We are tying to make our way back to HOD. I had planned to come back next year, but I don't want to wait.
I do have a little predicament placing my oldest though. So here are the stats. My youngest is 6 1/2 (7 in November). She is a pretty precocious thing. She has understand very difficult books since she was quite young. She places well into Beyond. I'. Sure that's where she needs to be. Bigger would have far too much writing this year for her. She is currently halfway through the ER's, so I believe her placement is good.
My oldest is 8 1/2 (9 in January). She is also quite precocious. She was an early reader. At this point, she can read and comprehend pretty much anything. She devours Magic Tree House books in a matter of a couple of hours. She can read much more difficult books as well. MTH are simply for enjoyment. Her writing has come a long ways since last year. Most recently, I saw her write about 7 original sentences on her own quite quickly. I did a happy dance too!
she seems to fit the criteria for both Bigger and Preparing. The only spot with Preparing placement is that she is just now learning cursive. Overall, she enjoys school and learning. She is very eager to do a good job and to advance in her work. Should we go with Preparing (starting half speed) so they won't be in back to back guides? Or should I go with Bigger?
Your older daughter is above the level of my 10 year old son and he is doing preparing this year (he did bigger last year). I agree it is also a good idea to start off at half speed with preparing (and add cursive) till you think she is ready to go full speed. Good thinking on trying not to get them in back to back guides.