Combining

[Karlyn]

I have four boys who are very close in age (the last two are twins). When we begin our new school year in September, my youngest two will be 4.5, my middle will be 5.5, and my oldest will be 7 years old. My youngest two (the twins) are really doing well with learning their letters, numbers, colors, etc. I'm working with them on fine motor skills...a work in progress. I'm really thinking about combining all four of them in Little Hearts for His Glory, and doing the kindergarten level for the twins, the 1st grade level for my middle guy (he's advanced and already reading), and 2nd grade science, reading, writing & math skills for my oldest guy, who is an average learner, but certainly not as ambitious as his little brother. Does this make sense? It would be great to have all of my little boys learning the same Bible, history, and science at the same time. I can always water it down a little for the younger ones, and beef it up for my older one if needed, right? Thanks for your thoughts on this matter...I really appreciate any advice.

[StephanieU]

The problem will be the vocabulary and maturity needed for some of the books in LHFHG. The first 18-19 units are Bible history, and that will probably be fine for even a 4yo (my now 5yo liked listening in last year). But, the storytime, devotional, and later history book have a comprehension level above what most 4.5yos can handle. My daughter was 5.5 and doing 1st grade work when we started LHFHG last year. It was a struggle in the beginning with the storytime. The devotional overall she could handle thanks to church and AWANA, but even with that heavy Bible background, the topics were almost too mature for her a few times. And then the History Stories for Children is geared more to the 6-7yo age range. So although in some areas you might be able to combine, it might prove to be more work to do one curriculum for four children.

If you were to look at the placement chart just for the 7yo, where would he place? Would he place in LHFHG or Beyond (or even Bigger)? Do you think your boys will all be happy combined? I know with only two sharing a guide, it is hard to give them each chances to answer questions and evaluate how much they understand. Since most of it is oral at this age, once one child answers, there isn't much for the next child to say. So, it is sometimes easier doing more than one guide.

[Karlyn]

Thanks for giving me something to consider...I'll read more about it, and talk to my hubby about what he wants to do. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question.

[Jennymommy]

Hi Karlyn, I'm wondering if you are also looking to keep them combined throughout? As you are thinking about how to plan for next year, keep in mind the fact that the older child will likely have a great deal more maturity than the younger, and that is going to affect his schooling in the years ahead. You may end up having to skip a guide or guides or else having to put a lot of effort into tweaking a guide to accommodate him. It may be easier in the long run to use the guides as written for each child's level.

[Karlyn]

Thanks for the thoughts...I'm still deciding what to do. I have until September to make up my mind, so lots to think about!