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Well, we made it through our first day using 3 guides: LHTH, Preparing and CTC. The end result was very satisfying and I would say it went well, although we had our chaotic moments. We also have a 1 1/2 year old running around! I had combined my two oldest in the past, so this year I split them up and added DS4 to the mix. I made an elaborate schedule, which definitely helped but the timing was off so people seemed to need me more than I anticipated. I think once they are used to the routine and the guides themselves things will go much smoother. DS11, who is doing CTC, was most encouraging. It took him all day to do the work, but he didn't really complain (which he has done a lot in the past). He said there was a lot of reading, but he liked it. He said, "I really like this," about The History of the Ancient World" and his favorite part was the Diane Waring CD "What in the World." He also enjoyed the science reading and told my husband and I we should read it. He said he learned a lot today and he thinks this is a good level. He said the work was challenging (why it took him so long) but he thinks the timing will get better once he gets into the groove. Long story, but I think he was not challenged the last year or so and was complaining (a lot) about having to read, fooling around, etc. I know it's only the first day, but to hear him enjoying the hard work is such a blessing. I wanted to post a pic of his generations flapbook but I can't figure out how to do it. Maybe I'll get it in the weekly review posts by the end of the week. Maybe someone can tell me how to do it?
Anyway, just wanted to share our first day.
Kristen

That is a huge jump in guides from last year and you transitioned beautifully. How wonderful that your ds did so well and enjoyed being challenged. That is such a blessing! Congratulations on a great first day!

I'm so glad you had a great first day! I find it difficult to stick to a schedule by the minute, or even 15 minutes. Once it gets into a routine, where we do the same things in the same order, it doesn't seem to matter as much, we seem to start and end at the same time each day even if the schedule isn't right on with everything.

Give it a week or two. At that point if it still seems like people need your help too much or can't stay with what they are supposed to do, you can tweak it.

Hooray for your son being challenged and finding his work interesting! There are so many great interesting things I have been so impressed so far with what I've done.

I hear you on everyone needing you more than you expected. I am experiencing that this year. I also have two boys who seem perfectly capable of reading the material, but they act like they have never read before when it comes to following the written directions in the guide. We are definately working on that!!!!!

Congrats on your first of many great days with 3 guides, You Go Girl

Kristen - this was wonderful to hear! Our first day is often not quite exactly how I pictured it, but our first month usually is more like the picture in my mind. With multiple guides, especially all new multiple guides (no one returning to finish a guide they did part of last year), it takes a bit to get into a smooth flow. I am so happy that your first day went as well as it did! It is worth celebrating ds deemed himself up for the challenge. I love that quality - it's one that is full of possibilities to develop strong character! Hats off to you for diving in and setting the tone for a great year!

In Christ,
Julie