Combine or keep seperate?

[alydar]

Currently, my dd5 is in Unit 20 of LHFHG. My ds7 is on Unit 25 of Beyond. Then I have ds (almost 3) that I'm not planning on doing anything formal with til he is probably closer to 4 (but I reserve the right to change that at anytime without notice ). So this is what our days look like now - running two seperate programs. It's really not too bad at this point. We usually start about 8:30 and by lunch we're through most days. Of course, there are several distractions (read: 2 year old ) that are accounted for in that time period.

But I'm thinking ahead to a time when I'll be possibly running 3 programs and I'm getting a bit apprehensive. But then I tell myself that ds7 should be doing more independent work by the time I have younger ds in Little Hearts......so maybe that will free up some time for the other two?? I hate not knowing the future!

So I guess I was wondering if combinging would even be possible at this point or should I just keep going as we are. That would put ds7 in Bigger next, DD in Beyond, and younger ds still ruling the world.

As far as looking at the placement chart both kids are placed well according to capabilities. Interestingly, ds7 loves listening to Little Hearts and doing some of the activities even though he's been-there-done-that.

So I don't even know how I would combine them if it's possible. Seeking advice and thoughts and opinions. Thank you.

[jenntracy]

I am doing Bigger with my son (turned 8 in October), Beyond with my daughter(just turned 7 last Sunday) , and we have gone half-way thru LHTH with my just turned 4yr old. I think after the 4th child was born, the 3rd child's kinda got pushed to the side, but that is ok we do other things and we have time to finish it before LHFHG. I took breaks with the other 2 kids like that also.
so it can be done.
I have an infant (just turned 1 so maybe that is toddler but he is still my "baby") that is added to the mix of teaching. We have to be flexible. I am so glad i have kept them separate. They fit much better in their own programs.
Last year we did Beyond and LHFHG. It will get easier , i tell myself, too, b/c the eldest will get more independent with work before i get to the 4th and even the 3rd child at this point doesn't require much school.
I would keep separate if it was me. Just my 2 cents.

Jenn D.

[mskogen]

I would encourage you to keep them seperate. Running 3 guides will be easy. When your littlest is ready you olders will be more independent as you said. I am running 4 guides this year and am done teaching most days by 12ish (we start at My kids get sooo much more out of school by working at their level.

[alydar]

Thank you Jenn and Michelle for your replies. I do feel very confident that my kids are in their appropiate programs currently. I am glad to hear your experience of running 3+ programs - that eases some anxieties. I did some more thinking about the idea of combining yesterday and then after reading your responses this morning I do think keeping them seperate is the right choice. I must agree that they are definitely getting the most out of their programs right now and can see how one or the other would be hindered if they were combined into one.

Thank you! May God bless!

[amysconfections]

Well, my oldest 2 are 2 years apart. When my oldest started Bigger at age 7 he was not ready for it even though we finished Beyond. We tried half speed, pushing through etc. till I gave up. I had a 5 yr old in LHFHG at that time. The next year I was also expecting. So I just decided to repeat Beyond with him and combine them. It's worked great! I added to extra History reading to beyond for him. We survived the year with a new baby and 2 year old and school got done! Now they are both in Bigger together and it works so well. I would not continue having them in back to back guides. By the time you hit Bigger you will see why. Maybe just do something different or let him go through Beyond again next year with the younger one and add extensions to it. I just made up my own extensions and then required a little more from my oldest.

I love HOD but I don't think it's great to be so busy doing so many guides that you can't get much else done.

[mom23]

IMO, running three guides with children who are appropriately placed is much easier than running two guides that you have to modify constantly because they're too easy for one child, or too hard for the other. I think success with HOD is largely determined by proper placement.