Doing Bigger while adding Dictation from Preparing. . .Help!

[davisfam7]

My boys that are going to use HOD are currently 8 (9 in July) and 10 (11 end of Nov.). I have gone back and forth between Bigger and Preparing and think I finally have it figured out. Could someone with a little more experience tell me if this sounds right?

Starting in June:
Jack 8 will do Bigger as written with R&S 2, we tried Singapore Math a few years ago and it was not a good fit for us, so we will be continuing the math program that is working great.

Alec 10 will do Bigger with the Extensions, R&S 3 (as this is his first formal intro to grammar, he may do it at a quicker pace, or he may not ) , Dictation level 3 from Preparing guide, and the math we are already doing.

I plan on going straight into Preparing (around Feb. or March) and doing it 5 days a week so that my 10 year old won't miss out on anything

Jack 9 will do Preparing with R&S 3 and Level 2 or 3 Dictation depending on where we are at after Bigger

Alec 11 will do Preparing with R&S 4 and level 4 Dictation and the Extensions.

My youngest places in Bigger, and my 10 yo could do Preparing right now, but I also have Olivia 12 (13 in June), and Ryan 14(15 on May 15th), so I know that doing two different guides would be a big stretch for me. I am however, keeping an open mind about all of this, in the event that I can execute this easier than I am imagining. (also know that I am still waiting for Box Day, so once i can get my hands on things, it should help) Combining has it's sanity saving aspects, but I also want to meet my kids where they are at. Is it selfish of me to hope I can meet them with the same guide Thanks in advanced for your input and advice ladies!!

Blessings,
Sarah

Mom to:
Taylor 19 yo dd
Ryan 14 yo ds
Olivia 12 yo dd
Alec 10 yo ds
Jack 8 yo ds

[Kathleen]

Sarah,

I think it sounds like you've got a great plan going! The way Carrie has written the guides really does make it so that you can combine kids well like you're planning. Your younger one won't be left behind, and your older one will be appropriately challenged using the extensions provided. We started with Bigger when we came to HOD with my oldest. He LOVED it! Enjoy!

Kathleen

[davisfam7]

Thanks Kathleen! I guess I just needed a little encouragement since I am a HOD newbie. I am feeling very blessed to have been led to thei curriculum, and the forum boards are wonderful. There is such a wealth of information here! I appreciate your taking the time to respond, have a blessed day!

Sarah

Mom to:
Taylor 19
Ryan 14
Olivia 12
Alec 10
Jack 8

[deltagal]

It looks great to me, as well. Bigger and Preparing can be very teacher intensive, so I think your desire and plan to combine them is a good one, especially since they are so close in age. The day may come when the older of the 2 needs to move forward, but for the time being, considering their ages what you are doing is GREAT! Also, keep in mind that the level of dictation may vary as they progress. It may take one a little longer to move through a level and the other may jet ahead. Enjoy!

[KeriJ]

That is exactly my plan for the year after next when I will have a 2nd and 4th grader. We will be combining 1st and 3rd in Beyond in the fall of this year.

[my3sons]

I love your plan! I think it takes into account each of these dc's needs very well. Your LA choices sound right on track to me too. I am glad your dc will get to do Bigger Hearts. It is such a neat guide - such an amazing way to teach our dc about the men and women that sacrificed so much to make our country great. I believe my dc are patriotic because they feel they really know the people who made this country the incredible place it is. Skillwise, "Bigger Hearts" is an important year as well. I always look at "Bigger Hearts" as an important teaching year for me. It is the guide I teach so many excellent skills in, and it is the guide that acts as a springboard for future independence. Each guide after Bigger Hearts moves dc toward more independence, as they are growing and maturing and are needing that. The teaching in Bigger Hearts makes that successful. HTH, and enjoy your year with Bigger Hearts!

In Christ,
Julie

[davisfam7]

Julie,
Thanks for answering both of my posts, I know you guys are busy with schooling your own children and Conventions. It means a lot that you take the time to check in on the boards! Thanks for the encouragement. I am feeling good about these plans. I can't wait to get started, I think this is just what we need in our homeschool! It's like I have been missing something in our schooling for so long, but until I found HOD I wans't quite sure what it was! Eagerly waiting to get started!

Blessings,
Sarah