Help me pick the correct curriculum.

[SaramStuddard]

I am going to be homeschooling my children for the first time next year. They will be entering the 5th and 8th grade. The 5th grader is quite gifted and the 8th grader is an average student. I want to make sure I choose the correct curriculum. If I choose an economy package and add all the options, will I need any supplement material? Also, are these digital download and printable items or actual books being shipped to me? I live in an area with minimal internt connection so downloads, uploads and things that take up a large amaout of bandwidth are nearly impossible. I appreciate any wisdom and guidance you all can give.

[StephanieU]

Most things are actual books. If it isn't listed as a download, it is a physical item.
As for placement, have your checked the placement chart?
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php
Let us know where they each place on that chart, and "we" can help you choose the best program. If you don't want to post the answers here, you can also call HOD, leave a message, and they will call you back and help you.

[SaramStuddard]

Thank you! I will complete the placement test. I am excited to begin this journey!

[SaramStuddard]

After looking at the placement chart I think Resurrection to Reformation is where we should start. I have a separate math curriculum picked out but I would like to make sure I have a complete curriculum. Any suggestions to make sure I do not leave anything out?

[StephanieU]

When you are looking at the packages page on the website, make sure you get each part. The parts are separated by blue headings. So you will need:
Economy Package (history plus guide and optional Shakespeare study)
Science (option 1 or 2)
Basic Package (history read alouds)
Extensions - for the 8th grader, assuming he places into Rev2Rev or MtMM to beef the history and parts of the LA up to 8th grade level work
Bible Quiet Time package
OPTIONAL music to help memorize Philippians 1
Medieval History-Based Writing
DITHOR Teacher's Manual, Student book per child, and appropriate book pack(s) (or use the library for books - this covers Literature/Literary Analysis)
Rod and Staff English (grammar with a little writing instruction)
Math (which you said you already had)

[Nealewill]

Are you wanting to combine them or have you considered having them do their own thing. For many families, they actually run multiple levels and many also combine. If both kids are similar in abilities, combining is great. If not, you might consider ordering two levels if you are able to. With both of those ages and your first take on the students, I would place the 5th grader in RtR and the 8th grader in MtMM possibly.

I combine two of my kiddos because they are very similar and my oldest goes it alone because she is much more advanced than my other two. HOD is wonderful in the sense that the kids can do a lot independently. So you won't feel overwhelmed teaching two levels.