New to HOD , need suggestions

[graceonly]

I am considering HOD for my almost 8 , 6 and 5 year old .
I would like to keep them together .I also have a 2 yo that keeps me VERY busy .
My 8 yo ( will be 8 in September ) is reading at 8 grade level and his spelling is great too , prabably at 4-5 grade level. He can write cursive . He loves to write stories and is very imaginative . Even though he reads well , his maturity is still like an eight yo He loves reading but does not like me reading aloud .He tolerates me though . I have a little foreign accent ( I am Romanian) and he keeps correcting me all the time in prononciacion Also he is a "Competent Carl " ( Cathy Duffy's term for an independent student) Could he do this program independently with little interaction from me ?
He studied American History in K and 1st , then we did MOH 1 in 2nd --which he loved .

My 6 is reading at 1st grade level . He has a mild speech delay and a moderate comprehension issues . He also has some fine motor delay so his writing is horrible.

My 5 yo reads at 2nd grade level and can write beatifully for her age .
( I used readingkey for testing them ) .

We use CLE LA and would like to keep that.

Based on this info , which package would best suit us?

[krismoose]

Hi and welcome! Have you checked out the placement chart?
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php
Look and see where each child fits individually first, and let us know...It will be helpful info for suggesting which program your dc could do together

[graceonly]

Hard to tell. The younger ones still need phonics but they have a few things covered. They can read pretty well , they are not begginers in phonics but are not independent yet ( or emergent) . So not sure if LHTH or Bigger .I am getting anxious at the thought of doing more than one package. We barely do the 3 R's (+ Bible) and have a hard time to squeeze other subjects ! I will consider doing Bigger with them all . That would mean I will only use the Bible and History with my oldest and even that I am not sure if it's good enough for him. He needs something challenging . But maybe if I choose advanced readers , that would be enough ?

[amysconfections]

If anything I would do LHFHG with the younger two and Bigger with the older one. If you can't possibly do that, then do Beyond with all of them and add in lots of extra readers for your older one.

You really don't want to loose your youngest children in this. The biggest thing you are working on at young ages is attention spans. Definately check out the chart to see where they fit in at.

[countrymom]

It really sounds like Bigger would be an excellent fit for your oldest, but you would lose the younger two. I agree that LHFHG is probably the best fit for them. It can be stressful at first, and the thought of doing two programs probably seems overwhelming. Here is a thought, I began my experience with HOD by starting at 1/2 pace even though my son could probably have handled full-pace. It is a great way to get into a program. It sounds like your oldest is fairly independent, and probably with a little time you could come up with a workable schedule. If you could allow yourself 2 or 3 weeks to go at 1/2 pace with both programs and get your feet wet, I think you would feel more comfortable. HOD is so easy to use, it is really amazing! Something to ponder anyway. Welcome to HOD!

[my3sons]

I agree that Bigger Hearts for your older and LHFHG for your youngers sounds like a great match! Doing 2 (or even 3 as I am doing) HOD programs is not hard to do. A few years back I did Bigger Hearts and Little Hearts at the same time - not hard - very manageable - and fun to do. This year I did CTC, Bigger half-speed, and LHTH. Here' s a link of my schedule in case that may be helpful as you try to picture your day:


I've found it's easier to teach 2 programs when dc are as far apart in skills as your dc (an my dc) are. I think you'd love doing Bigger Hearts and LHFHG together! You can start them half-speed, doing the left side of the plans one day, and the right side of the plans the next day. Then, after a few weeks or so, you can do full-speed, and after a few more weeks of settling into your groove, the routine of it will be a cinch. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[graceonly]

Julie,

Do you know if this would work?
I have Sonlight K and MFW K that I could do with my youngers and Bigger for my older ? This way , I wouldn't have to buy Little hands?

[my3sons]

HI there! Well, only you can know your financial situation, but being familiar with both Sonlight K (I did it) and MFW K, I'd go with the LHFHG Economy package, as well as the LHFHG Basic Package (for sure the science and math, and if you can afford it, the devotions and CD are wonderful too). It is inexpensive, has an excellent balance of teaching reading/writing/hands-on skills, and does a super job of laying the groundwork for Beyond Little Hearts. But, if you cannot swing that, you can use what you have this year for the littles, use Bigger for the older, and then save up for next year. I understand having to watch what we spend, I have to do that too. My dh and I started the habit of putting away some money for each child each month for the upcoming homeschooling year so we can get what we need, and that has worked well. We've also asked for CD's/books instead of candy for holiday gifts for the kiddos, and that has helped too. Just a few ideas, but you will know what fits your needs the best. Either way, I know you'll thoroughly enjoy Bigger Hearts.

In Christ,
Julie