heartofdakota.com

First off, I want to say how happy I am that I received my HOD catalog yesterday!!!!

However, after looking at it this morning I am concerned about the choices I have made. I had decided to use Little Hearts for my 7yo for 2nd grade and Bigger for my 9yo for 4th grade because, after looking at the placement chart, I thought they could benefit from the skills introduced in those guides. But, the catalog says k and 1st for LHFHG and 2nd and 3rd for Bigger.

Do you think it is still OK to use them the way I originally planned?

Help!

I think you will be fine with what you originally planned. If that is where your kids fall on the placement chart you will be fine.

Don't sweat it, if that's where they fall, then that's where they fall. You can always add more read alouds if they want a bit more.

I think you'll be just fine! My youngest was 5 and just turned 6 at the end of Little Hearts, but my twins turned 7 about half-way through Little Hearts........it has been perfect for all 3! Little Hearts really, truly does span the 5-6-7 age span perfectly. I had just discovered HOD last
Fall and my problem was I didn't want to miss out on Little Hearts. I worried a little about it being to easy for my twins, but it has been a wonderful year for all of my kiddos.
I bet you'll have a great year and look back and wonder what you worried about.....I always do!

I would also let skill be my guide much more than age. I think it is especially more important when they are younger. I would go with the skill set that best matches your child. And if you are still in doubt maybe try doing a day or a week as a trial run. You can tell very early if you have a good fit. Also know it is normal to question yourself. I find myself doing it all the time for the littles things. We all so want the best for our kids and sometimes looking too deeply makes us question. I know it does for me.

It's normal to question yourself.
I'd go with the skills placement and not age. By placing them by skills, you are ensuring they are learning at the level they need and not be overwhelmed which leads to a very bad year.

I'm using Bigger... next year with a 3rd and 5th grader...I sometimes question my choice when I see there are those who are using Bigger...for 2nd grade! However, we got the extension pack to go with it which is for 4th/5th graders, so I know he will be fine. We are adjusting the L.A., Math, reading levels, and adding a writing program, if needed.

It's very easy to compare ourselves, and our children, to others! Just remember that God made your family unique, and He will lead you in your choices for what is right for YOU. I am confident that you won't regret using the guides you've already selected.

Now I can see where my almost 8 yr old would have benefited more from Little Hearts History (other post) than to Beyond's history. I think you'll be fine as well. Besides, it's easier to beef it up than remove info. I'm bummed that we didnt' do Little Hearts.

Terri,

The moms on the board are so right that the placement chart is much more accurate than any age or grade designations.

If you look in the catalog for placement help, we direct you first to the ages chart for general placement but then we send you on to the placement chart for a more specific placement. I know it can be difficult to know exactly where your kiddos fall as far as placement, and if you find once you've started that you have somehow misplaced them, it can be easily fixed. It looks like you have more kiddos coming up who can benefit from using the HOD guides, so nothing would go to waste at your house if you needed to tweak your placement.

For now, I wouldn't let the catalog change the way you placed your kiddos.

Blessings,
Carrie