what to do?

AmyB · Post by **AmyB** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:37 am

I have two daughters that I will be homeschooling next year. After looking at the placement chart (which is very helpful!!) I decided that my oldest daughter (9) would best fit in Bigger and the younger (6) would fit in Beyond. My question is this, do I keep Ana (the younger one) in Beyond for two years so that she doesn't finish right behind Ali (9) or is okay that she is right on her oldest sister's heels?
Thanks for any advice. Everyone on here is very helpful. I'm always afraid to chime in, but I love reading every one else's wisdom.
Thanks!
AmyB

inHistiming · Post by **inHistiming** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:01 pm

I think if the placement chart put them in those two spots, it's really just what your preference is. The guides are written according to age and ability, rather than by grade, so it's based on what each can do. You're supposed to be able to move from guide to guide each year, with no breaks. HTH!

MamaMary · Post by **MamaMary** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:06 pm

Hi Amy,

Welcome!

I would put each of them right where they placed. I have found that If I don't draw attention to those kind of things my children don't notice as much. (warm understanding smile)

However, you could do Beyond over two years. This would make your first year much easier, learning curve wise.

However, you would need to work out your core subjects. You wouldn't want to do you math and LA over two years. But you could easily just do the right side of the page everyday.

water2wine · Post by **water2wine** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:48 pm

There was a post about this just recently but I can't remember how it came about. I wish I could. But I think what would probably be best is to just place them where they land. And yes next year the youngest will do what the oldest just did. But it is not the program that determines grade level since different ages will include things like extension pack and of course more would be expected of an older child. And really to me Math and LA are what determine grade level. So the actual program is actually a range of "grade" levels and you pick where they land by the different options withing in it and Math and LA levels.

If any of that is making sense.

We've had it come up in our family where one child will question their level based on another's. I have found just explaining how the program works and letting them know that it is not what determines grade level since many grades can use the same program. It has worked well. I had fifth and third graders working together as well as PreK with K/1st and it was no problem at all. HTH

Post by **Carrie** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:52 am

Amy,

It sounds like you have a good grasp of what your kiddos are needing. The ladies have done a wonderful job of helping you already. I would agree wholeheartedly with what they said.

Just make sure when looking at the placement chart that you put the most emphasis on reading, writing, math, and grammar when placing your kiddos in the right guide. As MamaMary and water2wine both mentioned, you need those to be on track and moving forward.

You could always slow down the left side of Beyond to half-speed though (and the storytime box also).

Blessings,
Carrie

AmyB · Post by **AmyB** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 11:34 am

Carrie and everyone else, thank you for the advice. I am really considering just doing one page one day and the next page the next day and just fitting in math, reading and spelling each day. Thank you all for your advice and encouragement.
Thanks!
AmyB

6timeboymom · Post by **6timeboymom** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 11:45 am

A word of caution for you: I intended to do Little Hearts over two years-left page one day, right page the next...and when Greyson (4) found out "the big boys" did two pages a day, he demanded he do that, too!!

Plus it's hard to get him to stop doing the readings, or the workbooks sometimes, too!
(I guess that speaks to how great the curriculum is?!?!?!?

)