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Hi, I was just wondering what others thought about doing 2 units a week/ 2 days of work per day from Beyond too much for an 8 year old? I should also mention that I have a 5 1/2 year old too that I will be homeschooling with Little hearts. I've fallen so far behind with the curriculum with my 8 yr old; probably lack of discipline and trouble balancing everything as my biggest struggles. I was advised to stop HOD and just stick with those all in one curriculum books to catch my son up; he's 3rd grade and will have to take the standardized test this year. But I have not started second grade work with him yet. I was told that you can complete those all in one curriculum grade books in 6 months or less. I feel so confused and also desperate to make this work. I so did not want to discontinue HOD, but if I don't figure out a solution, I'm afraid I will have to put him back in school and discontinue homeschooling. I think fallen THIS far behind is doing a disservice to him. I don't want to overload my son or bombard him, but doing 2 units a week would mean that I get through the whole book/year in 4 months instead of eight months. I don't see any other way to catch him up. Any thought/suggestions? Thanks in advance!

It's so different in TX kids often start first grade at 7 here. So 8 for a 3rd grader is quiet young. Can't you just say he's in second grade again and not stress about it. He is only 8, if 2nd grade is his placement, he should be 2nd grade.

Also the standardize tests. can you just get work books and sample/old tests, to supplement the HOD. I did notice when I placed my dd1 in ps (long story) she failed those tests because she had no test taking skills. So she stayed in 3rd grade a while. (She has lots of other stuff going on). 50% of standardized test taking is learning how to spot important information and knowing how to read the questions.

Is the test in all subjects or does he just have to pass Math and Reading? Don't forget to have realistic expectations. If needed I would run the program at speed but tudor him in the subjects you feel he is weakest on.

My DD2 and I doubled up beyond last year for 2 weeks (her choice) to finish early, we could do it but not much else... and I'm not sure how much she retained. that old adage slow but steady wins the race really applies.

Beyond is written for 6-8 yo children, so your child falls within those recommendations. It isn't necessarily a "second grade" curriculum. It's fine if that is what you are using for 3rd grade. If you feel the need to go up a level in the language arts and math areas, you could do so - or just double up in those areas with the material you were using. I don't think I would double up the history, science, poetry, and Bible areas. In my mind, that would be too much and unnecessary. Beyond is a perfectly good program for his age. I would just enjoy it. If he's interested in certain areas you are studying, you could always hit the library and get some more books on that subject.

As far as standardized testing goes, may I just suggest - "who cares?" ! Personally, I see no need for a home schooled child to take them since they are used by the districts to determine the school's ability to educate the children. Let him take the test when it comes due, but don't stress about the results, especially if you know that you haven't covered that topic yet. HOD is a wonderfully full, rich program that covers all the bases plus much more. I would go back to HOD, adjust the materials for Lang. arts and math to his ability and do the rest as is. I think kids do better with the programs when they are on the upper range of ages anyway.

Take a big breath and enjoy the process!
Laura

@ Laura,
I think part of her stress is the tests are mandatory and if he doesn't preform well the district can pull her child back into school. For example: In NY (papa superintendent) the superintendent is responsible for overseeing all the homeschools in his district. If the kids fail to perform my Dad did pull them back into PS and gives a lot of hoopla about doing a disservice to the child etc. Papa once quoted that 50% of those kids he was supervising lost a grade when he forced them back into school. But when I made him detail the "sample group" It was only 7 kids!! 4 of (whom were boys) all in one family (who was going though a messy divorce), and the math score is what caused them to drop the grade... Dad got the Annoyed LOOK from ME!! And he stopped talking... lies mumble mumble and statistics. Also Dad didn't force the kids of parents that were actually trying. Just those who were obviously not teaching AKA the case of the divorcing parents using kids as pawn...

So I think she has some reasonable worry but I agree with you, focusing on core subjects rather than the whole program is a better way to go.

If it were me, I would continue on with the guide as written and add in a practice test guide, like the Spectrum guide. That way you could fully enjoy the benefits of Beyond and get the most out of it, but still prepare for the test that you are required to take and do well on. You might find too that once you go through a practice test, that your ds isn't as far behind as you fear. If you do find that he is more at a second grade level instead of third, is it possible for you to declare him as second grade instead of third?

Sorry, didn't mean to make too light of standardized testing, but it seemed like the op feels very stressed by the "looming" test. I guess, in theory, that scenario could happen, but it is EXTREMELY rare and there are many procedures that must be gone through in order for that result. Of course that all depends on the state. I know in PA that has happened in maybe 1-2% of the cases and, as I understand it, these were cases that showed a severe lack of education at any level. Anyway, thanks for bringing that to light, and sorry if I was too flippant.
Laura

I would have to agree with those who suggested to go through the guide at a normal speed and just playing catch up in Math and Reading. It seems that Math and Reading are the only scores that can be standardized since schools within the same state could be teaching a different sequence for subjects like history or science. By doing the guide as written for most subjects, you could have the extra time needed in your day to focus on the skill related subjects.

I have just started HOD and today we finished our 2nd week of Beyond. I personally would not want to do 2 days every single day. My ds is where he should be academically. His results from the standardized test this past year were in the top 1/4 percentile. I say that to say that my ds is 8 (just turned 8 in June), in third grade and we are using Beyond. You can see in my sig line that I'm adapting it some. He is doing Math on his grade level, I'm adding R and S English 2 (not 3), and I'm upping the Science (which Carrie and Julie suggested). In about a month I will be adding in DITHOR. I in no way think my ds will be behind and this is so far working out to be our best and least stressful homeschool year.

My advice, just do Beyond as written making sure your ds is working on grade level in Math and adding in R and S English 2 and up the science. For Science I'd use something that is very simple for you. Go ahead and get something like A.C.E.'s science where your ds can work on it by himself while you work with your other dc. You could eventually add DITHOR. HTH.

Have you ever tested your son before? If not, I highly recommend giving him the Stanford or IOWA test now and seeing how he does. Honestly, you would be amazed at how ridiculously simplistic the standardized tests can be for homeschooled kids. My oldest son tested on a 10th grade level using 5th grade curriculum last year and my younger son scored as high as 4th grade in some areas using 1st grade homeschool curriculum. Those standardized tests are not nearly as hard as you might think.

My son is using Beyond for 1st grade (7 in October) and i am using LHFHG with my 5.5 yr old.
we have a tagalong too. while the programs themselves aren't long, sometimes it feels like all day for school b/c it gets broken up b/c of events, or jsut plain happenings around the house and the 2.5 yr old needing attention too.
Maybe he could handle the work, but i would say there might not be room for much else in a day and it might be hard if you had an appt. or co-op or any other extracurricular activity.

Jenn D.

Testing is not required in my state, but I used to live in a state with mandatory testing. My two older kids always did fine, no matter how I felt I had done that year in teaching them. The homeschool environment, in my opinion, just lends to better retention and real learning. I am sure I also read on this board some testimonials from moms using HOD as written, that said their kids all did very well on standardized tests, and some made marked improvements, just from using HOD as is. HOD's curricula are deceptively simple, but hands down are the most effective I have seen in over 10 years of homeschooling at inspiring a love of learning and consistent improvement of skills in a natural, relaxed way. So relax and enjoy Beyond And I definitely would not recommend doing two units a week.

Yes. Doing 2 units per week is too much, but Charika30 - I have very, very good news here - this is not "unfixable" my dear! It's okay. Please throw off that burden of stress and fear and take a deep breath - we'll all sort this out together with you (just like we've all needed others to help us do from time to time). Eight year olds (or any age of dc for that matter) can vary greatly. I can see that just thinking of my own 3 sons! "Beyond..." is actually written for 6-8 yo's, so let's talk for a bit here without you feeling weighed down by placement please. Could you tell me first how much and what of Beyond you have done, if any? No judgment here - just trying to figure out where to go from here. Then, also, could you please share a bit about your ds - is he reading and if so, what? Is he writing, and if so how well and how much? How about math - what has he done thus far? If you share just a bit about ds here, we'll make a great plan with you for him for this year. I know standardized testing can be stressful, but it is not the only indicator of academic success nor the only means by which to achieve it. Cramming for it doesn't really help all that much. Instead, whatever reading and writing gains ds can make progressively, as well as general skills that can be learned and are already taught well in Beyond, will make the bigger difference than doubling up, cramming, or test prepping a ton can. I know it can be tough to answer these questions, but your answers will help us better help you with advice tailored just to your ds. Much better than just blanket advice we'd give to anybody and everybody with no fine tuning applied! I will keep checking back here, and we can all dialogue about it here together until you have a plan in place you are excited about! You CAN do this, and you have not ruined your chances at homeschooling. You've just done a good job of reflecting and realized a change is needed! We can help with that, and HOD makes this easy for us to do.

In Christ,
Julie

Hi everyone!

My internet was out for a few days so I'm sorry for the late reply! First of all, I want to thank everyone who responded! Your replies brought tears to my eyes and certainly have helped already tremendously in helping me to take that deep breath and relieve some of this stress and worry.

@Tansy, I do agree that doing workbooks to help prepare for the tests are important. The only problem is I have been doing workbooks with him and it takes us hours to get through a few subjects(math, english, reading, writing and spelling) (1 or 2 lessons per subject). I just don't know how I can do that and HOD. And not to mention that those hours don't include time invested with my daughter who by the way should be beginning 1st grade and is still doing kindergarden work. The last few days I haven't had much time with her because after my son and just the basic other things that need to get done, I've been so tired.

A few of you suggested registering him again as second grade. Honestly, I would truly LOVE to do that. It would be such a burden lifted. But I was encouraged by a few others, including a very experienced homeschool mom in my district not to do that out of fear that it would cause eyebrows to raise, a flag to go up in the board of ED as to why I'd be holding him back. Last years quarterly reports were all satisfactory, so I do believe they would question why I'd be repeating the grade.

Laura, your suggestions were very good! I honestly though beyond was only for first and second grade, but doubling up on the history and bible would be A LOT. I can also see how it would be unnecessary.

@ Tree house Academy- No I've never tested him and that is an excellent idea! It really would help to know for sure where he's at. Thank you!

Blessedmomof4, Jenn D and John's mom thank you so much for your wonderful encouragement and suggestions. It sounds like all who replied are pretty much on the same page and I do agree with all of you. One of the biggest burdens relieved for me is realizing that I do not have to double up the complete HOD beyond curriculum. Just doing one day's work takes hours for me with two kids using different guides...

Julie- Again, I can't thank each of you enough for taking the time out to really address and respond to my concerns. One of the things i have felt to burdened and guilty about is that I have not gotten around to do much of any of the work I reported doing last year on his quarterly reports. It was suggested to me to send in the reports knowing that I would catch up to the work I was stating I had already done with my son, but I truly thought I'd be so much more caught up by now. I'm sure you can understand the thought that I've, in essence, lied to the homeschool board about what I've actually done with my child is quite unsettling, to say the least. But to answer your questions: Let's see, I have done the first 2 or 3 units only of Beyond. My biggest concern is that my son is technically third grade and I still have not finished the first grade singapore math (and spelling) with him- I think we are up to unit 26 in that. I just don't know how I allowed us to fall THIS far behind, honestly. But, I have begun some second grade math with him from other workbooks.Yes, my son is reading, I think pretty much books for his grade level with the occasional need for help and perhaps not as fast or flowing as he should be, but reading nevertheless. We are trying to go through the emergent book schedule, so pretty much the assigned books from that, but we haven't gotten very far. lastly, yes he is writing (but not cursive yet). His handwriting can be neater (and nicer I think ), but it is legible. I think that answers all of your questions. PLEASE don't hesitate to continue asking more questions if needed. Coming up with a plan to resolve all of this and one i can be excited about sounds absolutely wonderful!!!!!

I don't know how to advise you on the math, except to say that doing 2nd grade in other workbooks may be comparable to late 1st in Singapore. If I understand correctly, Singapore is advanced, so I would think if you were doing 2nd grade Singapore, you would be okay. My dd is in 1st and she is doing Earlybird K Singapore, because there are many skills there that she didn't have in school during K. She will get into the 1A book before the end of the year, but next year in 2nd, she will be doing some Primary Math 1. Also, I wanted to point out that the grade level in Math should not be an issue as long as you can prove your ds is progressing. There are many dc in remedial classes in the ps that aren't working on grade level.

What caught my attention is that you said you were using workbooks for 5 different subjects. If you use Beyond, as is, you shouldn't need workbooks in that many areas. Spelling and writing are included in Beyond and if your ds is doing the emerging readers, that takes care of reading. So, other than Math and maybe English, you don't need all those extra workbooks. The key is to do a little practice testing, just so your ds knows what to expect. That does not need to be on a regular basis and it can be done with Math and maybe an English workbook. If you do use a workbook, do only one lesson. If you cram too much, he won't remember it all anyway. That's why HOD has been so great for my dd - short lessons. Too much information at one time frustrates and confuses her.

I agree that the tests are not that difficult. My dd21 worked well below 'grade level' when she homeschooled, but I was surprised by how high her test score were. So, don't be anxious about that.

I'm not sure what is required on your reports, but if you hand in some objectives at the beginning of the year, be very general if possible. That is the advice I was given here in PA. You shouldn't have to go into a lot of detail in each subject. That way you won't feel pressure to get so much done through the year. For example, in using Beyond, you should be able to give a brief summary of what is included in the guide and that should be enough for those subjects. Then you can relax and just concentrate on Beyond. I will have to report next year since dd will be 8 and that is what I plan to do for my objectives. All I will need to add is safety and maybe PE. HTH

Thank you so much, Pam! This really does take such a huge load off. More and more I am feeling more confident about the standardized testing. I was also instructed to get a 3rd grade prep book for myself just so that I can see what will be on there and realize that it's not as difficult as I may have thought. At the same time, recognizing that my son probably knows a lot more then I realize. I def will do that! My reports do tend to be pretty detailed. If the IHIP (the beginning of school year report) is brief and general, I do wonder if the 4 quarterly reports throughout the year need to be more detailed...

I am going to go back to HOD next week. Doing these workbooks have taken the fun out of homeschooling for my son. It takes us hours to get through the lessons each day and he DREADS school time. It saddens me because I really want home school to be something we all love and look forward to. And all that's experienced currently is frustration and stress. I have so many 2nd grade all in one curriculum books. I think I need to just give them away. it confuses me to look at them every day. I keep feeling like there is something in them that my son needs and that I need to do more and more. Thanks for reminding me that too much information is just not good!

I will be reading all of your posts again. There has been so much good advice that's been given and again I do thank you all!

God bless you,
Charika