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My oldest two dc are in the last 9 weeks of LHFHG. We wil start Beyond this fall when ds is 7.5 and dd turns 6. At the pace we are going - 1 1/2 years for each of the lower guides, ds is not likely to make it to the last HOD guide. So, do I need to go ahead and start Rod and Staff with him this fall? Do I need to beef up anything else like science? He will be doing 2a/2b math, DITHR 2/3, Spelling list 2 and the rest of the Beyond guide as scheduled.

All the high school threads have me thinking long term and I am just trying to plan accordingly. Ds has CP and HFA and attends several different therapies each week. His busy schedule requires a slower pacing of the guides for now even though he is capable of full speed. If ds is on track to do MTMM at 9th grade, should he start extensions with Bigger when we get there to get used to the extra work even though he will never technically be in the age range?

Beyond as written should be fine for a 7.5 y/o. If and when you decide to add R&S to Beyond it should be when ds is ready. It's one lesson a day. I, however, would not worry about high school this early on. Do whatever he's ready for now. High school will work itself out when the time comes.

I always recommend placing the child at their ability level. The age range is just a guide. hth.

The once a week grammar lessons in Beyond were a great way to introduce concepts prior to beginning R & S English 2. I would do those first, and start R & S English 2 after that. I don't think I'd rush to try to finish R & S English 8. Some students will only complete R & S English 7 upon graduation from high school, and I don't think that's a problem. Did you know grammar is not even required in most high schools?!? I'm not saying I agree with that, I'm just saying completing R & S English level 7 even would be above and beyond what is required. I'd not worry about adding science or anything else either right now. Your ds is in the target age range for the guides, so he is getting what he needs. When you get to BHFHG, you can assess if extensions are needed, but I am thinking if he is 9.5 yo or so, they won't be. If he is 10 yo or 11 yo, then yes, I'd try to add the extensions at that point. You will know better then though. I just want to encourage you that many students won't complete all of the HOD high school guides, and that is alright. Completing all but one HOD guide will be a fantastic education - meatier IMO than completing all of many other programs. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

my3sons wrote:The once a week grammar lessons in Beyond were a great way to introduce concepts prior to beginning R & S English 2. I would do those first, and start R & S English 2 after that. I don't think I'd rush to try to finish R & S English 8. Some students will only complete R & S English 7 upon graduation from high school, and I don't think that's a problem. Did you know grammar is not even required in most high schools?!? I'm not saying I agree with that, I'm just saying completing R & S English level 7 even would be above and beyond what is required. I'd not worry about adding science or anything else either right now. Your ds is in the target age range for the guides, so he is getting what he needs. When you get to BHFHG, you can assess if extensions are needed, but I am thinking if he is 9.5 yo or so, they won't be. If he is 10 yo or 11 yo, then yes, I'd try to add the extensions at that point. You will know better then though. I just want to encourage you that many students won't complete all of the HOD high school guides, and that is alright. Completing all but one HOD guide will be a fantastic education - meatier IMO than completing all of many other programs. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks Julie. That's exactly what I needed to hear . My kids really enjoy being combined and I do not want to add or beef up any more than necessary for my oldest. Now I can relax and proceed as planned. Thanks again!

So glad to be of any help - now you get to have a stress-free relaxing Easter!

In Christ,
Julie