Age limits when combining

[Tiffini]

I am curious what the age spread is for most of you who combine. I currently combine my three, but am considering separating them next year - twins (4th grade) and dd (6th grade). They are two grades apart, but 2-1/2 yrs. apart in age. I think that is probably that really gray area when it could go either way. I think three grades separation is too far to combine in general. And if they were 1-1/2 to 2 yrs apart, that would also be easier. In looking at the Placement chart, my oldest fits perfectly into the Ancients program. The twins fit perfectly into the Preparing program. I am reluctant to separate them, but would you give more weight to where they fit on the chart and really getting to the heart of where they are academically and emotionally or to the desire to keep them together? I am interested to hear from others who have a similar age spread and their experiences going both ways with this issue. I know this is coming up a lot right now. I know no one can tell me exactly what to do - although I sometimes wish they could! Just wanting to hear how you did it - what you regretted or what you were happy about, etc, with that type of an age spread. Thanks!

[8arrows]

Tiffini, I would not want to separate if it was only by a manual. My reason for considering separating is having a 2nd, 3rd, and a 6th grader. Also the sixth grader has been through a complete 4 year history cycle and has read many of the books in Bigger and Preparing. That may or may not be helpful to you (smile).

[Carrie]

Tiffini,

Another thing to consider when weighing the combining/separating issue is whether you'll want to be repeating the same guide 2 years in a row (teaching-wise), even though it would be with different kiddos. I find it really helps to have a year off from a guide, and then I'm ready to go back to teach it again with renewed vigor. For example, if you had your kiddos in Preparing and the Ancients next year, then you'd have to do the Ancients again the next year with no break in between.

Anyway, just some food for thought.

Blessings,
Carrie

[Tiffini]

Carrie and 8arrows, thank you. Carrie, that is something I was thinking about yesterday. I would not want to repeat a guide two years in a row. I really crave variety in my life!!

I have made a decision to keep the kids together next year as I had planned all along. God really blessed me yesterday. Each of my kids expressed a desire to continue to stay together for school. My ds actually got a little teary when talking about it. I feel so blessed that my three dc want to be together even though they are so different from each other. They have learned so much about tolerating each other's annoying things and loving and working together. Why would I want to ruin a good thing - especially when none of them want a change!! I'm so glad that God confirmed that for me.

Now, I can't wait to order my books for Preparing! I've had the manual since it came out and I can't wait to put it to use. Actually, I loaned it to a friend last week and I think she is now going to join us here!!

[Carrie]

Tiffini,

Isn't it wonderful when you can feel the Lord's leading. I find that it leads to a sense of peace, which is a wonderful blessing from above. I'm excited for your kiddos to do Preparing Hearts next year. We pray you'll enjoy it as deeply as we are now!

Thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Carrie

[gracelikerain]

Hi Tiffini!
I feel the same way you do. I am glad to see you are keeping them together. It just seems right in so many ways! My girls are together right now in Preparing. You are gonna LOVE it!! I have an 11 & 8 yr old. My 11dd is in 5th & my 8dd is in 2nd but at first I considered her 3rd. She has needed my help in Preparing so I knew I couldn't push her ahead next yr. I bought Bigger to use with her next year & although she was sad to separate from her sister she knows it will be best. They are 3 years apart & this year has been so wonderful & we have all enjoyed learning together. I am sad at having to separate them. So, it will be new for us as we do different programs....plus I have my son who will be 5 in April. I am using LHTH for him. We started it this year but I want to wait until next year to finish it.
sorry if I am all over the place....I am tired!

[my3sons]

Tiffini - I'm so glad that you came to a peaceful decision about combining. This is not the same for every family, and that's (IMHO), one of the amazing things about the way Carrie wrote the HOD guides. There is a flexibility there I've not found elsewhere. It's also what makes placement a steady topic of conversation, which is why this board and you ladies on it are like a ministry to each other and other homeschool moms seeking HOD. I know there can be a sense of relief with curriculums that are a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, where every 9 yo does exactly the same things and you get handed a box of materials that the next person in line gets handed for their 9 yo too; but, I've found that one-size-fits-all kind of concept in curriculums is much like that one-size-fits-all concept in clothing - NOT true! In fact, I just returned my one-size-fits-all pj's to Penney's because they were made for a smurf-sized person. Anyway, I'm glad you've found your HOD size, and it sounds like it will be a perfect fit!

In Christ,
Julie

[my3sons]

Hi Tiffini!
I feel the same way you do. I am glad to see you are keeping them together. It just seems right in so many ways! My girls are together right now in Preparing. You are gonna LOVE it!! I have an 11 & 8 yr old. My 11dd is in 5th & my 8dd is in 2nd but at first I considered her 3rd. She has needed my help in Preparing so I knew I couldn't push her ahead next yr. I bought Bigger to use with her next year & although she was sad to separate from her sister she knows it will be best. They are 3 years apart & this year has been so wonderful & we have all enjoyed learning together. I am sad at having to separate them. So, it will be new for us as we do different programs....plus I have my son who will be 5 in April. I am using LHTH for him. We started it this year but I want to wait until next year to finish it.
sorry if I am all over the place....I am tired!

Georgette - I'm sorry about this tugging at your heart and will be in prayer for you. I pray God makes this easier, and that things go smoothly. I do think you will be glad you got to do Bigger, it is a great program - but I really understand your feelings here. If it makes you feel any better, we've never combined and our dc are absolutely best friends and happy with their schooling. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[Tiffini]

Julie, thanks for your words. I'm with you on that one-size-fits all thing! And I do so appreciate the way HOD really works for any situation. I ordered some books last night and I'm so excited!

Georgette, you will be so glad to do Bigger with your dd. It is such an excellent and fun program. I know that God will provide that unity and closeness that you long for with your children regardless of their doing separate programs because I'm sure that you are praying for that and I know that God will honor those prayers. I pray that you will have many unexpected blessings that you never dreamed of by changing things up next year. God is so good.

[8arrows]

Julie--Being 7 weeks from giving birth, you just have to know how much this comment cracked me up:

In fact, I just returned my one-size-fits-all pj's to Penney's because they were made for a smurf-sized person.

(Well, at least my legs could look like a smurf with all those v. veins!)