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Hi Girls,

When I look at the skill level of the different programs. I know that my boys would fit perfectly in two different programs next year. But I have some concerns and with that come questions.(warm smile)

The two programs that would fit my boys skill levels would be, "Little Hands" and "Bigger Hearts". These are totally different time periods.

1- Anyone else doing this?
2- Do you ever feel overwhelmed going back and forth between time periods?

Last year, we began with three programs and found that I had been looking at grade level more than skill level so it wasn't working. I am loving doing "Beyond" only. It's so nice to be focused on one central theme. However, I am praying about next year and open to the Lord directing us to two programs or keeping us in one.

Thanks,
Mary :smooches:

Ok Mary you know I am not doing this but I could not resist either because of the "smooches" and I will be doing this next year when we hit Ancients and Beyond. I do not think it is a problem. Just sit back and think about this and see if it does not ring true, what gives HOD its cohesion is not the history time period at all really (Ok well there is some of that but you will get my point I think ). What is the glue of HOD is the learning about Him. It is the way HOD leads them to Him. And that my dear will be there no matter what program you use. In all honesty while doing Bigger and LHFHG I never felt cohesion between the two programs because of the history (it is not like they are on the same topic because they are different programs). But I will tell you what my 4 year old listens to the Bible in Bigger all the time and she is constantly bringing that message into LHFHG anytime she sees fit and my older kids do it with LHFHG sometimes too because they like to listen in but pretend they are not.

So I know you are going to get some BTDT advice from someone who did Preparing with something else alongside but I promise you if two programs is what is best for you this year God will still weave your family together.

Love you Mary!

Mary,

I'm doing Little Hands to Heaven and Bigger Hearts this year. For us it has been great! There's no way that my 8 yo and 4 yo would combine though as the gap there is huge! It's very doable for us and we've got a good flow going to our days. I start with the left page of Bigger for my oldest, and then while he works on some independent things, I take my 2 LHTH'ers and we go do the day's plans. THis usually only takes about 20 min. I check back in with my oldest to see what he needs next. I'm also doing The Reading Lesson with Alli and recently we've been getting that in before lunch. She's also taking violin lessons from Grandma, so we practice right before or after we read. (We're spending about 10 min reading and 15 min on violin.) After a big break of playtime near lunch, I finish up with storytime and science with Grant while the little 2 take naps. We could get done sooner, but my kids all love to play together, and if I make Grant finish his work before their nap time he wouldn't get to play with them...well not before evening.

Ok, I know this is a little scatterbrained. My little guy is begging to "do a letter" on starfall. So, I'll share the computer.
Kathleen

I just woke up from a long and deep nap! I should do that more often

Yes Brenda, the Lord is the perfect weaver. I still remember last year when we were studying cross beams in building when the pilgrims moved to America and there that very week we see a perfect example of one while walking on a board walk at our local nature park. (((Big Appreciative Hugs))) Thank you for sharing your excitement and love of JESUS. Love you sweet sister :smooch:

Thank YOU so much Kathleen for your feedback. That was very helpful