I’ve never used Saxon prior to 54. We’ve usually done manipulative / real life math until 65. I had one who only worked halfway through 65 by the time we needed to take an extended break. We picked back up with the beginning of 76 which had plenty review. The break actually gave time for doing half of 65 to work as a foundation for 76. It’s usually a matter of using larger numbers for the same sorts of problems. You can also compare the table of contents from the current level with the next and use both the current and next for the topics that didn’t get covered this year.
I’ve come up against math drudgery in the past with Saxon and some of our children. Consider looking into CM math suggestions for quite a while instead of a purchased curriculum. We’ve collected so many formal math resources through the years, it’s quite silly. Our youngest wanted books like her public/private schooled friends. She’s “using” Rod and Staff” and likes it, but we use lots of living math books and things around the house more often than the textbook. And, I second Mathtacular as a great way to cover math topics while you need a break from structured lessons. It’s quite fun.
Take a look at these:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/product-category/product-math/
You will likely find Richelle’s CM math suggestions to be a breath of fresh air.
As for history and the rest, why not pace yourself in the planning stages? Decide what will ease your mind about math. Then, decide if you’d like family history, or individual history. My pick at a stressed time is family togetherness. It’s much less work in the management department. We’ve done it this way for years with five children. Now that I’m going down to two for the next while, I’m seeing that separate topics are doable IF it makes better sense for each of them because I am at a place that makes it possible for me to finally devote the time to managing more than one time period myself. I’ve already studied the subjects enough with our older children that I can be confident in having more than one history plate spinning. 🙂 That took years. I’d say, pick a time period that your kids are likely to enjoy. Discuss a sample of each with them. You can fast forward, slow down, or combine SCM modules quite easily with helpful input from forum members. Even if you only look at the free curriculum guide titles and get a few from the library, reading them without a spine or any serious structure for a while, it will be a blessing.
Like habits, choosing to add in one subject at a time in your situation with the ages of your children is perfectly fine. Consider yourself hugged! ;0)
You are in my prayers,
Becca<><
