New to HOD- Beyond or Bigger???

[schultzfamily6]

I think that I've decided to use HOD for the next school year, but am not sure which one to use. I'll be using Little Hands to Heaven for my four-year-old (and maybe 2 year old). I have twins who will be 7 1/2 in the fall. One is an extremely good reader, while the other struggles a little more (though is probably fine for her age). After reading about both Beyond and Bigger, I'm still not sure which one is best for us. Also, I really wanted to use Apologia for science. How is the science in each one? I have been using Horizons for math, and will continue to do so. Looking for advice!

[lmercon]

I did Beyond with a 7 yo. He is 8 this year with Bigger. I'm so glad that he is in the mid-high range for the programs. He gets so much more out of them than he would have if he was a year younger. Bigger was quite a bit of a jump from Beyond. I think it is easier to add things in than cut things out. I want him to feel successful and get the full benefit of each program. The science in both is related to the history topics, though not tightly related. It is gentle and meaningful. Bigger incorporates more notebooking and experiments/demonstrations.
hth,
Laura

[my3sons]

Welcome to the HOD Board, and whether you choose Beyond or Bigger, you cannot go wrong! They are both wonderful programs. Have you gotten a chance to check out the placement chart? That's always been super helpful to me and been on target for our dc's placement. Here's a link to that:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

Another thing to consider is the amount of writing, as this varies between the 2 programs. You can arrow down to Kathleen's post at this link for a description of the writing in Bigger Hearts:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3005

You can arrow down to Carrie's post at this link for a comparison of the writing in Beyond and the writing in Bigger:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1516&p=11829

When you get a chance to tell us what you think in regard to the placement chart and the amount of writing, I'd be glad to chime in to answer any other questions you may have, and so will other ladies I'm sure! HOD has been such a blessing in our home, and whichever program you go with, I know it will be in yours too. Looking forward to getting to know you here!

In Christ,
Julie

[sharonb]

I just wanted to let you know that we are adding Apologia science next year when we do Bigger and Little Hearts (we'll still do all the science in those programs too!). We LOVE science around here! If you do decide to use Apologia books, look ahead see to which ones are used in future HOD guides if you don't want to repeat them.

[pamh]

I spent a lot of day going thru our Beyond book to see what I'll be using for next year (we primarily used Abeka this year). My son just turned 7 in December and the math and science were too simplistic for my son, especially the math. However, my son loves, loves, loves science and needs a lot more depth in science than kids his age are use to (he actually teaches me when it comes to science). That being said I would hate to skip over the history in Beyond because it is amazing!!!!!! I really wish I grew up with these history books because I would have actually enjoyed history. Just a side note because this may make a difference if someone used this program after being in ps. In preschool, he was required to master phonics before graduating. Then with Kinder his math was exactly what was used in Beyond (simple fractions/mesureing, ones, tens and hundreds values, adding/subtracting single and double digit #s as well as a lot of the same stuff with science. Unfortunately, my first year of homeschooling, I actually held my son back because I wasn't consistant, especially in reading. HOD is wonderful, just wish you were coming to California Conventions, so more would learn about this very unique program!!!!!!!! None of my homeschool friends believe me when I try to tell them how easy this program is to use....so I have to bring out my book to show them!

Pam

[schultzfamily6]

Thanks for all of your replies! I think I'm leaning toward Beyond, and I think the primary reason is that the history books look so good! I'm just a little concerned that my twins may not be challenged enough. Thanks for the links, Julie. They were very helpful. I think both could handle the writing, but my son would likely complain about it! He's not much of a writer yet, but getting better. Maybe we'll just add on Apologia science, and that will give them a little more writing (notebooking).

Sorry, Pam, but I don't think I'll be getting out to California for the convention! I just wish HOD was going to be at the Illinois convention.

Thanks again, and I am really excited about trying HOD!

Jennifer