Finally, a plan for my olders, now.....

[pollo_la]

1. If my looking into the future is correct ( ), then Nora will probably end up reading- and math-wise, a couple of programs above her bible/history programs. Will that work in the long run? (And should I even be thinking of that now?)

It will be completely fine if she is "ahead" in reading and math. Just make sure you keep advancing in each of those areas at her level and it will fit in just fine. Reading and math is something that is scheduled into the guide, BUT you can do it at your child's level.

2. In choosing the Bible and devotional guides, should I get the younger set, so Josiah can hang in there a little better? Or should I go ahead and get the older set, since those may be better for Nora and Lydia???

Hummmmm, honestly, I think you could go either way, but I would lean toward doing the younger options. That way you can go into more detail on your own for the older girls if you choose to, and your little guy will be more likely to stay with it. Also, then if you do end up going through LHTH again, you can go through with the "older" options the second time and it will make it seem "new."

3. If I do go with the younger set, would they still be prepared to move into Little Hearts?

They should be just fine! Some kids never do any kind of "schooling" in the early years and start out right in Little Hearts and do just fine.

4. I don't think Josiah will be ready for Little Hearts next year, so should I go with the younger set on Bible/devotion and do the program again with him next year with the older set of bible/devotion?

I wouldn't worry too much about next year right now (although I know it's hard NOT to think about it sometimes). Do what works best for this year and then you can see what happens later. Some food for thought though... You could go slowly through LHTH (maybe just do 3 days a week) and stretch it out over a year and a half or two years. Then, when you do start LHFHG you could also start that at half speed and let your youngest have a chance to kind of grow into it.

5. I have seen it suggested not to do back to back programs. It really looks like Josiah will be one step behind Lydia for quite a while, so how would I get around doing the programs back to back?

I would try and keep them together if I were you. Just take the programs at a slower pace if you need to allow him the chance to mature a bit.

[Carrie]

8smiths,

I'm just catching up on the board after being gone the last 5 days, so I'm sorry it's taking a bit to get back to you. Laurie did a great job of helping you!

I agree that your younger 3 should do LHTH at full-speed this year to prepare Nora and Lydia to head into LHFHG next year. I would recommend using the older Bible (as many 3 year olds can even hang in there with it) and the younger devotional. This would mean you'd order The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes and Big Thoughts for Little People. It's important to train Nora and Lydia to listen to a bit longer stories, and Josiah can just take from it what he will. However, the younger devotional will help all 3 get something out of devotional time.

I would add on parts of LHFHG for Nora as you mentioned. Then, when you finish LHTH, you can re-evaluate how far Josiah has come and whether he may be able to hang on for LHFHG if you slowed the pace a bit. If not, then he can take another tour through LHTH.

Blessings,
Carrie

[my3sons]

8Smiths - First, I am celebrating with you that you have your olders all figured out and everyone is excited about the plan! HOORAY! Way to go, Mom! I like what has been said here so far for the younger ones. I think that makes total sense to do the 3 in LHTH first, adding in the LHFHG parts Nora needs. Then, after that, you can reevaluate and see where everyone fits. I think you will love teaching HOD - it has made my homeschooling days very happy and fulfilling. I can see myself doing this till the end and enjoying it to boot. I am excited for you to start! Be sure you give yourself a few weeks to get into the swing of it, for me, I hit my stride about 3-4 weeks in, and then we are blissfully doing school each day so happily.

In Christ,
Julie