Would my plan work for my children?

[MommyG]

Hi Ladies,
I have a "plan" for this next year, but want a little feedback. I will list my children, ages, birthday, where they fall on the placement chart, and special needs.

Grace - 10 (5/99) ~ Reading (Beyond), Writing (Preparing), Grammar (Preparing), Math (Beyond). She was in 3rd grade at public school last year (held back in 1st because of reading & math). She used a Reading Specialist (begining of year was at a early 1st gr reading level, at end of year @ beinging 3rd gr level), Saw an Eye Therapist -did/does therapy @ home using a CD program, and excelled with those.

Matthew - 8 (4/01) ~ Reading (Beyond), Writing (Bigger), Grammar (Beyond), Math (Beyond). He was in 1st gr (half of year) & 2nd gr (half year) at public school last year. He has SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) and I suspect very High Funcitoning Autism. He used the Reading Specialist as well (begin year at low K/begining reading, at end of year @ just begining 2nd/end of 1st), also saw the Eye Therapist - did/does therapy using CD program, he also benifitted from the teacher being able to use the OT (ocupational therapist) - he coudl NOT see OT, because he was not diagnosed with anything other than SPD. ... but ...teacher could ask OT questions, and get help. - he used a cushion for his chair, they raised his chair & desk, and he was able to have "sensory breaks" (or as we called them "Matthew needs to move around breaks" lol ). What is very interesting to me though, is that he LOVES to hear me read, and can sit for a long time to do so.

Samuel - 6 (2/03) ~ Reading (Beyond), Writing (Beyond), Grammar (Beyond), Math (Beyond). He was in K5 at public school last year. He did wonderfully! He was in the second highest group for reading (can read age appropriate books - beginners). He loves to learn, and is my structure boy. He has never really been "homeschooled", went to K4 as well.

Nathaniel - 4 (4/05) ~ Not too concerned with placement. He will be learning alongside others, + basics.

Now for the "plan" ...
I was thinking of using Beyond with the oldest three, for our "core". I would use MUS Alpha for the older two (w/going into Beta if/when Grace was ready), and MUS Primer for Sam. We will be using the LTK (Language Tune-up Kit) CD program with the older two (I have worked/am working with their old RS from school, and this is what we found that will keep them going), and REading Made Easy for Sam. Of course I would use different Spelling lists as well.
For Nathan, I will be using the R&S Preschool workbooks, and some fun things left over from my daycare

Does that sound like a good plan? Would you change anything? What would you change? Add anything?

[MommyG]

Just bumping up. I wanted to add that the reason we are not using the Reading Specialist one on one, is because we just moved. And are about an hour and half away.
I would really like opionions. I read different posts for about 3 hours yesterday, and gleened some great info. Carrie. Would love your imput here.
THANKS!
Mindi

[MommyG]

***Bumping***

Geez. Either my plan is right on, or this has been discussed, or I am WAY off?!

[gotpeace91]

Hi Mindi,
I'm sorry nobody has got to your post yet. I am new to HOD this year so I don't feel qualified to help with placement questions yet. I just wanted to say Hi and I hope someone will get to you soon. You may want to try emailing HOD. I have always got prompt responses through email.

Leah

[Kathleen]

Hi Mindi!

I think your plan to do Beyond would work. I'm thinking that you might need to add something to the history and science for Grace - but I haven't done Beyond yet, so I'm not much help there.

It's nice to have you here on the HOD boards! I look forward to seeing you more.
Kathleen

[MommyG]

Thank you Leah & Kathleen.

Leah ~ I appreciate you just saying "hi".

Kathleen ~ I was thinking the same thing about the Hist. & Science. Knowing that Grace IS a smart girl, and definetely more mature than her brothers.
Hopfully someone who used or is using Beyond could help me, and post.

[jewel7123]

I'm not to Beyond yet, but I just wanted to say welcome to the board and that usually Carrie and/or Julie will pop in and answer questions about placement from time to time, but if you feel your post has been overlooked, I encourage you to contact Carrie through email, as she is always willing to help a new HOD'er with placement.

Your plan looks good.....I am just wondering why you aren't putting your oldest in Preparing (so she can get the more advanced Science and History) and just have her do Reading and Math at her level since you mentioned she was a little behind in those. Maybe Carrie or Julie can help you know if Beyond or Preparing is better for your oldest Grace.

[mom2boys030507]

Looks like your plan would work, yet it also looks like you are making it harder than you need to. I can tell that you have thought very carefully about where your children should be placed.
My thought is why not combine your oldest 2 in Bigger. Then if your daughter still needs more history and science you can add in the extension books. I would still use Beyond with your 6year old.

HTH

[Tree House Academy]

If you are using your own math and English program, then I would do placement based on reading comprehension. In Beyond, the history is more in story form and the Science is more hands on along with a very small bit of reading which is all done by the parent. In Bigger, the texts are MUCH harder to read. My older son is 10, has no problems with reading at all, but still we read History together (as well as the Science extension book) - and mostly that is because of the writing style of the authors of the texts. Particularly "A First Book in American History." At times, it is written with a style that my son is not familar with...for instance, they may say something like "a smite bit of work." To me, that makes sense - to my son, it is totally baffling and he loses the whole context unless I stop and explain the meaning.

[my3sons]

Mindi,
I'm so sorry we missed this somehow! Thanks for your patience, and I appreciate your sharing about each of your precious dc. My first thought is Beyond may be too young for Grace. The age range for Beyond is 6-8 yo's. The materials are chosen with those ages in mind. I am not sure of what you are wanting for her history and science though - maybe this is a year you are wanting to really focus on Grace's reading and math - and then I think Beyond could fit. If you are thinking of this as a transitional year - a year to keep the dc together, really focus in on Grace's reading and math, and then the following year move up to BHFHG and at that point do the extensions for Grace, that makes sense for a long-term plan. The extensions in BHFHG are written for 10-11 yo's, so that would work well - whether you are reading them with her or she is reading them on her own, they will extend the areas of history and science for her very nicely.

So, a couple of scenarios to think about...
Scenario 1:
Grace, Matthew, and Samuel do Beyond together this year with appropriate levels of LA and math for each of them. The goal would be to have extra time to strengthen Grace's LA and math, and to combine the dc for the long-term. The next year, Bigger Hearts can easily be extended for Grace.

Scenario 2:
Grace and Matthew could do Bigger Hearts this year, with appropriate levels of LA and math for each of them. Samuel either does Beyond (maybe half-speed), OR Samuel does LHFHG possibly with Nathaniel (Nathaniel could also do LHTH and Samuel could be in on that too). In this scenario, you'd be looking to have 2 pairs of dc in 2 HOD curriculums. You'll eventually be doing 2 HOD curriculums anyway, as the 4 yo won't be able to be combined with the 10 yo.

Each scenario has its strengths, so you can weigh what's most important both this year and further down the road. I hope this has helped, and I know Carrie will get back to you here too. Praying for clarity for you in your decision!

In Christ,
Julie

[Carrie]

Mindi,

I'm so sorry that I missed this post! We're working at re-entering our life after our newest book just shipped last week.

Thank you so much for all of the information that you took the time to share. It was wonderful to get a peek at your kiddos and very helpful in sorting through the various options. I think that the ladies have given some wonderful advice on a few things to consider.

In order to guide us in our placement advice a bit more, I'd love to know how well your oldest two listen and comprehend longer chapter book style readings when they are read aloud to them. This would be books like Charlotte's Web or Little House on the Big Woods or that style of book. Also, are your oldest two able to copy several sentences or more a day and do some drawing/sketching from a picture to complete a notebook type entry? Have they done any cursive handwriting yet, or is cursive something you think that they are ready to do?

Another thing I'm trying to determine is what subjects the LTK program covers. Does it contain reading for the kiddos along with comprehension and higher level thinking type questioning? Does it cover grammar and writing? Does it also include spelling practice? The answers to those questions will make a huge difference in my (and any of the ladies) advice, as we're trying to figure out which pieces of the HOD guide you'll be using to complete your kiddos program.

If you get a chance to pop back in with your thoughts, we can work toward giving you some more options to ponder.

Blessings,
Carrie

[MommyG]

Hi Ladies!

Sorry to leave you all hanging. It was a rough day yeaterday. To answer some questions:

- Grace & Matthew CAN sit and listen to me read chapter books. I usually read a chapter/day.

- LTK covers reading, comp., spelling (words that they don't get right). I have to relook, but I don't think it covers grammar/writing (although, they DO have to type words?!,) Hmm ... I need to go and look further. Sorry. It doesn't do higher thinking Q's. Basically, it uses the Orton Gillingham method.

- My main goal this year, IS > "... are wanting to really focus on Grace's reading and math - and then I think Beyond could fit. If you are thinking of this as a transitional year - a year to keep the dc together, really focus in on Grace's reading and math, and then the following year move up to BHFHG and at that point do the extensions for Grace, that makes sense for a long-term plan." (Julie)
That is exactly it! With moving, their cousin dieing (right before our move), changing churches, etc. etc. etc., I just need to simplify and really do basics.

Thanks for ALL the help ladies!!
Mindi

[Alison in KY]

FYI, I'm doing Beyond with my 10, 8, and 6 yr olds. We do our own English and math. Sometimes I"ve added to my oldest's science and history, but really he's learning alot about the history, and as far as science goes, I'm content with bringing in a little science notebook every so often for him.

Alison

[MommyG]

Thanks for letting me know Alison.
I appreciate it!

Mindi

[MommyInTraining]

Bumping up for Mindi

I hope you can get your plan finalized soon! I know how trying it can be to get everybody into the right program!

Carrie does an excellent job of helping find just the right fit !