Using one program for several children

[wehoagies]

Hi!

I am new to HOD and this message board. After being frustrated and tired 1st semester with my "own" pieced-together American History curriculum, I borrowed Bigger Hearts from a friend who had done it the year before and we picked up in the middle, right where we left off (Revolutionary War). WE ARE LOVING IT! And my brain feels FREE (I am pregnant with my 7th, and my oldest is 9). So, I am looking forward to next year and trying to make a plan for how this all is going to work down the line. I have:
Boy, almost 10
girl, 9
girl, 7
boy, 5
boy, 3
girl, 1
due 6/26 w/a boy

I was thinking I could used Preparing for the oldest three next year (getting the extension pack for the oldest, a voracious reader). For the 7 year old, I would ease up on some of the writing. I thought the 5yo (and even 3 yo) could listen in on the read alouds and then I would do appropriate handwriting, phonics and little kid Bible with them. Actually, the 5yo has surprised me and joined in on the drawing portion of notebooking pages for science in Bigger Hearts, so maybe he'll join for more. I figured I could continue this way for the next 3 or 4 years and then figure out if I want to split to 2 programs.

The reason I wrote, is because I really want us all to be on the same history and science (and Bible) topics. It was one of my hesitations with starting to go with HOD in the first place, but I just can't resist the program. I see alot of people on the message board doing multiple HOD programs, though. Could I hear input from anyone who has made these curriculums work for their whole family (but then done the 3 R's at the appropriate level for youngers)? Any tips?

[Carrie]

wehoagies,

Welcome to the HOD Board! We're glad to have you here! I'll move your post over to the Main Board so that more moms can see it. All new posts begin on the Main Board.

Blessings,
Carrie