. One exception is the Bibles that are in the Emerging Reader set (scheduled in
Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory and
Bigger Hearts for His Glory). These Bibles are scheduled by page number and are picked because of the appropriate reading level.
Q: Is the Singing Bible available on CD?
A: Yes. It will be available in May of 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Hearts for His Glory:
(Click on the questions below to be brought to a specific answer.)
Is this a complete program?
How long does the program last?
What do I use after Little Hearts for His Glory?
How much time does the program take daily?
How much time is required for preparation and planning?
How are history and the Bible covered?
What do I have to have to make the program work?
What are my options for phonics?
What if my child is reading already?
What are my options for handwriting?
What about the items in the Basic Package?
What are my options for math?
What are my options for science?
What resources typically work best for a 5 year old?
What resources typically work best for a 6 year old?
What resources typically work best for a 7 year old?
What if I already have my own phonics, math, or handwriting programs?
Q: Is this a complete program?
A:
Little Hearts for His Glory covers all academic areas as well as art,
music, and even large motor skills. The guide references a number of necessary
resources to make the program function.
Q: How long does the program last?
A: The program contains 34 five-day units, or one school year of instruction.
Q: What do I use after Little Hearts for His Glory?
A:
Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory.
Q: How much time does the program take daily?
A: The entire day takes 90 min. or less.
Q: How much time is required for preparation and planning?
A: Typically no preparation or planning time is required. It is designed to open
up and teach. However, some customers like to briefly look over the day's plans prior
to teaching.
Q: How are history and the Bible covered?
A:
Little Hearts for His Glory gives a sweeping overview of history from
creation to present day showing students where the Bible fits in to history and how we got
to present day America. The emphasis is on God's hand throughout history.
Q: What do I have to have to make the program work?
A: You must have the items in the Economy Package to make the program function.
You must also have a Bible, a handwriting plan, and a phonics program. We
carry several that we recommend.
Q: What are my options for phonics?
A: We carry
Reading Made Easy and
The Reading Lesson.
Little
Hearts is not tied to a specific phonics program, so any program can be used.
Q: What if my child is reading already?
A: In place of the daily phonics option, add in your daily reading program
instead. Some customers use
Drawn Into the Heart of Reading after phonics.
Q: What are my options for handwriting?
A: We carry
A Reason for Writing or
Italic Handwriting, or you can use your own favorite program.
Q: What about the items in the Basic Package?
A: If you have to economize, you can do without these items. However, they
greatly enhance the program. For example, the science experiments are in the
guide, but if you want text pages that provide additional information you'd need
the science text.
Bible memory work is included in the guide, but if you
want to sing the memory verses as you learn them, you'd need the
Hide 'Em in
Your Heart CD.
Devotions for the Children's Hour provides a
corresponding devotional to the history stories each week.
Little Hearts for His Glory includes 3-4 math
activities weekly, but if you want the workbook pages that reinforce the math
concepts you'd need the
Earlybird Kindergarten Math Workbooks. A separate
schedule for
Primary Mathematics 1A-1B is listed in the Appendix of
Little Hearts for His Glory. In order to use the schedule, you will need the
Primary Mathematics set 1A and
set 1B.
Q: What are my options for math?
A: We carry
Earlybird Kindergarten Math or
Singapore Math 1A/1B.
Both are scheduled in the guide. You can choose one of those options or
substitute in your own math program.
Q: What are my options for science?
A: We carry Christian Liberty Press'
The World God Made (K), Our Father's World (1), God's Wonderful Works (2). All 3 are scheduled for you in the guide. Choose one of the 3 options as your science text.
Q: What resources typically work best for a 5 year old?
A: You would use the Economy Package (with
Do It Carefully / Finding the Answers) and the Basic Package (with
Singapore Earlybird Math) as listed.
A Reason for Writing "K" or Italic "A" could also be used for handwriting. You would need to decide on phonics and whether to purchase the Bible. Note: These resources also work well for a
6-year old just beginning school.
Q: What resources typically work best for a 6 year old?
A: You would use the Economy Package (with
Thinking Skills) and the Basic
Package (with either
Earlybird Kindergarten Math or Singapore 1A/1B). You
can view the Earlybird Math scope and sequence under
view the introduction
pages on the
Little Hearts for His Glory page of our website to help
with your decision. You could also choose
Our Father's World(as a grade 1 science text) instead of
The World God Made. Handwriting for this
level is typically
A Reason for Writing "A" or
Italic Handwriting "B".
You would need to decide on phonics and whether to purchase the Bible.
Q: What resources typically work best for a 7 year old?
A: You could follow many of the suggestions listed for a 6 year old but would
probably need to substitute a higher-level math and a reading program of some
sort. Some of our customers use
Drawn Into the Heart of Reading once they
finish phonics. You could also choose
God's Wonderful Works (grade 2
science text) instead of The World God Made for science.
Q: What if I already have my own phonics, math, or handwriting programs?
A: You can easily substitute those programs into
Little Hearts for His Glory.
Make the program work for you. Customize it to fit your child's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions for Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory:
(Click on the questions below to be brought to a specific answer.)
If I didn't use Little Hearts for His Glory,
can I begin with
Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory?
Is this a complete program?
How long does the program last?
How much time does the program take daily?
How much time is required for preparation and
planning?
What do I have to have to make the program work?
If my child is a beginning reader,
what are my options for phonics?
If my child is an emerging reader,
what do you recommend
If my child is an independent reader, what do you recommend
What can you tell me about the Basic Package?
What are my options for math?
What can you tell me about the Deluxe Packages?
How are history and the Bible covered?
Why did you choose to focus on American history first?
How are the language arts covered?
What if I already have my own reading, math, or
handwriting programs?
How can I tell which of your programs is best for my child?
What do I use after Beyond Little Hearts for His
Glory?
Q: If I didn't use Little Hearts for His Glory, can I begin with Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory?
A: All of our programs are written to stand alone. You can begin with
any of our programs.
Q: Is this a complete program?
A:
Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory covers all necessary academic
areas including art, music, and some large motor skills. The guide references
the resources that are necessary to make the program function.
Q: How long does the program last?
A: The program contains 34 five-day units, or one school year of instruction.
However, at our house, we do "regular school" 4 days each week and save Fridays
for our "extras" (all the extra things I'd like the kids to do, but would never
get around to doing otherwise). So for us, it takes a little longer than
one school year to complete each program. The program is meant to be
flexible in order to suit each family's needs.
Q: How much time does the program take daily?
A: The entire day takes 120-150 minutes or less.
Q: How much time is required for preparation and planning?
A: The guide is written to serve as your daily lesson plan book. Typically no
preparation or planning time is required. The plans are designed to open up and
teach. In my homeschool day, I do not look over the plans ahead of time,
however, some parents like to briefly look over the day's plans prior to
teaching from them.
Q: What do I have to have to make the program work?
A: You must have the items in the Economy Package to make the program function.
You also need to have a Bible, a globe, index cards for spelling words, and
basic art and craft supplies. You must also choose one of the reading options.
The reading options are addressed more fully in the next 3 questions.
Q: If my child is a beginning reader, what are my options for phonics?
A: We carry
Reading Made Easy
and
The Reading Lesson.
Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory is not tied to a specific phonics
program, so any program can be used.
Q: If my child is an emerging reader what do you recommend?
A:
Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory includes a suggested book list for
emerging readers and a daily schedule for using those books in the Appendix of
the Teacher's Guide. Each day also includes 3 questions from the various levels
of Bloom's Taxonomy to guide your reading discussion with your child. For ease
of use, we sell the "Emerging Reader Set" on our website. You have your choice
of Bible with the set.
Q: If my child is an independent reader, what do you recommend?
A: Once your child is reading independently, he or she is ready for
Drawn
into the Heart of Reading. You can typically begin this program for reading
around 2
nd grade.
Drawn into the Heart of Reading is written
to work with any books you choose. However, after many requests, we have put
together a book set to use with Level 2 and one to use with Level 3 of the
program. These books sets are optional but were carefully compiled with
interest and reading level in mind. The goal is to build confidence and
enthusiasm in "new" independent readers as they journey further into chapter
books.
Q: What can you tell me about the Basic Package?
A: If you have to economize, you can do without these items. However, they
greatly enhance the program. For example, the science experiments are in the
guide, but if you want text pages that provide additional photographs and
written information you'd need
the science text,
God's Wonderful Works.
Bible memory work is included in the guide, but if you want to sing the memory
verses as you learn them, you'd need the
Hide 'Em in Your Heart CD: Vol. 2.
Morning Bells provides a corresponding devotional to the history stories
each week.
Beyond Little Hearts for His Gloryincludes 3 math activities weekly, but
if you want the workbook pages that reinforce the math concepts you'd need the
Singapore Primary Mathematics Workbooks 1A and 1B. A separate schedule for
Primary Mathematics 2A/2B is listed in the Appendix of
Beyond Little
Hearts for His Glory. In order to use the schedule, you will need the
Primary Mathematics set 2A and
set 2B.
Q: What are my options for math?
A: We carry
Singapore Math 1A/1B
and
Singapore Math 2A/2B. Both are scheduled in the guide. You can choose one of those options or substitute in your own math program.
Q: What can you tell me about the Deluxe Packages?
A: These optional book sets are meant
to be used with the Storytime part of the plans as you read-aloud to your
students. The Storytime plans work with your choice of books, so you are
welcome to select your own books to read-aloud in order to economize. A list of
excellent read-aloud titles for each genre is included in the Appendix of the
Teacher's Guide. The Deluxe Package groups these recommended titles into a
Classic Set, a Boy Interest Set, or a Girl Interest Set.
Q: How are history and the Bible covered?
A:
Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory gives a chronological overview of
early American history from 1565-1860's. The history stories are meant for
you to read aloud. They focus on pioneers,
pilgrims, colonists, and patriots. The stories emphasize God's plan throughout
history. A weekly Bible story wraps up each unit by focusing on an example of
Godly character that corresponds with the history stories. A daily Bible study
time including memory work, devotions, and personal application questions is
also included. Our next curriculum,
Bigger Hearts for His Glory, revisits early American history and then moves forward in time to wrap up the American history
introduction.
Q: Why did you choose to focus on American history first?
A: After having my oldest son move through the time periods chronologically from
the Ancients to the present, I found that I would have preferred to wait to
discuss myths, legends, other gods, and pagan cultures until he was older and
more ready for these concepts. I also found the study of the early time periods
was often filled with weighty topics, barbaric behavior, and many stories of
cruelty. Even in watered down fashion these didn't seem to be appropriate topics
for young children.
Instead, I wanted my young children to be inspired by stories of American
heroes. I wanted to lead them to see God's providence in the history of our
nation. It seems more natural to surround them with stories that are closer in
time to where they are today. So, we begin our history study with the patriotic
heritage that surrounds us daily.
Q: How are the language arts areas covered in Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory? Will I
need to supplement with other materials?
A: For oral language, students memorize and recite weekly memory verses and
choral read poetry. For handwriting, students copy a portion of a poem to
reinforce manuscript handwriting daily. For spelling, students practice
one of the 2 spelling lists 4 times each week with a variety of short spelling
activities. In grammar instruction, students receive a gentle introduction
to basic grammar, usage, capitalization, and punctuation one time each week.
In literature, students listen to daily read-alouds from a variety of genres.
Brief, daily literature lessons emphasize story elements, genre study, Godly
character traits, and narration practice. You should not need to
supplement with other materials, unless you desire additional emphasis in a
certain area.
Q: What if I already have
my own reading, math, or handwriting programs?
A: You can easily substitute those programs into
Beyond Little Hearts for His
Glory. I certainly realize that our programs may not be a perfect fit for
every family. But I pray that you can make the program work for you by
customizing it to fit your child's needs.
How do I know which
of your programs is best for my child?
A:
It is important to choose the program that is
at the right developmental level for your child. See
"Placing Your Child in the
Right Program" for help.
Q: What do I use
after Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory?
A: A sequel,
Bigger Hearts for His Glory, is available summer
2007 (with preorders beginning in March or April 2007). Hopefully our products may
be a blessing to you on your homeschool journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drawn Into The Heart of Reading:
(Click on the questions below to be brought to a specific answer.)
Are the books reproducible?
Is writing a part of this program?
Is spelling part of this program?
How have other parents used this program?
What do I do if I don't have time to teach the lesson?
My child is already an excellent reader why would I need this program?
How do I determine which level to place my child in the
program?
I use KONOS or Sonlight,
or Tapestry of Grace, can I still use this
program?
Do you have suggestions for books to use?
How do I decide which books match each unit?
How do I know when my child s ready to start this program?
Do I really need the Teacher's Guide?
Is there a separate Teacher's Guide for each level in the
program?
What is covered in this program?
How much time will I spend teaching the lessons?
How do the Godly character traits fit into the program?
How do the "Book Projects to Send Home" fit into the program?
Q: Are the books reproducible?
A: No, the Student Books are not reproducible.
Q: Is writing a part of this program?
A: Writing assignments are included, but the writing process is not taught.
Q: Is spelling part of this program?
A: No, since students often read
and spell at different levels, spelling was purposefully omitted from this program.
Q:How have other parents used this program?
A: There are many options. Here are some of the more common ones:
- Go through the program in one year, covering all 9 units in any order.
- Spread the program out over 2 years, covering 1/2 of the units one year and 1/2 of the units the next year in any order.
- Teach Drawn Into the Heart of Reading 3 or 4 days a week instead of daily, stretching each level out over 2 years.
- Use the units sporadically as they match other things you may be teaching.
- Teach a reading unit one month and then follow that with a month of free reading books from the same genre. Then, teach a new unit the next month.
Q: What do I do if I don't have time to teach the lesson?
A: On each teaching day, there is an independent option for emergencies.
It is noted with a clock in the "Teacher's Guide" and directions are given in the Appendix of each "Student Book".
Q: My child is already an excellent reader why would I need this program?
A: This program allows you to choose books that will challenge and interest your child. It also teaches story elements which help students analyze literature, providing a base for future literature study.
Q: How do I determine which level to place my child in the program?
A: - Level 2/3 is for those students who have completed phonics and are
still practicing reading aloud. Students at this level meet with you daily. Only
1/3 of the days require written work.
- Level 4/5 is for students who can read silently
and comprehend well. Students must also be able to work independently half of
the time and do daily written work.
- Level 6/7/8 is for students who no longer need
practice oral reading, can read silently, and comprehend well. Students at this
level must be able to work independently and follow written directions for daily
work. They will briefly meet with you 2-3 times each week.
* Note: If in doubt about a level, it is
best to choose a lower level for a year, and then move up as your child is
ready. The levels do not necessarily correspond to grade levels. For example, we
have high school students that use 6/7/8 as an introduction to literature
course.
Q: I use KONOS or Sonlight, or Tapestry of Grace, can I still use this program?
A: Yes, the "Teacher's Guide" and "Student Books" work well with literature you are already reading for those programs. Simply match the unit from "Drawn into the Heart of Reading" to the type of book you are assigned to read.
Q: Do you have suggestions for books to use?
A: There is a sample book list
available for purchase on our site for $5.00 with ideas for each reading unit,
but any book can be used.
We also have book packs put together for level 2 and 3 for purchase on our website.
Q: How do I decide which books match each unit?
A: Refer to the Appendix for a list of categories and definitions of literature.
You can also purchase the "Sample Book Ideas List".
Q: How do I know when my child is ready to start this program?
A: The student needs to have completed phonics instruction and be able to read aloud books such as "Frog and Toad" by Arnold Lobel or "Amelia Bedelia" by Peggy Parish.
Q: Do I really need the Teacher's Guide?
A: Over two-thirds of the program is contained in
the Teacher's Guide. If you only use the Student Books, the program loses the
dialogue that is so important and becomes "just another workbook".
Q: Is there a separate Teacher's Guide for each level in the program?
A: No, there is only one Teacher's Guide that contains all of the instruction
for levels 2-8.
Q: What is covered in this program?
A:
- Genre Studies (i.e. Biography, Adventure, Mystery, etc.)
- Story Elements (i.e. character, setting, plot, mood, etc.)
- Godly Character Traits (i.e. integrity, faith, loyalty, etc.)
- Vocabulary Strategies (applied to the book being read)
- Literature Discussion Questions
- Project Work
Q: How much time will I spend teaching the lessons?
A:
- Level 2/3 about 20 min. per day
- Level 4/5 about 30 min. on alternating days
- Level 6/7/8 about 20 min. 2-3 times per week
Note: Students have independent work daily in addition to the times listed above.
Q: How do the Godly character traits fit into the program?
A: The Godly character traits teach students to weigh book characters and issues raised in the book using the Bible as a standard.
Q: How do the "Book Projects to Send Home" fit into the program?
A: They are 1 of 3 project options at the end of each unit. The books are considered optional. If you have an artistic or creative student, the book is well worth the price.
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