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Is there a thread that lays out the R&S progression through the guides? It seems to me that there could be a couple of different scenarios depending upon when a child begins HOD. MY DS 8.5 will be using Bigger sometime between now and the fall (haven't decided a start date yet . . .we're treading water right now though we have everything we need to begin ). Initially I thought I'd place him in English 2 as scheduled but the more I look at it the more I think I'd rather put him in English 3 which is "on grade level".

Anyhow, I would like to see how R&S plays out over the years as I know it slows down to half speed in later years to open up the schedule for writing. I know I saw a thread like this somewhere but I can't find it. I'll keep searching though. Usually, if I post a question and then keep searching I'll find it! I will consider keeping him in 2 if it would not catch up to him later on. I don't want to get to the later years with HOD and find out that I need to do more grammar than if I'd gone ahead and placed him in 3 for 3rd grade.

Hope that makes sense!

Well, true to form I've found the answer here viewtopic.php?p=16647#p16647

Hee hee! It never fails! I just need to post a question and THEN I'll find the answer!

The goal is to finish level 6 by end of 8th grade.
So if your ds did level 2 with BHFHG in 3rd, it would look like this (I'm thinking CTC foes half pace and then full pace after that...someone correct me if I'm wrong!)

Grade/guide/R&S
3/BHFHG/2
4/PHFHG/3
5/CTC/half 4
6/RtR/finish 4
7/RevtoRev/5
8/new guide/6

Has he had grammar before? Have you looked and http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com to see sample pages and contents? I think you could put him in 3 if he's ready for it. That way, if RevtoRev and new guide are also half pace, he would still finish book 6 by end of grade 8. Or start him in 2 I'd he places there of course, but possibly set yourself up to still finish 6 by 8th by adding a few lessons over part of the summer each year. Nothing big or stressful. Just thinking outloud from a tired mama after a long day. No matter what, you can only do what he's ready for so place him where he needs to he and you'll be fine!

ETA: I see you found the answer! Yay!

Thank you for sharing that link. I found it very helpful in preparing for my HOD future. When I read the reasons behind something Carrie has chosen, I get goosebumps and think, "oh yes, this is for me, too." Such solid reasoning.

Yes, yes Mom2Monkeys!! You are right! I just worked it out on paper and I see no reason to be rushing him through Level 2 just to be on grade level in R&S 3. I can just let it be and use 2 with Bigger. I'm so glad. I really do not like to rush through stuff and I also don't like thinking we are behind!!!!!!!!!

I feel so bad about this but thankfully we're only a few lessons in and he's only done a wee bit of writing. I'll just save the writing he has done and paste it into a new composition book for him!

What does a child do if they get to R&S 2 in second grade (studying Bigger that year)? I'll have a child that will do that. Would I then slow her grammar down twice? Taking two levels over four years? It would help to understand how that works as well for my "peace of mind" and clarity in planning.

I wouldn't worry about the child getting to R&S 2 in BHFHG in 2nd grade. You may find it works out perfectly if you happen to need to slow down the guide for whatever reason. As you probably know, BHFHG is a big step up from Beyond, and it may be a good idea to slow it down for some kids, especially one on the younger end of the age range. So, R&S may just fall into place that way At least that gives you some breathing room! Life happens!

Just want to add my .02 re: R&S grammar levels. I wouldn't in any way be concerned about a child getting through them any faster than Carrie has scheduled. My oldest did R&S English levels 6-8 for high school. He was what I considered behind in his skills going into R&S. After finishing 6-8 he's easily where a graduating senior needs to be. All that to say, even if level 6 didn't get completed until after 8th I think the student would have a good, solid foundation. So don't be overly concerned.

I am embarrassed to admit I was wrong ... and Carrie was right in finishing level 6 by 8th grade. I have a 6th grader and 7th grader doing R&S English 6 and it has gotten much more difficult. Now I am trying to slow down the progress. Both of my girls scored at least three years ahead in grammar and composition on their state standard tests. I WISH I was aware of and used Carrie's recommendation for Rod & Staff earlier. I am learning the hard way that it is not always best to be ahead. I truly feel Rod & Staff English in the 5th - 8th grade is far ahead. I just wanted to share from my experience with Rod & Staff. I LOVE using Rod & Staff, but I do feel I need to slow it down now!

Thanks for so much input here! God is good in allowing me to work through my challenges, insecurities, inadequacies, etc. that are brought to the surface through home educating!!!!!!!! I shelved R&S 2 today and we'll pull it out when DS officially begins Bigger.