Question about placement

[mom4]

Beyond says its for 6-8 years old. I have a 7 and 9 year old I was thinking about using Beyond with. I am thinking about just using the history portion. Would this work for a 9 year old or is he too old for Beyond? We will probably use a different science to go along with Beyond.

Thanks so much!

[Carrie]

mom4,

Welcome to the HOD Board! We're glad to have you here! I'll just move this post over to the Main Board where more moms will see it. All new posts begin on the Main Board.

Blessings,
Carrie

[blessedmomof4]

You could use Bigger instead, based on age, it is for age 7-9. But the best way to decide would be to see where your children fit in the placement chart, particularly the first page. I hope you consider the rest of the program as well as the history, as everything fits so well together. I used Bigger with my youngest daughters when they were 8 and 9, and it was a delight. My science-loving girl particularly enjoyed the science in Bigger. Here's a link to the placement chart:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php
Welcome to the board

[mom4]

Thanks Carrie! Maybe I will get more responses.

Blessedmomof4,

Actually I already have the Beyond guide and books. I ordered it last year and we started it and several life events happened in our family so we didn't get far into it. We mainly just did our basic subjects. We also, moved over 2000 miles across country in January so everything with our home school has been crazy. All I could do is stay focused on the 3 R's at that point. I hate we didn't get through it and I guess thats why I wanted to stick with it for this year otherwise I would probably go with Bigger.

I know the Pioneers and Patriots book in Beyond is a 3rd grade level book and my oldest is in 3rd and my youngest in 2nd. I think if I just did the history portion it would be ok. Or I could sell Beyond and buy Bigger. What do you think????

[blessedmomof4]

Hmmm...if cost is an issue I can understand that. Perhaps someone can give you some ideas on making Beyond work for your older child. I never used Beyond at all, so I don't have any ideas on that

[my3sons]

Dc can grow and change so much over a year, so while you could use Beyond for your 7 and 9 yo and up the science, maybe Bigger is now a better fit, but maybe not. Taking some time to check out the placement chart with fresh eyes would really be helpful. Here is a link to it, and I'd love to hear your thoughts about it and help you talk through this after that:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

In Christ,
Julie

[mom4]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for your post! I will definetly check out the placement chart again!
I guess I was thinking Beyond would be perfect for my 7 year old. We did Reading Made Easy with him last year and he is now an emerging reader. And for my 9 year old I know the History is 3rd grade level; Pioneers and Patriots. He is 3rd grade as we held in back in first. He has dyslexia so I use Sequential Spelling for him. He would only be using the History portion of the program. I would add another Science for his level. Both boys use Singapore math and have from the beginning. We also go to a Community Bible study every week and have homework daily in our CBS workbooks.

I guess I am trying to say I would love to do Beyond for my 7 year old but, I am not sure about my 9 year old. I would like to keep the boys together as much as possible, mainly with history, as they are close in grade, 2nd and 3rd. I know parts of HOD just will not work for my 9 year old due to his dyslexia, but I know those same parts would be perfect for my 7 year old. On the other hand I definetly don't want to cheat my 9 year old. I hope this makes sense.

Any thought on what I should do???

Thanks again!

[Bramble]

I know others use Beyond for a 9 yr. old and then add to the science or use the science from Bigger, so go for it.

[my3sons]

We do have moms using Beyond with 7 and 9 yo dc and loving it! Thank you for describing each of your dc so well, as that helps so much in proper placement. I think they could both do all of Beyond Little Hearts (with the exception of your subbing in Sequential Spelling for the spelling in the LA box), and you can just add some science to extend for your ds, as well as doing his appropriate level of Singapore, reading, and possibly grammar.

Moms extend the science in various ways, but one of the favorites is to have dc do independent research on the science topic they're already learning about, as this links to the history too, and is just plain fun to do! Your ds could use a general children's encyclopedia or the free online Wikipedia to research some more about the science topic, and then orally give you the things he learned and found most interesting - or if he enjoys being artistic, he could show you his research results in some artistic form with pictures, labels, etc.

As far as the reading goes, I know his dyslexia is a determining factor to what he does, but I just wanted to mention he could also do the Emerging Reader's Set, and start at whatever point you think is best for him. The books begin easier and get increasingly more difficult, so many moms have their older dc doing the set start in the middle of it or so. This works great! Or, he could begin Drawn into the Heart of Reading Level 2/3 if he is a more independent reader already, but I'd ease into it.

For grammar, Beyond has a once a week lesson to introduce the basic parts of speech as well as other beginning grammar skills. If he has not had grammar, this would be wonderful! If he already has had an introduction to grammar, he could begin R & S English 2 (which is usually planned daily in Bigger Hearts). If he starts R & S English 2 this year with Beyond, you could just have him do it half-speed, spreading it out over this year and the next. Many moms (me included) have dc do a good portion of R & S orally, saving only about 1/3 or 1 section to be written.

I think both of your dc will love the history, along with all of its connecting portions of geography, poetry, Bible study, music, timeline, history activity, science, devotion, and art. Even if dc are doing another Scripture memory verse for church, it is very doable to sing the verse and do the short memory work each day. Our very active boys have especially loved this, and I've looked forward to that part of the plans with them as it not only hides the Lord's word in their hearts, but also "gets the wiggles out"! Of course all of these are options, but I'd love for you to get the most out of your guide for the 2 of them, and each and every box of plans helps make for a very balanced day. HTH, and I'm excited for you to begin Beyond with your 2 sweeties! I think you'll find this board a very encouraging place to be too.

In Christ,
Julie

[mom4]

Thank you ladies!! I decided to go with Beyond!! We started back yesterday and it seems to be working out beautifully!!!!

[my3sons]

Hooray - I'm celebrating with you today! We enjoyed Beyond so much. Have a wonderful time with it!

In Christ,
Julie

[Carrie]

mom4,

There's so much good advice in this thread! I'm celebrating your good start with you too! If you have other questions, ask away. The ladies are so gracious about helping and encouraging one another.

We're glad you're here.

Blessings,
Carrie