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My 11 yodd who is an average reader but really struggles with writing and abstract thinking is having a hard time completing all the work in CTC. We both enjoy it but I do not think she was ready for it. This is our first time with HOD. Should I switch to Preparing or struggle through? I am not concerned with any sort of grade level for her but want to choose what is best for her. Any thoughts??
Sharyn Kelly

We are getting ready to start both Preparing and CTC. Preparing is great preparation for CTC and it is less independent. I think a olt of it depends on if that is an option for you cost wise etc. I feel confident we are sticking with HOD so if I were to find my dd was not ready for CTC when we start I would move her back to Preparing and know we would used CTC next year. But if cost is a factor another option may be to try to move her at half pace to begin with until she is more comfortable with the thinking and the workload. I would also really take a look at the placement chart again and see what program does she really seem to fit best in right now and let that help guide my decision. I know you will get some other great responses just wanted to share how I would think about it.

Thank you for your thoughts. Money is a concern but I could buy along and along instead of one big chunk and the younger one can use it later. She seems a little overwhelmed by the research and writing demands. This was a little jump for her but I think she is ready. I believe I will take it slow for another 2-3 weeks and see if she adjusts. If not, back to Preparing. She really is on par with a fourth grader in most ways- different and slower learning style- but she really wants to try her grade level. I keep telling her there really is no grade level... But she has friends who inform her differently. Her brother was the same but had no clue that we were doing anything differently until his last year at home. I love guys! But girls are acutely aware of what is going on around them. Maybe they discuss more.
Blessings,
Sharyn

shaybird wrote: She really is on par with a fourth grader in most ways- different and slower learning style- but she really wants to try her grade level. I keep telling her there really is no grade level... But she has friends who inform her differently.

My 5th graders will be using Preparing and I believe it will be perfect for them. One of my fifth graders is reading delayed (has cerebral palsy) and she will be using the lower readers I am thinking she can handle those with some help, my other two will be using the upper level extension pack for history. My 7th grader will be using CTC and I beleive it will be perfect for her. So there is a lot of give within the guides. I also have two below so every guide we buy will be used really now three times. I am so set with HOD for our hs that I love having it knowing the others will use it.

I want to share with you that I was so dense I did not get this but if you look at the samples in the guides you can compare them easily in terms of independence because of the I which is for independent S for semi independent and T for together. It is so obvious but when I first looked I did not get that. If you open two windows and compare I think that will give you a good idea of how one leads to the other.

They are both wonderful programs but placement is key to really having HOD flow well for you. I know you will get other great advice from the ladies here as well. Praying for your decision.

I would not hesitate one bit to drop back a level. I did this just a few weeks ago with my son - he was doing Beyond and I felt it was a bit much for him. He dropped back to Little Hearts and the fit is WONDERFUL, perfect! *I* loved Beyond...and I can't wait to get back to it next year, but he needs this year with more fun and play before he is ready to tackle the harder work. I don't regret the decision for a second...I bet you won't either!

ETA: If cost is an issue, going half speed could work for you too. Like the pp said, I would take another look at the S&S and placement charts and see where she really *fits* best. My older ds fit best in Preparing, but with extensions and me making the work in Bigger more independent for him, he fits just fine there too. If we were to have done CTC, he would be LOST. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it would have just been TOO MUCh for him.