kayben wrote:My 6th grader did ECC this year with my friend leading and I did Adventures with her daughter and my special needs 4th grader as well as 1st and 2nd grade girls. We did a fun sort of miniature co op in my home. My now 5yr old and 3 yr old colored some state sheets etc. LA was very choppy and we ended up using some worktexts just to be sure that something was accomplished. but Next year feels more complicated.
I am planning CTG with my 7th, 5th (modified assignments),3rd and 2nd graders. But I want to use the new 1st Phonics for my 2nd grader as she is just beginning to master CVC words. I also want to use the K program for my son who is already beginning to sound out simple words as well. I am wondering if I should just use the whole 1st grade program with her and add in 2nd grade math? Following the "how to teach K and 1st together" recommendations? My time struggle comes from the need to work individually with 3 programs. As well as individualized Math and LA for 5 kids, 3 of which are needing actual phonics instruction. ( My 3.5 year old will definitely want to be in on K activities. She is already joining him with his pre k letter activities.) Any suggestions? Thank you!!
Rebecca:)
Okay, it feels like jumping into the deep end to envision your lovely family dynamics

but I'll try to see what links might help while you wait for other supermoms to share their experiences.
So, to sum up, this is what I see...
- CTG for 7th, 5th, 3rd, 2nd graders.
Language arts for 2nd grader is MFW-1st new edition, OR do all of 1st using the "how to teach K and 1st together" recommendations (use 2nd grade math in either case)
K program for son, and 3.5 year old will definitely want to be in on K activities
3 programs.
individualized Math and LA for 5 kids, 3 of which are needing actual phonics instruction.
Well, I'm glad you found the "how to teach K and 1st together" post by Marie. That is a nice way to "do it all" but not all at once. With different emphases each year, it also keeps it fresh, I think,
One thought I have is that your worries about 3 kids needing phonics instruction might be over-worrying. It isn't necessary at all to teach a 3.5 year old phonics, and it might even be optional as far as starting a 5yo in kindergarten this coming year. Even if you go ahead with that plan, you do have options if it gets stressful.
Another thought is that language arts always needs to be individually tailored, and because MFW-1st is so efficient, it's probably not a lot more time than a typical 2nd grader would spend on language arts (spelling, PLL, Bible copywork, history notebooking, etc.), and you're doing the same math as 2nd grade, plus the science and deluxe items can be set aside in favor of CTG if that works best.
But here are some past threads that might help you think through a plan (besides calling the office).
K, 1st, and an older program:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1161
Marie's thoughts on not dropping 1st:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=499
Large families:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1011
Littles tagging along:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=11069
CTG and 1st:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=11650
Preschool, K, and maybe older programs:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5222
Preschool & 1st:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1336
K & an older program:
http://board.mfwbooks.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1312
Hoping that somewhere in there is the perfect idea!
Julie