Choosing correctly...

[daisytownmom]

Hi-

I was wondering if I could get an opinion on if I should combine or use separate curriculums for my boys in the fall.

I have a 10 year old ds who is a great audio learner and loves to read (4th grade in fall). I also have a 7 year old ds who is more of an emerging reader. He is more concrete...loves math, is not crazy aobut reading independently-- but still enjoys read alouds.

I thought that BHFHG was the right fit since it had extensions for older siblings. However, in looking ahead....if I would do the curriculums in sequence, my oldest would be 15 (9th grade when finishing Hearts for Him Through TIme---if Carrie completes the series as planned). When checking the scope and sequence charts, it stated that DITHOR was only appropriate for 15 year olds who did not have extensive literature studies before.

Am I making too much of this decision, or should I separate the boys into Preparing & BHFHG respectively?

Any imput would help...

Thanks, in advance!

Jodi

[my3sons]

Welcome to the HOD Board, Jodi! In thinking through your question here, I was wondering if you could please share a bit more about your dc's 3 R's, by checking out the placement chart? It is so accurate in placing dc, and that helps all of chat about ideas for your family. If you could share about your dc's writing (copywork? sentences or paragraphs? done any narrations?), grammar (older one had diagramming yet?), dc's math (on grade level?), and reading (a few titles 10 yo has read?) and how younger son listens to books with few pictures? That would be super! Then, we'll all chime in with advice that's more grounded and feel better about that - here's a link to the placement chart:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

In Christ,
Julie

[daisytownmom]

My oldest (10) is reading chapter books independently---struggles sometimes with reading aloud (stutters)--but totally gets the comprehension when reading to himself. He has read a whole series of Star Wars books (6 in all-his latest craze) and some illustrated classics like Around to World in 80 Days in just a couple of days time. He is good with narration and does paragraphs of copy work--printing///just working on cursive. He is on target with math.

My 7 year old prefers picture books. However, we have read several Beverly Cleary books, such as Henry Huggins & Ribsy--which he has thoroughly enjoyed. We did Beautiful Feet Early Amer Hist this year, and he listened to each read-aloud book with great interest. He is more comfortable with sentences (3-4 tops) with copywork. On target or ahead with math. We've used Abeka, and he is looking for more. He does NOT enjoy reading aloud to others---still working on phonics.

I so appreciate the help...hope this info provides enough for you to give me feedback.

Jodi

[my3sons]

My oldest (10) is reading chapter books independently---struggles sometimes with reading aloud (stutters)--but totally gets the comprehension when reading to himself. He has read a whole series of Star Wars books (6 in all-his latest craze) and some illustrated classics like Around to World in 80 Days in just a couple of days time. He is good with narration and does paragraphs of copy work--printing///just working on cursive. He is on target with math.

My 7 year old prefers picture books. However, we have read several Beverly Cleary books, such as Henry Huggins & Ribsy--which he has thoroughly enjoyed. We did Beautiful Feet Early Amer Hist this year, and he listened to each read-aloud book with great interest. He is more comfortable with sentences (3-4 tops) with copywork. On target or ahead with math. We've used Abeka, and he is looking for more. He does NOT enjoy reading aloud to others---still working on phonics.

I so appreciate the help...hope this info provides enough for you to give me feedback.

Jodi

Thanks so much, Jodi! That really does help. I've got 2 scenarios running through my mind...
Idea 1: Have your 10 yo do PHFHG as is
Have your 7 yo do Beyond
*This would fit both of them well. It would give your 7 yo some time to continue to grow in his reading and writing with no pressure. It would challenge your 10 yo enough, and would give you higher level dictation passages, grammar/math schedules, appropriate level of notebooking/projects, etc. We did PHFHG and Beyond this past year and loved it. The time increments were perfect for each guides target ranges (PHFHG about 4 hours, Beyond about 2 1/2 hours). We were able to finish in about 4 - 4 1/2 hours each day. Also, this would set up a very nice rotation of teaching guides for you - giving no repeats back to back (i.e. PHFHG and Beyond this year, CTC and Bigger next year, etc.).

Idea 2: Combine your dc in Bigger Hearts, having your 10 do the extensions, and adjusting LA and math as needed for your 10 yo.
*This would give you the ease of combining, and your dc fit the age levels of Bigger Hearts very well (target ages: 7-9; extensions for 10-11 yo's). I worry a bit about this stretching your 7 yo too far. It might be nice if he had a bit more time to grow into the writing/reading skills needed for Bigger Hearts - but you will know best about this.

I'm totally on the fence between these 2 ideas. I'm not sure which way would be best to go. I may be biased because we did the PHFHG/Beyond combo last year and loved it. Every family is different in whether they desire to combine or not. We have 3+ years between our dc, and we've found it easier to keep them separate due to their needs being far apart. However, other families with dc 3 years apart combine with HOD and love it! So, it will depend on what you think you'd like best. I know others will join in here - I'm praying for you to know what will be best for you and your dc.

In Christ,
Julie

[daisytownmom]

Thanks so much, Julie. I was so hung up on combining the two that I never thought of doing Preparing and Beyond together. Beyond might be just what my younger guy needs for next year.

Can I just ask....looking at Preparing, you choose a reading program--DITHOR, but then at the end it gives the "Delux Package" of books to read independently. Are these two separate things? Do you have to use another set of readers for DITHOR, or do the books in the delux pack go with DITHOR?

I am so appreciatve of your help....thanks for your suggestions and your prayers!

Jodi

[my3sons]

Thanks so much, Julie. I was so hung up on combining the two that I never thought of doing Preparing and Beyond together. Beyond might be just what my younger guy needs for next year.

Can I just ask....looking at Preparing, you choose a reading program--DITHOR, but then at the end it gives the "Delux Package" of books to read independently. Are these two separate things? Do you have to use another set of readers for DITHOR, or do the books in the delux pack go with DITHOR?

I am so appreciatve of your help....thanks for your suggestions and your prayers!

Jodi

Good morning, Jodi! DITHOR is for dc's reading instruction - so your 10 yo would need a DITHOR package and books for her to read (you can either use HOD's book packs or put together your own books for her to read, making sure you have 1-3 books for each genre). We've enjoyed HOD's book suggestions so much. The books we've done with DITHOR are some of our all-time favorites. Here are links to that:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-packages.php
http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional4-5.php

The PHFHG Deluxe Package is for your 10 yo to read independently for history. It is used to complete the "Independent History Study" box on the bottom of the right side PHFHG's daily plans. If you arrow down, you can see that box at this link. My ds LOVED these books! If fact we've now finished PHFHG, and he was rereading some of the titles in his room this week.
http://www.heartofdakota.com/pdf/PHFHG-sample-week.pdf

In Christ,
Julie

[daisytownmom]

Thanks, Julie!

You have been a true blessing!

Jodi

[Carrie]

Jodi,

I just wanted to pop-in and welcome you to the board! We're glad to have you here! I completely agree with the two scenarios that my3son's shared with you as being your two choices for best placement for your kiddos. It sounds like you are well on your way to having a good fit for your children.

If you have other questions, ask away! The ladies are so gracious about helping.

Blessings,
Carrie