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I have a 1st grader that is using Abeka and seems like she is not quite ready for some of the things we are doing but we are getting through it. Then I have a 4th grader who seems to be more mature in some areas like science and history and reading and more on target with math and grammer. I am a busy mom and work from 1 to 9pm on Mon. and Tues. and Wed. morning from 9am to 12pm. I do a co-op on Thurs. that I leave at 12 noon for. As I looked at the program I really felt as though I should do two different age groups but I just don't know if Iwill Have time. My son is a little tired of Am. histrory. What would you suggest? Thanks, Tracey Spruell

hello tracey!

i have a 1st and 5th grader. we are using beyond and preparing and absolutely love them. it sounds like this combination would work really well for your family. beyond is full of american history, but preparing is world history. they are both fascinating. not sure which child is tired of american history, but maybe this combo would work, especially if your oldest is mature and independent.

you could also work through the guide as you can. you don't have to feel the pressure to finish in the traditional school year. the women here are so wise. i have been so blessed by them! you're in the right place for advice.

blessings!

kelli

Hello, Tracy! I will be teaching a 2nd grader and a 5th grader next year, too, (if the Lord continues to lead)! My plan (right now) is that my 2nd grader will be in Beyond and my 5th grader will be in Preparing. My 2nd grader is a bright little guy and could probably do Bigger, but I'm planning on giving myself a little break and not teaching a guide back to back.(This year I'm teaching 4th with Bigger) I know that Preparing is supposed to be more independent and I'm counting on that to give me some time for my 2nd grader in scheduling my time with my dc. Preparing also gives the overview of World history so we are pretty jazzed about that, too! I see that you have a busy week with your work schedule and so maybe others can chime in and help you with some ideas on scheduling and ways to make that work with teaching 2 guides. As far as what you will teach, it really will depend on the placement for your dc! Have you looked at the placement chart? If you could look and see where they seem to fit then pop back in and let us know and maybe we could help you with some ideas for a good fit for you and your dc! The ladies on here are so good at giving advice!

Hi Tracey, and welcome to the HOD Board! Thanks for sharing about your life, as that helps so much when we begin talking placement. I'd love for you to check out the placement chart, and share a little bit about your dc in regard to the first page of the chart especially. The placement chart is easy to use and pretty accurate, so here's a link to that:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

We did PHFHG and Beyond last year and enjoyed that combo very much. I too like the year between teaching guides, and work part-time. I think you can make this work, and I will definitely chime in to talk through some practical ideas for making this work for your life after you share anything you think would help us help you better from the placement chart. HOD is an incredible blessing in our home. We enjoy doing multiple programs, and love our life to boot - so I do think HOD would work out well for you!

In Christ,
Julie

I only have a 4 year old so can't answer your question about guides, but I did want to pop in and say welcome to the boards! I'm sure the other ladies will be able to help you figure out what guides will be best for your kiddos.

Tracey,

We'd love to talk through some options with you, if you get a chance to pop back in and let us know where your kiddos fall on the first page of the placement chart (linked above) only. That will give us all some common ground from which to advise you.

Blessings,
Carrie