Could you help me stake out a plan?

[mater est laetus]

Let me see. Where to start .. (and I'm so sorry in advance for the length of this!)

Well, firstly, how I got here: I first fell in love with Heart of Dakota quite some time back but LHTH wasn't going to work for us so I set out drawing up my own plans for the time until we could consider LHFHG. Meanwhile, I found a whole other curriculum that had scheduled all I wanted for me and went with that instead and fell in love and thought I'd end up staying with them but my heart never would let go of HOD. Just when I thought I was letting go, the email about the high school guides came. After I managed to put that aside, the catalog came (and has been at my side ever since). With two loves pulling at my heart I finally sat DH down one night after the children were in bed and made him listen to all that was going around in my heart and head, he pored over samples of both and bless him, he made the decision - HOD. *sigh of relief at having that decided for me* Now I have new things to agonize over ...

My oldest turned 5 in February. He has been writing since he was 3.5 and recently asked to learn cursive. He can read basic two syllable words and could probably do a lot more if I did more with him but I keep instruction light and right now that consists of writing phonograms, syllables and words he knows from dictation (he considers writing his "hobby" so that's why we do it this way). We already follow a different math program that involves minimal book and pencil work (interestingly, he prefers not to write with math). Still, he's not an "ask to do school" type and spends most of his time outdoors riding his bike, making homes for insects, planning building projects, designing costumes, thinking about his future career (whatever he's set on at the time) and making up all kinds of stories and inventions. His sister is 19months younger and will be 4 in September. Since there are two more (boys), I was thinking it best to keep these two together but DD has always been delayed on both gross and fine motor skills. She picks up math and phonics easily but I haven't done much with her so far. If you ask what she wants to do today, she's the type to answer "School!" but since her older brother talks incessantly and is rather dominating in personality, I worry that combining them would not give her space to blossom. She does tend to hold her own with him though (she has no qualms telling him no and doing her own thing when she wants). Perhaps it would be best for me to work with both of them on their social skills, according to their own weaknesses, so that they can work together. Thoughts?

My second thought was to hold off and combine her with her brother that is 17mo younger (my current 2yo terrorist) but comparable already in both physical and verbal skill (she was advanced verbally but he even more so). But this far out I don't really know if he'll even want to do school at 5. He's so physically inclined he may still want to just be swinging from the treetops. Also, that would eventually have me in 3 guides with Baby coming up behind them. *sigh*

So what if I combine the oldest two? I could be done with what DS is doing now by the start of the new school year but DD will be barely 4. Would it better to hold them both off a year OR to start LHFHG at half pace while continuing with their own phonics and math at their own pace? If I hold them off, what do I do with DS for the next year? Looking over LHFHG, I worry about it being too young for him by the time we get there (he already places into Beyond as far as skills but I don't think he'd get the most out of the content yet) but I read that in a few guides things really pick up and so on the other hand I'm thinking it will all work out fine because I also worry about him ending up over his head by the time he reaches Bigger or Preparing. .. but then what if DD ends up over her head being at the low end of the age range? So many concerns!

To simplify: I'm trying to decide if we're starting LHFHG in September or no and if so, with who and if not, when? .. sorry, that was as simple as I could get. Please help!

[tnahid]

Sorry I can't help with this question...but just want to say welcome back to HOD! Your hubby chose wisely! And so did you! Bless you. I am sure some of the more knowledgeable ladies will chime in and help!

[MomtoJGJE]

I would start LHFHG with your oldest and let him keep having fun! Honestly it sounds like he's doing great on his own! LHFHG is full and awesome and short I would not worry about keeping the older ones together yet. I'd either do LHTH with your dd or wait until next year and re-evaluate.

[mater est laetus]

Sorry I can't help with this question...but just want to say welcome back to HOD! Your hubby chose wisely! And so did you! Bless you. I am sure some of the more knowledgeable ladies will chime in and help!

Well, I greatly appreciate the welcome. The encouragement and help that seems to be typical of this forum is almost reason enough in my mind to go with the curriculum. I really want to be a part of that. The disappointment and grieving that I've experienced of late regarding certain issues in other circles has had me longing for this kind of homeschooling and community experience. I can't fully express my appreciate for a Christ saturated and shamelessly YEC curriculum.

[mater est laetus]

I would start LHFHG with your oldest and let him keep having fun! Honestly it sounds like he's doing great on his own! LHFHG is full and awesome and short I would not worry about keeping the older ones together yet. I'd either do LHTH with your dd or wait until next year and re-evaluate.

The only reason I am hesitant to go this route is because I'm looking down the road and seeing it lead me into being in 3 guides eventually which doesn't sound appealing. Is there a way to do it this way and not end up in 3 guides? I've been wondering if that is a possibility that I'm not yet seeing.

[my3sons]

Welcome to the HOD Board! I enjoyed reading about your dc - your love for them - and how well you know each of them personally really shines through. I have been sitting her a bit thinking this over and also praying for the Lord to help you know what's best. Overall, your ds really sounds ready to launch, and I think dd needs more time. Carrie's words in a past post I'll paste here came to mind...
...You've already had some good suggestions, so I'll just mention that many families find that their oldest child is ready-to-go academically and typically that child receives more of your teaching time too making them even more ready (as they're first in line for school). So, it likely would work well to just get that child going where he/she fits best now. Then, it often works well to combine the next kiddos in line (if they are fairly close in age). So that would be a definite consideration for you as you go along. At HOD, we actually plan for you to be able to run multiple guides. Many moms find that once their oldest is moving through the guides (and they are familiar with HOD), it is easier to add a second guide (and even a third guide) the next year and feel comfortable doing it!

Blessings,
Carrie

We use 3 HOD guides. It is not difficult to do when the dc are properly placed - in fact, I find it to be easier. I am thinking I'd start LHFHG with your oldest and have fun with that! He sounds so ready, and I think your dd would shine as being a helper with you by being partnered with little brother. Seriously, little gals like to mother little brothers, and I think that will be a huge asset to you. Plus, she'll have grown and be able to lead - and probably will love that role. Why not start LHTH half-speed with dd and little 2 yo joining in as able? We have loved our leisurely half-speed stroll through LHTH with our little one. I have felt good about the mommy time it gives me. What if you leisurely went through LHTH half-speed with 2-3 yo resources with 4 yo and 2 yo? Then, the following year, you could go through it again with the 4-5 yo resources and add the right side LA/math from LHFHG for your dd? As soon as young ds was ready for LHFHG, you could begin it and start ds with K options and dd with 1st grade options at that point. At that point, your oldest ds would be in PHFHG, which starts to be quite independent. Further down the line, your oldest would be in HOD's upper guides which are appropriately even more independent, your middle duo would be in Bigger Hearts and about then your little guy would start LHTH. This progression is what we have going on in our home, and it's a piece of cake to do. What do you think though? These are just a few thoughts I had. I hope something here helps and pray for clarity for you!

In Christ,
Julie

[mater est laetus]

Julie,

Thank-you so much for your welcome and response.

The quote from Carrie and the things you suggested in regard to DD thriving as the little mother really rang true. These things are absolutely the case in our home so am strongly contemplating stepping out in faith with you both here and starting DS on LHFHG this fall.

Regarding the suggestions for DD, firstly I need to confess that I passed along my copy of LHTH to another momma who was greatly desirous of it since I wasn't using it and I'm not so sure DH would be impressed with me purchasing it a second time. It's not entirely out of the question though.

Secondly, DD, skill-wise, could already place into LHFHG "learning the basics". Well, really, looking at the sample, all I would expect her to lag on is the History and Storytime and I suppose the Science although she'd love the activities .. I just doubt she'd really "get" it but she really surprises me of late - she's "awakening" out of her own little world that she's been in for a while.

This would be simpler if I still had LHTH on hand. For now I'm going to go chew on the DD issue for a while.

Welcoming further thoughts and suggestions while I do so ...

[my3sons]

Oh good! I'm so glad to help! BTW I've bought quite a few books twice in my lifetime; I wouldn't let that hold you back. We go through stages in life, and sometimes something we thought we didn't need we realize later we did. Think of the copy you gave to someone else as a nice gift she needed. And now you need it. Plus, LHTH has probably been updated since then anyway. So it's not technically the same exact book.

In Christ,
Julie

[Mom2Monkeys]

I've bought quite a few books twice in my lifetime;..... ... Think of the copy you gave to someone else as a nice gift she needed. And now you need it. Plus, LHTH has probably been updated since then anyway. So it's not technically the same exact book.

In Christ,
Julie

This had me laughing! TECHNICALLY, this is true. HAHAHAHAHA!

Welcome to HOD and welcome to these fantastically supportive boards where everyone gives such godly advice and is always so willing to help. The HOD board is truly an asset to our homeschool. I'm sure you'll be happy with both the boards and the programs! We will at some point be using 4 guides And I was doing LHTH with a very wild, active toddler boy, then LHFHG, BHFHG, and had a new baby. This fall I'll have an active toddler that is almost 2, and will be doing either LHTH with some K options or half-pace LHFHG, half pace BHFHG, and PHFHG....meaning the following year I'll be doing LHTH with a 3yo, LHFHG, finish BHFHG and start PHFHG, and CTC. It's doable! And I'm no supermom either...I do lose my patience and have rough days, I am lacking on sleep and my house isn't always clean, but we have time to get school done (when I'm consistent and follow a routine ) and ALSO still have time to play and have fun together. HOD has been amazing!

[mater est laetus]

Tamara, thank-you for the welcome and encouragement!

Julie, I will keep that argument in mind for next year when I have the available funds again. For now, especially if I'm going to somehow start LHFHG this fall, I'm going to have to work out something for the others with what I have still on hand.

[mater est laetus]

Julie, I was talking to DH and he likes your idea of pairing DD with her little brother and the opportunities that will afford her. He isn't that enthusiastic about having to hold her off so long, however.

I was going over the placement chart tonight after spending some time alone with DD (rare) and realizing how much I've neglected her. My oldest is one to make himself opportunities and will strike out on his own - he's difficult to stay ahead of. DD, on the other hand, wants to be lead. She will let you know what she wants and ask for the opportunity but if it's not granted, she'll hang back .. and I realized that's what she's been doing. Months ago she picked up a phonics book, brought it to me and asked to "do school" and started blending right off the bat. With my oldest I've been all about working with him but with DD I told myself I'm more "relaxed" now when in reality, I've been lazy. I didn't start consistent lessons with her. She would ask, I'd do it now and then but mostly put her off and she'd just run along. Oh, now I want to cry. I'm thinking about how DS2 is also a go getter and a mommy's boy. DS2 loves physical affection and will take it whether you are ready to give it or not but again, DD hangs back. DS2 had jumped up in my chair demanding cuddles one day and I happened to look over at DD in another chair and saw her with her head on the armrest meekly watching. I asked, "Do you need cuddles too?" and she nodded with a shy pout. I hate to think how much I don't notice. Things need to change.

I've penciled out some of the possibilities so I can see what the next few years could potentially look like. DH pointed out to me tonight that DD actually has good fine motor control - I'm going to spend purposeful time with her and actually see where she's at. Aside from that area, which I don't have a clear grasp of being the poor mother I am, and her age, she places into LHFHG. Aside from age and reading (which is an area I've held my oldest back on in that I haven't moved him into readers but kept him to word lists to eliminate his tendency to guess by context), DS places into Beyond but LHFHG sounds preferable even if he did surpass phonics by fall (would you agree?).

Here's a thought I had, please share criticism: What about taking them both through LHFHG at a pace that would take a year and a half (perhaps even alternating days with them some of the time for individual time) and have DS start Beyond by himself in the Spring while DD helps DS2 (then 4) go through either LHTH or something else for a year before starting LHFHG the next Spring with DD 6.5 and 1st grade options and DS 5 with K options? DD would be doing phonics and math at her own pace so that's not an issue in going back to LHTH or whatever we do. I'm leaning in this direction at the moment but would appreciate feedback to consider.

[Samuel'sMommy]

I don't have any advice for you but wanted to say welcome to the boards! We love HOD and I'm sure you will too!

[mater est laetus]

Thank-you Stephanie! I appreciate it.

The way things are looking, even my oldest may have to wait until his 1st grade year to begin HOD. I guess if that's how things pan out I'll be intending to start him in Beyond in order to keep with the outline suggested here but I suppose that would all have to be reevaluated when the time came. If the Lord intends for us to do this He'll provide the means and the wisdom. I'm going to be praying and I know what things I have to work on while I wait for His provision.

[oneboyonegirl]

I don't have any advice either. Just wanted to say hi and that my DH ended up picking HOD for our kids too. I loved HOD but there was another curriculum I thought would work well too, so I asked him to listen to my thoughts about the pros and cons of each one and he made the decision

Lyn

[MomtoJGJE]

nothing new to add.... just reiterating that 3 guides is totally doable when everyone is placed properly. My day is SO MUCH SMOOTHER and easier and faster now that everyone is in their own guide at their own pace. There's very little arguing and complaining and comparing/competition! In January I'll be doing Preparing, Beyond, and LHFHG... In January 2013 I'll be somewhere around CTC, Bigger, Beyond, and LHTH And it doesn't scare me at all because they are exactly where they should be instead of having to work up or down or wait on someone or compete with a younger sibling who might get things faster!