teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I keep finding myself drawn to HOD but I'm not sure how it would work for us logistically. I'll give the run-down on my childrens' ages and what we are doing now.
My oldest is 7 and is finishing up Rod & Staff 1st grade phonics and reading. She already finished the math and has started 2nd grade for that. We are waiting for singapore math 1A/1B to arrive and will supplement with that (she tested into 1B but I want her to skim over 1A with her younger brother to gain familiarity). She's a good reader.
My next child is 5 1/2 and is finishing up his K year. He started off using R&S ABC workbooks, but finished those way sooner than expected. So, he started R&S 1st grade math last summer. We tried to start the phonics and reading too but he just wasn't ready for it. He is now in ETC book 1and I'm still waiting for things to "click" (he can say the letter sounds but can't put them together and make the word yet).
Next I have a 4 year old. He's just now starting the R&S ABC workbooks and ETC Primers.
Then there's my 2 1/2 year old. I feel like I'm not doing enough with him. If nothing else, I am feeling like LHTH might be something I should get to do with him.
Last, there's the 6 month old. She is getting better at entertaining herself and taking naps, so I'm finally feeling like I can handle more than the bare minimum 3R's each day!
If I were to get LHTH, then my 2 and 4 year olds could do that together. Would I need to get both Bibles and devotionals, since one is recommended for 2-3 and one is rec for 4-5? Or just pick one? (which one?)
Then there's the oldest 2. They are only 19 months apart but have a HUGE gap in their reading ability. Are they even combinable in a HOD program?
OR: (just thought of this)- my 5 year old and 4 year old are only 16 months apart. Maybe my 4 year old will end up "getting" phonics/reading easier than my 5 year old, and at some point they will be combinable? Even if the 4 year old does LHTH this year with his little brother, maybe the following year he can jump up to wherever his big brother is...
Or is it even reasonable to consider combining all 3 of the oldest in the science/history stuff (and what program?).
Finally, one more question! I really want to do Apologia elementary science. Does anyone add that on to HOD without feeling like they are doing too much?
Thanks for any help you can give me!
Sharon
My oldest is 7 and is finishing up Rod & Staff 1st grade phonics and reading. She already finished the math and has started 2nd grade for that. We are waiting for singapore math 1A/1B to arrive and will supplement with that (she tested into 1B but I want her to skim over 1A with her younger brother to gain familiarity). She's a good reader.
My next child is 5 1/2 and is finishing up his K year. He started off using R&S ABC workbooks, but finished those way sooner than expected. So, he started R&S 1st grade math last summer. We tried to start the phonics and reading too but he just wasn't ready for it. He is now in ETC book 1and I'm still waiting for things to "click" (he can say the letter sounds but can't put them together and make the word yet).
Next I have a 4 year old. He's just now starting the R&S ABC workbooks and ETC Primers.
Then there's my 2 1/2 year old. I feel like I'm not doing enough with him. If nothing else, I am feeling like LHTH might be something I should get to do with him.
Last, there's the 6 month old. She is getting better at entertaining herself and taking naps, so I'm finally feeling like I can handle more than the bare minimum 3R's each day!
If I were to get LHTH, then my 2 and 4 year olds could do that together. Would I need to get both Bibles and devotionals, since one is recommended for 2-3 and one is rec for 4-5? Or just pick one? (which one?)
Then there's the oldest 2. They are only 19 months apart but have a HUGE gap in their reading ability. Are they even combinable in a HOD program?
OR: (just thought of this)- my 5 year old and 4 year old are only 16 months apart. Maybe my 4 year old will end up "getting" phonics/reading easier than my 5 year old, and at some point they will be combinable? Even if the 4 year old does LHTH this year with his little brother, maybe the following year he can jump up to wherever his big brother is...
Or is it even reasonable to consider combining all 3 of the oldest in the science/history stuff (and what program?).
Finally, one more question! I really want to do Apologia elementary science. Does anyone add that on to HOD without feeling like they are doing too much?
Thanks for any help you can give me!
Sharon
Last edited by sharonb on Sat Apr 04, 2009 2:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Ok, I just looked at the placement chart and my 5 year old would definitely fit in LHFHG, and my 7 year old is ready for BLHFHG. I'm not sure if my 7 year old would enjoy LHFHG with her borther; we used History for Little Pilgrims when she was in K. On the other hand, would my 5 year old be able to handle Beyond with his sister (if he was doing his own level of math and LA)? Or would it be best just to keep them separate? I go back and forth between thinking it's best for all of us to be together for science and history, to thinking it's best for each child to be taught at their own level so they can get the most out of it.
I'm so annoyed with myself for having so much indecision! I thought I knew what I should do "next year" (our new schoolyear starts mid-May). If I go with HOD I have quite a few things I need to sell....
ETA: OOPS!!! I think my oldest might actually be ready for Bigger, not Beyond.
I'm so annoyed with myself for having so much indecision! I thought I knew what I should do "next year" (our new schoolyear starts mid-May). If I go with HOD I have quite a few things I need to sell....
ETA: OOPS!!! I think my oldest might actually be ready for Bigger, not Beyond.
Last edited by sharonb on Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
There really are several different ways you could do this, that would work. As far as combining... I think you could easily combine your 5 and 7 year old in LHFHG or maybe even BLHFHG. Just keep each of them at their own level in reading and math. It is not a problem at all that they are at different levels with reading!! How well does your 5 year old LISTEN to chapter books that are a bit longer? Of course if you think it is too much of a stretch you could combine your 4 and 5 year old together and do either LHTH with them (and include the 2 year old as well) or do LHFHG with them. The big thing is to figure out how much your 5 year can handle listening to chapter books. That will really determine the best way to combine. As for the 2 year old. If you want to start LHTH with him you certainly could, but if you choose to start LHFHG with the 4 and 5 year old together you might want to wait on that and just read a loud books to the 2 year old. I would be tempted if I were you to see if you can combine the 2 oldest and then the next 2 together. That will mean that over the long haul you will have less programs going on at once.
As for adding in the extra science... maybe others have advice on that. I'm sure Carrie or Julie (and others) will be able to give you some even better advice on your situation.
As for adding in the extra science... maybe others have advice on that. I'm sure Carrie or Julie (and others) will be able to give you some even better advice on your situation.
Laurie:
Wife to Daniel since June 2002
Mom to: Odessa (5) using LHFHG and Emerging Readers from BLHFHG,
Sophie (3), Nadia (2), and Elliana (newborn)
Wife to Daniel since June 2002
Mom to: Odessa (5) using LHFHG and Emerging Readers from BLHFHG,
Sophie (3), Nadia (2), and Elliana (newborn)
-
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:32 am
- Location: Germany
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
I'm new to HOD so I'm not sure I can help, but just thought I'd mention what I am planning to do with my 5 & 7 year old.
They will do the History and Bible together from Little Hearts - not science as we'll be doing a different science program. Then the 5 year old will do the right side part of Little Hearts - the "basics" stuff. And my 7 year old will do the right side part of Beyond, including using the Classic Set of books from Beyond for storytime.
I also have a 3 & 1 year old (will be 4 & 2 after birthdays this summer) and I'm going to wait one more year to do LHTH with them. That way I'm hoping to keep them combined. I figured I could always add more phonics or math if needed for my then 5 year old, but she's a late August birthday so she may not even be ready for that yet.
I've noticed a couple things so far with looking over the lesson plans for Little Hearts that might interest you. The History for Little Pilgrims is not read everyday, the history readings change between that book, the History Stories for Children and the Bible. So even though your 7 year old has done the Little Pilgrims book already, it may be a very different presentation for her. Also in the Appendix, there's a list of additional books for each unit that you could choose a few to use to add a bit more for your oldest.
Joy
They will do the History and Bible together from Little Hearts - not science as we'll be doing a different science program. Then the 5 year old will do the right side part of Little Hearts - the "basics" stuff. And my 7 year old will do the right side part of Beyond, including using the Classic Set of books from Beyond for storytime.
I also have a 3 & 1 year old (will be 4 & 2 after birthdays this summer) and I'm going to wait one more year to do LHTH with them. That way I'm hoping to keep them combined. I figured I could always add more phonics or math if needed for my then 5 year old, but she's a late August birthday so she may not even be ready for that yet.
I've noticed a couple things so far with looking over the lesson plans for Little Hearts that might interest you. The History for Little Pilgrims is not read everyday, the history readings change between that book, the History Stories for Children and the Bible. So even though your 7 year old has done the Little Pilgrims book already, it may be a very different presentation for her. Also in the Appendix, there's a list of additional books for each unit that you could choose a few to use to add a bit more for your oldest.
Joy
Joy
Navy wife and mom of four:
Mr J (10), Mr M (8), Miss M (6) & Miss B (4)
Navy wife and mom of four:
Mr J (10), Mr M (8), Miss M (6) & Miss B (4)
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Thanks for the advice so far. Keep it coming! As for listening to chapter books, my 5 year old CAN listen if he wants to. Sometimes he just doesn't listen AT ALL, but other times he is really good at paying attention. We've learned to ask him frequent questions to keep him paying attention (and he knows that we will be asking him questions).
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Oh, I just had another thought too, if you feel that your 5 year old is really not close to your 7 year old in abilities. You could do Beyond with your 7 year old as it is written. Then, you could do LHTH with your 2, 4, and 5 year old, BUT add in phonics, math, and handwriting for your 5 year old (either from LHFHG or stick with what you are already doing in those areas). Also, the 5 year old could listen in to the history and do science in Beyond if he wanted to, and also listen in on storytime. Just another thought that came to me!
Laurie:
Wife to Daniel since June 2002
Mom to: Odessa (5) using LHFHG and Emerging Readers from BLHFHG,
Sophie (3), Nadia (2), and Elliana (newborn)
Wife to Daniel since June 2002
Mom to: Odessa (5) using LHFHG and Emerging Readers from BLHFHG,
Sophie (3), Nadia (2), and Elliana (newborn)
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Ooh, I think I like that idea (beyond for the oldest and then LHTH for the rest, adding in their phonics/math). Then the 4 and 5 year old can stick together after that, each at their own level of math/LA.
Thanks for the idea!!! I'll have to think that one over some more...
If I do LHTH for the 2, 4, and 5 year olds, would it be best to use the 4-5 year old suggestions for the Bible/devotional, so that the older ones get the most out of it?
Thanks for the idea!!! I'll have to think that one over some more...
If I do LHTH for the 2, 4, and 5 year olds, would it be best to use the 4-5 year old suggestions for the Bible/devotional, so that the older ones get the most out of it?
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Oops, I just realized that my oldest is probably actually ready for Bigger, not Beyond (all these different programs can get confusing!).
Here's another option:
Put the oldest in Bigger
Put the 4 and 5 year olds in Little Hearts
Get LHTH for the 2 year old but spread it out over a couple of years
How does that sound? I like that there'd be a space in between repeating programs so I don't get tired of them! (Plus if the boys are listening in on big sister's reading assignments, there will be 2 years until they get to it so it won't be boring for them).
Here's another option:
Put the oldest in Bigger
Put the 4 and 5 year olds in Little Hearts
Get LHTH for the 2 year old but spread it out over a couple of years
How does that sound? I like that there'd be a space in between repeating programs so I don't get tired of them! (Plus if the boys are listening in on big sister's reading assignments, there will be 2 years until they get to it so it won't be boring for them).
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
That would be a great option as well. It will depend on how ready you feel your 7 year old is for Bigger and your 4 year old for Little Hearts.sharonb wrote:Oops, I just realized that my oldest is probably actually ready for Bigger, not Beyond (all these different programs can get confusing!).
Here's another option:
Put the oldest in Bigger
Put the 4 and 5 year olds in Little Hearts
Get LHTH for the 2 year old but spread it out over a couple of years
How does that sound? I like that there'd be a space in between repeating programs so I don't get tired of them! (Plus if the boys are listening in on big sister's reading assignments, there will be 2 years until they get to it so it won't be boring for them).
Laurie:
Wife to Daniel since June 2002
Mom to: Odessa (5) using LHFHG and Emerging Readers from BLHFHG,
Sophie (3), Nadia (2), and Elliana (newborn)
Wife to Daniel since June 2002
Mom to: Odessa (5) using LHFHG and Emerging Readers from BLHFHG,
Sophie (3), Nadia (2), and Elliana (newborn)
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
If my 4 year old ends up not being ready for Little Hearts, i could always just let him listen in, and wait a year to do the program "for real". It's hard trying to figure out combining, but I'm thinking about all the different scenarios.
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Wow, this is really hard. I've been looking through the placement chart again, and my 7 year old would definitely be fine in Beyond. I'm starting to question if putting her in Bigger would be pushing her. But, considering the future levels have extensions, it's better to place them a bit lower than too high, right?
So now I'm thinking Beyond for the 7 year old, and LHTH for the 2, 4, and 5 year olds. Then the 4 and 5 year olds can start Little Hearts a year from now when they are 5 and 6. Of course they'd be at their own levels for LA and Math. My 5 year old will be turning 6 in August. He's the only one of my children that makes the cut-off of Sept 1st that our school system uses, so according to them he'll be starting 1st grade this year. But, if his birthday were just a few weeks later, he'd technically be a K-er according to the school system. I guess I could keep him with the youngers until he's reading and writing well, and could always let him combine with big sister in the future if/when he's ready for that.
I saw that Bigger schedules R&S English 2. We were planning on using that anyway. If we do Beyond, would I want to delay the R&S English 2 for a year? (Doing stuff like that makes me feel like I'm holding her back though...).
So, anyway, doing LHTH and Beyond still gives us a year break between repeating programs, plus it assures that I'm not pushing anyone.
How does that sound?
So now I'm thinking Beyond for the 7 year old, and LHTH for the 2, 4, and 5 year olds. Then the 4 and 5 year olds can start Little Hearts a year from now when they are 5 and 6. Of course they'd be at their own levels for LA and Math. My 5 year old will be turning 6 in August. He's the only one of my children that makes the cut-off of Sept 1st that our school system uses, so according to them he'll be starting 1st grade this year. But, if his birthday were just a few weeks later, he'd technically be a K-er according to the school system. I guess I could keep him with the youngers until he's reading and writing well, and could always let him combine with big sister in the future if/when he's ready for that.
I saw that Bigger schedules R&S English 2. We were planning on using that anyway. If we do Beyond, would I want to delay the R&S English 2 for a year? (Doing stuff like that makes me feel like I'm holding her back though...).
So, anyway, doing LHTH and Beyond still gives us a year break between repeating programs, plus it assures that I'm not pushing anyone.
How does that sound?
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Sharon,
Welcome!
It does take a lot of effort and thinking to figure out where to place your kids...but it is worth it! I'm pretty sure we've all been there just like you, so we understand. It sounds to me like you're getting a good plan put together. I'm using Bigger with my 8 yo (actually 9 now, his birthday was yesterday!) this year. He is fairly advanced academically, and we have found Bigger to be the perfect fit this year. There is plenty of rich content there to inspire his mind!
I'm saying that because, I think Beyond will be great with your 7 yo. There's plenty in Bigger to challenge her when she's 8. As far as R&S, it's really up to you. I know that HOD reccommends finishing R&S 6 with an 8th grader because the advanced scope and sequence has a child ready for high school grammar by that time. Beyond has gentle grammar lessons included in the guide that you could use this year. If it were me, that's what I'd do, but it is totally up to you. You won't mess anything up by going ahead with level 2 now in Beyond and then level 3 in Bigger.
I am loving my time with LHTH with my little ones this year. It is so much fun!! They're learning a lot, but for them "school" is playtime with Mommy. It is time well spent! I think your 2,4,&5 yo's will all do great with it. You can always add in phonics with the oldest. (I've started that with my almost 5 yo.) And, you could even add in a little math if you thought it was necessary. LHTH does quite a bit with writing numbers and skip counting every week though, so you may honestly be fine. My 2 yo is an eager participant in everything active. He of course doesn't join in on much of the fine motor skills that we work on in LHTH. He does proudly show me how he can scribble though.
I'm planning on repeating LHTH with him at 4. You could do that, too and maybe let your younger one join in the 2nd time.
Carrie and Julie are away at a convention this weekend. I'm sure they'll pop in and give you some advice when they're home though.
Kathleen



I am loving my time with LHTH with my little ones this year. It is so much fun!! They're learning a lot, but for them "school" is playtime with Mommy. It is time well spent! I think your 2,4,&5 yo's will all do great with it. You can always add in phonics with the oldest. (I've started that with my almost 5 yo.) And, you could even add in a little math if you thought it was necessary. LHTH does quite a bit with writing numbers and skip counting every week though, so you may honestly be fine. My 2 yo is an eager participant in everything active. He of course doesn't join in on much of the fine motor skills that we work on in LHTH. He does proudly show me how he can scribble though.

Carrie and Julie are away at a convention this weekend. I'm sure they'll pop in and give you some advice when they're home though.

Homeschooling mom to 6:
Grant - 19 Kansas State University
Allison - 15 World Geography
Garret - 13 Res2Ref
Asa - 8 Bigger
Quinn - 7 Bigger
Halle - 4 LHTH
Grant - 19 Kansas State University
Allison - 15 World Geography
Garret - 13 Res2Ref
Asa - 8 Bigger
Quinn - 7 Bigger
Halle - 4 LHTH
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Kathleen-
Thanks for your thoughts. I do think if I go with Beyond for my 7 year old, I'll save the R&S English for next year.
My 5 year old would definitely continue doing math in addition to LHTH. He's actually ready for Singapore Primary 1A (though he's currently almost 2/3 of the way through R&S 1st grade math; I'm going to supplement with Singapore and maybe switch him over completely at some point). He's also tried several phonics programs but we've finally settled on ETC for now. So, we'll keep working on that and see what happens!
Thanks for your thoughts. I do think if I go with Beyond for my 7 year old, I'll save the R&S English for next year.
My 5 year old would definitely continue doing math in addition to LHTH. He's actually ready for Singapore Primary 1A (though he's currently almost 2/3 of the way through R&S 1st grade math; I'm going to supplement with Singapore and maybe switch him over completely at some point). He's also tried several phonics programs but we've finally settled on ETC for now. So, we'll keep working on that and see what happens!
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
Sharon,
I know that Carrie has hands-on activities in Beyond for Singapore 1A. We've used the ones in Bigger for 2A and B this year and had a lot of fun with them. They really help teach the concept, too. So, if you're doing 1A with your son, I'd suggest using those.
Kathleen
I know that Carrie has hands-on activities in Beyond for Singapore 1A. We've used the ones in Bigger for 2A and B this year and had a lot of fun with them. They really help teach the concept, too. So, if you're doing 1A with your son, I'd suggest using those.

Homeschooling mom to 6:
Grant - 19 Kansas State University
Allison - 15 World Geography
Garret - 13 Res2Ref
Asa - 8 Bigger
Quinn - 7 Bigger
Halle - 4 LHTH
Grant - 19 Kansas State University
Allison - 15 World Geography
Garret - 13 Res2Ref
Asa - 8 Bigger
Quinn - 7 Bigger
Halle - 4 LHTH
Re: teaching several levels, adding apologia sci, etc
sharonb,
I was so happy that the ladies on this thread were able to help you talk through your options and come to the exact conclusions that I would have suggested! Way to go ladies!
I would advise that you put your 2, 4, and 5 year olds in LHTH. I would choose The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes and My ABC Bible Verses, along with The Singing Bible. To raise the level of the 3 R's for your 5 and 1/2 year old, I would also add a few parts of the right side of the LHFHG guide for the kindergarten handwriting, kindergarten math, and Do It Carefully/Finding the Answers, along with a slow steady progression in the phonics program of your choice if you feel that child is ready for any of those areas.
I would also place your 7 year old in Beyond following the plans as written. If it is your heart's desire to add English 2 from Rod and Staff you can easily do that!
Blessings,
Carrie
I was so happy that the ladies on this thread were able to help you talk through your options and come to the exact conclusions that I would have suggested! Way to go ladies!

I would advise that you put your 2, 4, and 5 year olds in LHTH. I would choose The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes and My ABC Bible Verses, along with The Singing Bible. To raise the level of the 3 R's for your 5 and 1/2 year old, I would also add a few parts of the right side of the LHFHG guide for the kindergarten handwriting, kindergarten math, and Do It Carefully/Finding the Answers, along with a slow steady progression in the phonics program of your choice if you feel that child is ready for any of those areas.

I would also place your 7 year old in Beyond following the plans as written. If it is your heart's desire to add English 2 from Rod and Staff you can easily do that!

Blessings,
Carrie