Thanks so much for sharing about your dd and ds, and for patiently answering all of my questions!

I think your ds can move into RTR for sure. That seems like the right placement for him, and with him being in 6th grade, that will set him up beautifully to do the the first HOD high school guide, World Geography, for 9th grade. A few things you'd mentioned about your ds sparked a memory of mine about my oldest ds, Wyatt. He was (and remains) a very good student. As my oldest, and our first to be homeschooled, I wanted to make sure he was working at an 'optimal challenge level' all of the time. If he finished something early (early on in homeschooling), I'd add more to his plate. One day he lagged finishing his work, and when I asked why, he told me, "Why would I want to finish? You just give me more work." It made me want to cry because I knew that was true. That changed my approach. Instead of adding more, fast forwarding, pushing him, I just did what was in the guide, and I did not expect more than Carrie suggested in the plans. He was so happy!

He went back to really enjoying school again, and to finishing earlier to go on to explore his own interests (or just get outdoors and enjoy God's creation).

Maybe I'm totally off base here, but with your ds doing Saxon 8/7, full-speed R & S 5 doing 6 next year, extra book reports for DITHOR, extensions though he's on the young side for them - words like "pushed through" and "struggled", etc. take me back to the feeling both Wyatt and I had that was stealing our joy. Again, if I'm just reliving my past, just forget I mentioned it, but if there is some connection between what you and your ds have going on right now and what me and my ds had going on years back, I'd just say I'd love for you to just breathe... to get to fully enjoying your homeschooling year with your ds by giving him a load that fits his age and also his capabilities without putting too much on his plate. It has made my relationship as 'teacher' with my ds a blessing, with an easier rapport, and it has also impacted how he views me as his 'mother.' RTR without extensions, DITHOR as is, a portion of R & S English, math slowed down - all of that may be just the breath of fresh air the two of you would love!

Just disregard all of this part if it does not apply.
Now for dd.

You'd mentioned what she is struggling with - thank you so much for sharing! The history side of the plans that she is struggling with could be her just needing to grow into those areas. I know both of our sons had a growing period at the start of CTC. But, the right side of the plans - math, grammar, dictation, DITHOR - those are areas we want her to be pretty accurately placed right from the beginning of the school year. You'd mentioned this in your first post (I'm putting this here for me to refer to more than you

)...
*reading -- completed 2nd half of emergering, level 2 & level 3 pack, now starting level 4/5.
*math -- finishing up 3b, still struggling with multiplication facts 3-5, unable to do 6-9.
*grammer -- completed R&S level 2 & 3, currently doing level 4. Its difficult for her but she's making it.
*How is level 4/5 going for her in DITHOR? Would 2/3 (at least in the Student Book be a better fit - it was for my middle ds)?
*In math, my 11 yo is doing 4B, and I think it's tough enough. My oldest moved from 6B into 1 semester of DM 7A, and then right into high school level Algebra 1 (with honors) Foerster's Math as a 9th grader. No need to rush, I guess is what I'm saying. Singapore math is advanced!!! Maybe you could look at math placement with fresh eyes and give her the free placement test at
http://www.singaporemath.com? Or, maybe you just know as her mom which level she really places well in anyway. Either way, could you share what math level you think she places best at?
*R & S 4 Grammar IS tough. She's fairly young to be doing it. But, what is most difficult about it for her? Would 3 be a better placement when considering placement with fresh eyes?
No matter what - I'd not do full-speed CTC with her. I'll narrow the options down to half-speed CTC or BHFHG at least (IMHO), if that helps in anyway.

I don't want dd to struggle or have a difficult time with her school - I want her to be soaring!!!

Thanks so much for your patience here - this is so important - an entire year of your life and their life - I want it to be wonderful!

Placement makes that big of a difference... so worth the time.
In Christ,
Julie