Wondering what levels to do next year....

[juliecramroberts]

I'm looking for a little guidance on what to do next year. This year is our first with TOG (year 3), having used Sonlight for our first two years, and I must admit I feel lost/overwhelmed.

Here is a little about my children:
DS, 13 - (will be 14 in July). Strong & willing reader. Can't wait to start TOG 4, rhetoric next year. (9th grade for 2012-2013)
DD, 12. - Average reader, but doesn't really enjoy it. Willing to do whatever I decide for next year. (7th grade for 2012-2013)
DS, 9. - Below average reader (about 1 grade level behind). Would classify him as a reluctant reader. (4th grade for 2012-2013)

Surprise bundle on the way, due October 2012.

My oldest has said a number of times he wants to continue with TOG, rhetoric. He loves the reading. Unfortunately, we won't be able to continue with the co-op we have been doing because of the new baby (we do two co-ops and the other is a huge help with overall work load at home.) I know that I will have to step up my guidance/ discussion time with him next year.

My struggle comes with my other two children. Technically, they should both be moving up a level, but I wonder if I should keep my dd in UG (to make the reading a bit easier) and move my LG ds into the UG as well and combine their studies. Or, is there a way that I can teach history from UG level, but give different levels for literature?

I hope this all makes sense. My brain is mush lately.

Thank you.
Julie

[Pat]

Look carefully at the books and consider blending for them. Don't just go by level of the book, but also by interest.

For instance, I think for your older child the D level might be a better choice at least for the first two years of TOG as those books are likely to appeal more to an older child.

But I would spend some time and do a book by book comparison AND I would probably only buy one unit at a time until you got grounded.

I can tell you my 12 yo ds who is also a reluctant reader has been doing fine with the D level in Year One.

[juliecramroberts]

Thank you for the advice, Pat. I think you are right about ordering 1 unit at a time and seeing how it goes. We will be doing Year 4 next year. My oldest is doing D level for year 3 and I see my daughter having a hard time keeping up with that level of reading, but I can always adjust it as we go.

Thanks again.
Julie

[Pat]

Julie, we did Year 4 last year and my oldest did D level with that. I think the good news for you is the reading maybe a bit lighter in Year 4 than in Year 3. So look at the individual resources carefully.

[juliecramroberts]

Thanks so much Pat for that information! That is wonderful news to hear.