Question about Science in "Bigger Hearts"

mom2every1 · Post by **mom2every1** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 6:58 pm

I am buying Bigger Hearts for my soon to be 4th grader. If I plan to use the science from the extension package since my guy is older, do I still need the science books from the economy package?

Thanks!

MamaMary · Post by **MamaMary** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:02 pm

Lisa,

I bought both and have found the books in the basic package to be so fufilling that we've not used the science in the extension pack. Now, with that said, this particular son is not reading well enough to work independently. If your son is, I think it would work just fine. (warm smile)

We absolutely LOVE the science in Bigger!

blessedmomof4 · Post by **blessedmomof4** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:12 pm

HI-the extension pack is not meant to replace the history or science in Bigger's economy package, it is meant to add to it, to give independent daily history and science readings for a 4th or 5th grader who is an excellent reader. The extension books range in reading level from 4th through 6th grade. The science in Bigger is very complete on its own for those who aren't ready to do those extra readings, though! It's been perfect for my 3rd and 4th graders, since my 4th grader isn't up to that reading ability yet, either.

mom2every1 · Post by **mom2every1** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:30 pm

My 9 year old is reading independantly books such as "Charolette's Web," "Little House.." and "Magic Tree House" series... do you think the extension pack is for this type reader or should I wait on those?

Post by **Carrie** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 11:24 pm

Lisa,

I'm going to point you to a thread about the science in "Bigger..." that gives more information about it:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=356

The ladies did a great job of answering your questions! The science in the Economy Package is the core of the program, so you'll need to have that to do the science study. The science in the Extension Package is meant to be in addition to the science in the Economy Package to raise the level of science topics. The Extension Package Science wouldn't be enough on its own.

Blessings,
Carrie

mom2every1 · Post by **mom2every1** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 1:04 pm

Thanks y'all!

water2wine · Post by **water2wine** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 5:21 pm

We're doing the extension and what is in the program. You'll enjoy doing both. The extension science kind of fits the history as well.

MamaMary · Post by **MamaMary** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 5:31 pm

water2wine wrote:We're doing the extension and what is in the program. You'll enjoy doing both. The extension science kind of fits the history as well.

W2W? Can you tell me how you fit in both?

water2wine · Post by **water2wine** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:13 pm

MamaMary wrote: W2W? Can you tell me how you fit in both?

Well. I am not doing it the way that Carrie intended I think which is to be independent because they read it and then do the work page on it afterward. I think Carrie has it to be done independent by the older child. I have one of my older child reading delayed so I do it read aloud one day and then review and have them do the worksheet on another or they do the worksheet after I read depending on how we are doing on time. I do it though between the two days a week when there is not an actual activity for the other science that is written in the program. Depending on the lesson I have them do the worksheet after I read or on the other day of the week that does not have an actual science activity. It just depends on how our time is going. I would allow just two times during the week and fit it in on the non activity days for the science written in the program if you are doing it independent as I believe it is intended to be done.

It does not take my kids long to do the worksheet after the reading and the reading is not too terribly long. It's honestly a pretty easy add in. It would be easier to add then say something like Apologia just to give you an idea.

HTH. I know it is not a real formal system but it works for us.