heartofdakota.com

Carrie,
Since writing my original post, I've done a lot of praying and thinking. I've also talked with my 10 yo. He expressed that even though Preparing was hard for him when we tried it last year, that he really did like it. I took out my manual, and realized that we had only completed 3 units. I was surprised at how much he remembers from that short amount of time.
Here's what I'm considering. Let me know what you think
ds10 Preparing Half Speed and DITHOR with 2/3 workbook. We may pick up to full speed as he progresses. If he is struggling after a few weeks, I will probably order Bigger.
dd7 Beyond Half speed until we get a routine down, then we'll move to full speed. Also scheduled Emerging Readers
ds4 LHTH...will add this after we get a routine going with the other two.

I know that this puts me doing three programs, but I feel that easing into it at half speed will ease that adjustment.
If by any means you think that this is a stretch...please let me know. In the end, if you think that this will not work, I'll probably just put them both in Bigger . After reading your last post, I realize that I would have to do way too much tweaking for ds10 with Beyond.

Thanks so much for helping me to work this all out. I wish that there was a HUG smilie because I'd give one to you, Julie, and ALL of the ladies on this board
Blessings,
Jenni

Another means of assessment for grammar is the optional tests--they are cheap and the answers are already in the TM, if you own that. I can't remember if they have tests available for the 2nd grade text, but know that they do for all the others.

Just bumping this up to get responses on my latest scenario

Jenni,

I do think you are right in that tweaking Beyond to fit your older son would take some work. Since you already have Preparing Hearts and your son fits in the age range for it, I would definitely give it a try at half-speed. Your son is another year older, and I would say it took even us a good month to hit our stride with Preparing Hearts. So, give it a good month (or more at half-speed) and see how it goes. I also agree that DITHR needs to be a priority for your oldest son this year, so make sure to do that 3 times weekly no matter what the schedule in Preparing Hearts says for the day at half-speed.

I do think it is a good idea to put your next son in Beyond at half-speed and take your time growing into it. Again, I would do the Emerging Reader's Set at least 3-4 times weekly though.

I would add LHTH last, possibly just doing it 2-3 days a week at the most.

I think this will meet all of your kiddos where each one is at and will be less tweaking for mama!

Your plan sounds terrific. Remember, as long as you're progressing with the 3 R's, you can keep the guides at half-speed if needed. Often half-speed at the right level for a child is better than full-speed at the wrong level.

Blessings,
Carrie

Here's a return hug, Jenni! I think your plan sounds super! Going half-speed will ease everyone into it, and you can focus on DITHOR that way too. If at any point you want to go full-speed with any of it, you can easily do that - we have done that with every guide with one of our dc at some point in the past. I agree with Carrie that LHTH can be started last. I am starting to feel at peace with this plan for you and your dc - it is fun to see a good plan coming together. I hope you are finding peace as well, and here's to a terrific year with HOD!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks a bunch everyone! I am definitely feeling at peace now that we have a plan. I am so thankful for this board
Blessings,
Jenni