We have also done a lot of switching since we began. You are definitely at a point now when you need to settle into something, especially for your 5th grader. I started with Abeka, moved on to CLE, stayed with CLE for a while for all subjects. Switched back to Abeka for Language. Tried HOD using Rod and Staff language which we hated this year as well as Sonlight. This new year switching again. I think every subject is new, however this year we have a focus… I am doing History with Diana Waring, Math with BJU, Language and writing with IEW, Science using an online program etc… I also now have a 5th Grader and I realized all the switching isn’t good for their development of a subject, learning how to do everything differently every year. This year I am more confident of my choices because I finally read a book that spoke to what my teaching philosophy will be going forward. (Heart of Wisdom approach) I read through it, saw what we needed and really focused on which programs would fit the bill, what would work with all the grades I have to teach this year, what fit the philosophy and also just gave me peace of mind. Remembering each student is different is important. What worked for one may not work for another. See where they thrive, see what you enjoyed using and what they enjoyed too. Maybe mix and match… I LOVED HOD but I could see areas where we needed something different. So to finish up the year I dropped what wasn’t working and added in the new years stuff that I knew would work. There is no one size fits all hence all the switching. There are elements of Sonlight I loved that I plan to use with the younger children while putting in our own stuff… it’s really a matter of finding which programs work for each subject and putting it all together, or maybe even making your own curriculum for the children so you have a steady pace and you keep moving forward.
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