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Hello. I have a rather complicated situation and am looking for some guidance.

My oldest is 13 and he is a very strong reader, but behind in everything as far as "formal schooling". I don't mean to put my husband down, but we had an agreement that he would cover certain things for our homeschooling, and one of them was math for all the kids, but my would-be 8th grader is currently doing 4th grade math. I took over teaching math again recently, in February, when I learned my husband wasn't doing anything and hadn't been for over a year. You can imagine the panic, but I can't rush my son and don't want him to feel stupid or anything, so I'm doing the best I can to catch him up with no extra pressure. He has also not done formal history or science. Meaning, we have read lots and lots of historical and science books, done nature walks, etc, but not done much of anything formal. He types and writes well, and his punctuation and capitalization, spelling, etc are very good, but he has not had any formal grammar. So I also don't know what grammar approach to use. The lack of the agreed upon teaching by my husband coupled with living in crisis-mode for the last 7 years straight have resulted in the problems I am currently facing. I have tried to keep our focus on the Lord, on facing trials with Joy. the kids have learned a LOT the last few years about life, this world, taking care of each other, the Lord's faithfulness, and about people, but just not much in the way of formal schooling.

My 13 y.o. is the oldest of 6 children, and I have absolutely no help with schooling. The oldest 3 - ages 13, 11 and 10 - are all behind in essentially the same subjects, but the oldest is the most behind in math. I have loved charlotte mason style and trying to go off SCM, but I need something that is put together for me because I just cannot keep up with the intensity of my current situation if I have to keep putting it all together myself. It is all I can do right now to not be completely overwhelmed, but just keep trusting the Lord that He will help me as I try to do the right thing for my children without the help or leadership of my husband.

My questions regarding placement - I believe that Creation to Christ is the best option, as I can bring my 11, 10, and 9 year-old kids into it as well. I think my oldest would really enjoy what is being studied and it will give us a good introduction to doing scheduled formal history and science, and increase his writing skills while I focus intently on math with him. Do you have any suggestions or questions that might help me with this decision? I have used the placement chart available, but he has a few boxes in 3 different levels, so I think that CTC is the best middle ground, with extensions. I don't want to give him more challenge than he can handle, but also don't want to hold him back further than he already is. That makes me wonder if Resurrection to Reformation would be better? I am just not sure. It is the grammar and math, plus the amount of writing, that I'm wondering if he would adjust okay to ResToRef. He is a hard worker and self-starter, and a strong reader and has a big desire to learn, so he has those things in his favor. I also like the idea of starting formal history with the beginning - ancients.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated. It is very humbling to tell my situation "out loud", as I struggle with the fear of being chastised or looked down upon, like I haven't done my best. But I have certainly tried. There are things I'd do differently if I could have a do-over, but the past is in the past and I think we did pretty well considering all that we have been through together. Getting through it all with our family in tact is something for which I am eternally grateful.

Sincerely,
holdingon

You are right, you just need to go on from here and not worry about what happened in the past. I think HOD will really help you as you seek to have a complete, well-rounded education and have the time to make up certain areas that may be a bit behind. If he misses Res to Ref in only 1-2 areas and you think he could catch up pretty easily (not including math, grammar, and reading because those areas are easily customizable in each guide), it is really critical that the child be able to do the narration, writing, independence level (following instructions, being able to finish tasks on their own), and some independent reading in order to fit into the guide. I hope this makes sense. CTC with extensions might be perfect as an introduction. Usually if a child places between guides and it is the first year someone is using HOD we suggest going to the lower guide to help both of you adjust to the new curriculum. The chance to combine with the younger siblings is a bonus also.

We all feel like we fail at different times and in different areas. The most critical thing is that our children learn to love and follow the Lord, and how to honor God with their lives. Yes, math, reading, etc are important skills and we want to prepare our children academically to be able to do all they can in life. But you still have time to do that, if your son is bright and a self-starter as you said then I am sure he will be fine. We don't judge you, none of us is called to judge others just to encourage and help.