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We are REALLY thinking that we'll go with separate programs. I never thought I would say that but I think it will actually save me time. For the last 4 years I've read aloud just about everything in science and history. Add to that read-alouds, poetry, composer books, etc.. You start to get the picture. It is a wonder I'm not permanently hoarse. The kids have enjoyed it but I'm not seeing them take any responsibility for their own education. My kids read voraciously so why not make some of that reading more school related?

I tried both kids out on the samples of the spine book. Lydia zipped through the samples of Gueber, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome and was actually annoyed when I wouldn't let her read any more. Ryan can even read the spines for Bigger on his own. He was loving the story I let him read. So at this point, I'm thinking, "WOW, I might have two packages that I don't have to tweak AT ALL and will have to read so many FEWER books." That's looking pretty attractive. LOL.

Then what Carrie says about being able to really have some special time with each child instead of them always competing for my attention makes me stop and think. I'm not sure if it will work out that way, but I'm really liking that idea of being able to have some special time with Lydia. She is starting to go through the change and I'm feeling like I don't always have her heart. Lots of emotions and hormones. Maybe the mix of academic independence and "MOM" time as opposed to "all grouped subjects" will be helpful in us getting to some deeper heart issues. I can pray for that anyway. On the flip side, I have Ryan who is a ball of endless energy. Maybe keeping things age-appropriate instead of always wondering if I'm doing too little (like did I tweak away too much meat) or too challenging would be a breath of fresh air for my Dr. Suess child who just wants to sing and dance.

So at this point we are buying Bigger and Ancients. Wowser. I'm really hoping my hubby gets hired for summer school. LOL.

I don't know if this musing will help anyone else but I thought it was worth sharing just in case it brought some clarity to someone.

It helped me! I'm sitting here pondering this issue for myself! I have had the same thoughts...about how if I continue combining, everyone will always be waiting for me to get things going..and even though I love reading aloud, it does seem like they would need to read more on their own if their programs are separate.I like the idea of having them take more responsibility for their own school. I would still combine for storytime...(and breakfast and lunch and recess of course!) So thanks for sharing your thoughts! And I'm happy for you that the Lord is giving you clarity for your situation. Your kids are blessed to have such a caring mom.

Daisy, it looks like we will be doing the same programs with the same sexes--my younger boys in BIgger and my older girl in Ancients. It will be fun to compare notes next year.

Daisy wrote: I don't know if this musing will help anyone else but I thought it was worth sharing just in case it brought some clarity to someone.

Yes, you sure have! You've articulated what I've been thinking and feeling for some time now. I'm definitely going to do Beyond with my little one, but I'm still undecided about Preparing vs. Ancients for the middle girl. Good idea about printing off samples of the spine books!

Now I just wish Carrie already had something for modern American history for my oldest.

I'm glad you have some peace about what to do for next year. I am going to attempt 2 programs in the fall as well. I will be doing Bigger with Audrey and Little Hearts with Nathan. It sounds overwhelming right now, but I know God will enable me to do it. It will be fun having Ryan and Audrey learning the same things.

Ladies,

I'm so proud of all of the thinking and wading through you are each doing to find the best placement for each of your kiddos. I can tell that you are each such caring moms, and I can see that you have your hearts set on seeking the Lord for His guidance in your homeschooling plans.

It is a privilege to share the board with each of you ladies, as you make my walk with the Lord stronger in order for me to write for His glory! I think your plans sounds like they are coming along well, and your reasoning makes good sense to me.

I know the Lord will equip each of you to answer His call, and we'll be willing to help with any areas where a little fine-tuning with the guides can go a long way.

Blessings to each of you as ponder!
Carrie

Daisy,

HOD has me doing all kinds of things I never thought I would do and never would have imagined would have blessed us so much. Maybe this will be just the change you need this year. Praying for finances to accomplish this for you. It really sounds like an awesome plan. And I so agree that time when they start to change is when we really need to grab hold of their heart and hang on for dear life. I have two at that phase right now and I am of the same mindset.

I'm excited to hear about your HOD ventures. You are going to love it!

I've so enjoyed reading this thread. You know what I love the most about this? How God is empowering each mom posting here to use HOD in her own personal way for her family!!! All of you weigh the decision of how to approach learning with your dc so carefully, and that is what makes for a good school year. HOD can have the best guides in this world, but if dc are placed incorrectly, things just aren't going to go as well as they could have if they'd been placed properly. I think sharing about how you are thinking through what to do with your families, and how you decided what to do in the end, really helps others going through the same thing. Little nuggets of wisdom can be gleaned from each person's post, and somewhere in the gathering of those bits and pieces of advice equals the sum total of a mom's perfect fit for her family. Thanks for being willing to share your thoughts here - it really makes a difference to so many moms!

In Christ,
Julie