Catching Up

[emnsam]

Hi. I bought Preparing to use with my daughter last year for fifth grade and we didn't get very far because life got busy and we ended up using a work text curriculum. We really want to use Heart of Dakota this year for 6th grade. I'm trying to decide if we should go ahead and use Preparing or if we should do CTC. I'm worried about being on track for high school. I feel like we are behind and would like to get some ideas of things we could do to catch up. My daughter could do the work in either guide. Thanks.

[Gwenny]

The best thing to do is to put her in the guide that she best fits. When you say that she could do the work in either one, does that mean that you have checked the placement chart and she places in CtC? If so, you should go with that one. If she places in CtC then the work in Preparing will be too simple and that would put you "behind" when she could handle more of a challenge. You will both be happier if she is placed in the appropriate guide. It is a bummer to have to buy more curriculum when the other is "used" yet, but it would be worse to use it when it's not right. With that said, if she doesn't place in CtC on the placement chart, go ahead and finish your Preparing!
My daughter in 7th is using RtR and she is "on track" for high school because that is where she places.

[LynnH]

I agree with Nancy that you should look with fresh eyes at the placement chart. If she can handle the level of reading of the history spine in CTC and is capable of working towards writing a paragraph written narration then I would go with CTC. Also think about how she works independently as there are more independent boxes in CTC than in Preparing.

[StephanieU]

Also remember that although HOD has guides that a labeled "high school," RtR-MtMM can easily be modified for high school credit. The history in them is definitely enough for high school credit.

[emnsam]

Thank you all for your help.