heartofdakota.com

I am new to HOD and was hoping to get some help in placing my children. My oldest 2 will be in 4th and 8th grade next year. Is that too broad of a gap to really do them together?

Just knowing the grades it is too broad to be together. But abilities could be different. Check out the placement chart for each individually and give us some more info to help you figure it out. . I just love HOD and think you will also. Placement is definitely key.
I don't know how to do the links, but if you go to the main HOD site there is a link for the placement chart. If you can't find it, someone else on here can chime in and give you the link.
Blessings!

Here is the placement chart-it is good to print one out for each child and evaluate them separately by circling the "boxes" where they fit for each skill. When you have done that, come back and share, and we will be glad to mull over placement with you
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

Welcome to the HOD Board, apriltx! You have come to a great place to get help - the ladies here are really kind-hearted and willing to help. We would all love to help you place your dc, but age is only one determining factor in placement. HOD is very flexible. Sometimes it works best to combine, sometime it works best not to - but the good news is, whichever fits your dc's skills best is what will make the day go the best. So, can you help us help you by sharing about each of your dc's reading, writing, grammar, and math based on the first page of the placement chart at this link?
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

When you get a chance to share your findings from the placement chart with us, we will all chime in with placement help ideas. This is one of my favorite aspects of HOD. Placement is determined one family at a time, one child at a time, so you get the best fit for YOUR family. I can't wait to hear about your kiddos and chat through placement with you! HOD has helped us have 10 years of happy, content, homeschooling - I hope that is your story in 10 years too, and getting started off on the right foot with the right placement is the way to go!

In Christ,
Julie