Question about the future of my kids in HOD

[Bramble]

My 7 and 5 yr. old boys are currently doing Little Hearts together. It's a pretty good fit for both of them, maybe a little light for my 7 yr. old but I'm not disappointed in this placement. I was thinking I would want to slow down sometime so that my younger guy doesn't hit Bigger when he just turns 7. Maybe he will be capable of the work. He is highly motivated, but Bigger is more than I would normally expect from a 7 yr. old in my homeschool. However, looking at where that leaves the older one in the other guides, I don't think it is going to work to keep them together. Would I really want my son to be doing the Geography program when he is 16 and a junior? I don't know. I don't think I want him hanging back waiting for his brother. anyone else start kids together and then separate them? Do I just keep them together until an issue arises? or should I plan to separate them? I do not want to half-pace anything for the older one. They both have August bdays, btw, so are young kindergarten and second graders currently.

[jjcmehl]

I am in a similar situation. I am interested to see what others say.

[crlacey]

I have always struggled with the "to combine or not to combine" question.
Here is a post that Julie made that helps me in my choice:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7019

[Bramble]

Thanks. I have read that great thread before, but I don't currently have the issue which that thread addresses. I am happy combining or not. I am more interested in knowing how others have gone from using one guide with two children and then separating them down the road. I put them together this year because my 7 yr. old could really go either way (Little Hearts or Beyond), and I didn't want 4 guides my first year with HOD.

[deltagal]

Last year 2 of my children were combined for the left side and in their own guides for the right side. This year they are completely in their own guides. It was an easy transition and one I'm glad I took. The older who is working on independence is making great progress now that he is in his own guide. I waited to separate them until I felt like the older one was truly ready for independent work.

[Bramble]

Last year 2 of my children were combined for the left side and in their own guides for the right side. This year they are completely in their own guides. It was an easy transition and one I'm glad I took. The older who is working on independence is making great progress now that he is in his own guide. I waited to separate them until I felt like the older one was truly ready for independent work.

So the older child skipped a guide? or how did you work it?

[deltagal]

[So the older child skipped a guide? or how did you work it?

Yes, the older child went from Beyond left side to Preparing left side. I felt like he was ready for something "more", so I reassessed his skills and felt that he placed solidly in Preparing and could be successful. If he hadn't been a solid placement I would not have done it, because it would have required too much of me to make it "work."

Oh, let me add that he does join in with the child in Bigger for storytime and the BHFHG extension books are in his "free reading" basket.

[Kathleen]

If it were me, I think I'd just keep cruising along as you are until it doesn't work for you. I see you're pregnant and will have a new little one next year. So, you could just keep on with them together full-speed if it's working and the younger one is doing fine. If not, slow him to half pace and let the older one move along. You could do the same when you get to Bigger, if that's when the work load gets to be more and you want to slow it down for the younger then.

Kathleen

[Carrie]

Bramble,

I think you've gotten terrific advice from the ladies. I agree with their wise advice that it would be good to just keep your kiddos together as long as it works. As your children get older, there is a possiblity that your oldest may move forward while your younger may need to slow down (but you'll know when that time comes). It is also possible that the younger one will just be able to keep on going and that your kiddos may be a pair as they travel through the guides in many areas for years to come. Right now, I think you've started well and should just stay the course.

Blessings,
Carrie