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Keeping in mind HOD's recommendation to study English 3 during Preparing, I am frustrated! I do think R&S English is a fine program with an excellent reputation. The lessons are short. It is very thorough. However, I think we are having a HUGE disconnect with it. My oldest is using Level 3 and it is too easy for him. While I agree that it is a fine thing to have a subject that is easy, it is not proving so for my kiddo. The easiness leads to boredom and "checking out". He doesn't have to engage his brain with this subject. R&S is incremental, giving new information in easy to digest, bite size pieces. But, this is proving to be tedious for my guy. I have been thumbing through Level Four and find the material to be more "on level" for him. I want SOMETHING to challenge him! My son doesn't seem to fit "just right" in a HOD guide right now. He is more than ready for Preparing but we have chosen to keep him in Bigger for some character growth and to keep my schedule doable. He likes the work but is IS easy.... I think he's academically ahead of grade level due in part to his age (he started K as a nearly 6 year old). NO subject challenges him and English is no exception. I am torn between agreeing with HOD's recommendation and doing what seems better for my kiddo. I don't want to push unnecessarily but I do believe, firmly, that growth requires challenge. The challenge creates an opportunity for us to stretch, to fatigue our mental muscles, to build up endurance, to depend upon the Lord, etc.

Any thoughts or advice? I believe that R&S's format and pace will be fabulous for my 2nd son . It's just my crazy, quirky, creative, dear, outside-the-box oldest child that seems to need a slightly different approach than "the usual".

Actually, if you take a look at the Preparing "packages" page, both R&S English 3 and 4 are offered as options. I think Carrie would be the first to say to have the LA fit the child. I've often seen it recommended to do the the right side of one manual with the left of another. Currently, we're doing Bigger, but with 4th grade math and 3rd grade English. Since the LA and math are not connected with the history, I've found it quite easy to adjust them to fit my ds. We just do one lesson a day in each. (Shall I confess that I don't even try to match up with the guide? )

I think one of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can meet your kids where they are academically. If he can handle a higher level, why not give it a try? If it causes frustration, you can always back up.

I don't see why you can't just bump him up to English 4. You can always slow it down when you need to spend more time reviewing concepts, but it sounds like you all would be happier just to have him move up a level.

Katrina,

The ladies have already been so helpful, so I'll just chime in to agree. The area of language arts, and especially English, is one area where you'll see a real difference in philosophies. Those who have a more classical approach to this area will desire a very rigorous, challenging English schedule. If you happen to be coming from a classical philosophy toward a more Charlotte-Mason style curriculum (like HOD), then a switch toward a less strenuous grammar schedule can feel to a parent like a child is not progressing English-wise (and challenge-wise) like he/she was before moving toward a more CM style program. While HOD does not go a true CM route in the language arts, we do not go a true classical pace either. So, the switch can take a bit of getting used to, and you may actually choose to go at a faster pace for your own family if desired.

At HOD, we take an integrated route with writing across the curriculum and incorporating application of skills within our writing. We also take a challenging English route and keep it on a more do-able pace, when taking into account the additional writing woven within all of our programs. Since the scheduling of an additional formal writing program does not being in HOD until CTC, you could easily choose to up your son's English level to English 4 while your're in Bigger with no problems or overload. Just make sure that he is still able to do all of the other written work in Bigger and DITHR. I'd lean toward switching your son to English 4, since you're feeling it would fit your family best.

Blessings,
Carrie