Placement: combined or separate guides?

[TracyP]

Hi ladies,

This is my first post, so I will start with a quick intro. I have 5 kids from age 2-9 who I have hs'ed from the beginning. I mixed and matched to design my own program fairly successfully until this year. But this year, I started to feel like I was drowning. After much prayer and discussion with dh, I decided to ditch what I was doing and purchase Bigger. My 7yo and 9yo are 1/2 way through Bigger and this is the best year we have ever had!

That brings me to my questions. Bigger is a *perfect* fit for my 7yo ds, but my 9yo dd needs a greater challenge (she is using extensions minus Planet Earth). This leaves me with two options going forward: 1) I could continue to add extensions, while doing math and grammar on her level. I would probably need to add a writing program for her, too. I am not completely comfortable with this because I feel like I am letting her "coast" but she isn't complaining. 2) I could place my dd in her own program. There are some benefits to doing this (she would enjoy the independence, sometimes she overshadows her bro, challenge would be appropriate) but I am having a hard time thinking of splitting them. They enjoy being together and I like us learning together. I have always assumed that I would keep my kids together for history and science. I also asked them about doing separate guides and was met with NOOOO! They are obedient kids and I have the final say but I do like to consider their preferences.

Any advice in this scenario?

What goes into the decision to have kids in a different time period? Do you feel like you are missing out on learning together? I'm sure this has been discussed before, so I'd appreciate any thoughts or links to past threads.

Thanks in advance!

[pjdobro]

I have twins that I have in the same program so I can't address what it is like having dc in different programs. I did want to just encourage you though that the level of challenge and independence increases significantly in Preparing so your dd will be much more challenged soon when you get there. One thing you could do now is require a bit more her by letting her read her own science and/or history. You could also require more from the extensions. Are you currently having her do the follow-ups with the extension readings? I feel like as long as you are doing the reading, grammar, and math at her level, she will do fine where she is at. It sounds like you all are enjoying your year and she is within the extension range of the guide, so I think she is fine where she is at and more challenge and independence is on its way when you get to Preparing.

[TracyP]

Thanks for your input. She is reading the science independently. She casually orally narrates the extensions most days, and I have given her one written assignment each week. It feels too light, but I think I need to remember that she is enjoying and learning right now. That is more important than being challenged, especially in science and history. I can challenge her in other subjects. Thanks again, I *think* I have this figured out.

[pjdobro]

I know how easy it is to question whether we are doing the right thing in our selection of curriculum or pacing. I know I have it done that often times when trying to decide on pacing for reading, math, and dictation for my two and whether to keep them together or split them up. It's tough finding the right balance between academic rigor and a pace that is manageable and enjoyable for everyone. I am so happy you are feeling more comfortable with where your dd is placed. Loving to learn and enjoying the journey really is so much of the equation in education and it sounds like you have found that. I forgot to welcome you to the board before. Welcome!!!

[my3sons]

HI TracyP, and welcome to the HOD Board! Pjdobro had some good advice to ponder. I agree, PHFHG will be a step up. I had also wondered if your dd was doing DITHOR? That is certainly a challenge, and it is important to add this for a 9 yo as it will teach her the next body of skills in reading rather than just reading books to practice oral reading and basic comprehension. If you are not having dd do DITHOR, I'd definitely add it for her. I honestly think this would be enough, but to be sure, I'd like to hear a little bit about your dd according to the HOD placement chart. Specifically, where does dd place in reading, writing, grammar, and math? What are a few books she has read well on her own lately? If she wouldn't be able to fit solidly in CTC, I'd not separate the two. If she does fit solidly in CTC, then I'd consider whether that was a good decision in general. Also, looking ahead, will ds be able to read his own science and half of his own history in PHFHG, as well as do all of the writing in PHFHG? One last question, what are the ages of your other dc, and will they be ready to start HOD soon? If you get the chance to answer my questions, I'd gladly chat more about this with more specific advice for you to ponder!

In Christ,
Julie

[8arrows]

I am having a hard time thinking of splitting them. They enjoy being together and I like us learning together. I have always assumed that I would keep my kids together for history and science. I also asked them about doing separate guides and was met with NOOOO!
________

If things are going well, I would just keep them together and keep going! Hooray! Igniting your writing is fun and easy to add.