Daughter is "behind". Should we catch up?

[faith0428]

Since I started homeschooling when my daughters were in kindergarten and 1st grade, we started with LHFHG and I just had my 1st grader do the next guide's math, reading, and handwriting. They have always done the same level reading & grammar which is grade level for my oldest and a grade ahead for my youngest. They also do the same level history and science which is grade level for my youngest but "behind" for my oldest. How will that play out for my oldest if the guides continue through high school? Thank You!

[mrsrandolph]

They are still VERY young, and I wouldn't worry about it in the least. My older two are in the same boat because I have kept my daughter, 9, with my son, 8. In the end, it will all pan out. Remember, in Charlotte Mason's day, they would have just started formal schooling. Be encouraged!!

[LynnH]

From reading your previous post your are heading into CTC in the fall when your girls will be 10/11 and 8/9? That is certainly not behind for your 11 year old. In fact I think the history reading in CTC will be very challenging for a 8/9 year old. They are supposed to do the history reading on their own and it is a huge jump in reading level. If they are doing the guide as written as far as the Independent boxes go then it really is that your youngest one is advanced. What Rod and Staff Grammar are you using? Are they doing DITHOR. If they are then you can just picker harder books for your oldest and have her do the 6/7/8 student book.

[faith0428]

Yes, my oldest is 10 and going into 5th grade while my youngest will be 9 soon and going into 4th grade. My youngest learned to read at 3 1/2, so she is pretty advanced in that area. They both just finished Rod & Staff English 4 and are doing the first year of level 4/5 DITHOR. I guess the main thing my oldest would be missing out on, academically speaking, by not being able to do the last guide (assuming there will be 5 more guides to come out) is the history and science, which were my subjects of concern in my other post. I know I have a long time to worry too much about that, but I'm at a point where I am trying to decide between staying with HOD or going a different route. I like the idea of staying with HOD through High School, but want to do what is best, not convenient. I'm trying to look at everything and also consider the future. Mostly praying and asking God to give me peace and guidance. Thank you for your input.

[LynnH]

If your oldest does CTC in 5th, RTR in 6th, Rev to Rev in 7th and MTMM in 8th then she is set for the 4 high school guides. Or am I confused?

[faith0428]

My understanding was that there would be 5 more guides, so maybe I'm confused! If there are only four more guides, then my older daughter would be fine and my younger daughter would finish them all as a Junior.

[LynnH]

MTMM officially comes out in August so if you count that and the 4 high school guides there are 5. MTMM is the last in the elementary/middle school sequence. Then the high school guides will be a World Geography guide, a World History guide, An Early American History guide which will include Government and a Late American History guide that will include Personal Finance. If your youngest finishes up as a Junior then you could do some community college classes or CLEP or something since it sounds like she is pretty advanced. It also gives you a little room in case she does start struggling with any of the higher guides to slow things down a little bit.