Is is crazy to try to do 3 different HOD programs at once

[playschool]

I would really like to combine my kids. I have asked many questions on this board before. I know that my two oldest would place in two different programs, but I had hoped to keep them together. My oldest would place very well in CTC, 2nd dc in Bigger, and I also have a younger dd I would like to use LHFHG with. I have thoughts of placing the older two right in between where they place in PHFHG, just for the sake of keeping them together and preparing my older dd for a different than textbook approach. I know my ds would be on the younger (skill-wise) of Preparing, although I do think with some tweaking he could handle it. I do think he would benefit from another year of American History and the preparation Bigger would give him in the writing realm. I do not like the idea of having my older dd spend another year in American History because at this rate if she were to combine with her younger brother using Bigger in her 6th grade year, she would only get through CTC by the end of 8th grade. I have to say, I do not know how much of it we would even be able to afford if we went with 3 different programs. Also, is doing 3 different programs like this crazy to embark on at first?

[StillJulie]

I'm doing three:

LHTH

LHFHG

BHFHG


I like it like this, and think it will continue to be doable as we progress to other manuals. Right now I'm not combining anything, though some kids listen to stuff from the others as well. When the storytimes/read alouds get longer, I may just do one for the oldest kids together.

I don't find this crazy, but remember that LHTH does not take much time in a day (probably 20-30 minutes).

LHFHG usually takes about an hour, and most of that is with me right by the child's side. That time together is really drawing us closer, and we both love it. He has the personality (IMO) that makes it a real blessing to him to have this time alone with me (maybe especially important in our larger sized family). His preference is to get everyone else settled into nap/quiet time in the afternoon and then have our school time together. That works okay for me, though it does cut into time I'd like to have to myself.

My oldest can finish Bigger Hearts before lunch if she works diligently and doesn't take too many breaks. Often times she still has the extension readings to do in the afternoon, which is fine. Sometimes science and piano as well... I probably spend about an hour of time with her on various parts. That's broken up some, although we do generally do the left page all together (as that's what I was told is the *right* way to do it... LOL). I might still be finishing breakfast, feeding my youngest, cleaning up the kitchen while we're doing it, though. We do most of our schoolwork at the kitchen table, so it's easy for me to multi-task.


This is our fourth week of this schedule (I switched mid-year), and I am overall pleased with it and excited to continue on to the next manuals.