Placement chart: Bigger or Preparing??

[abrightmom]

Ladies,

We're still fleshing out our big plan and pondering a million different things ....

In all honesty, I'd like to place my rising 3rd grader in Preparing (rather than Bigger as I'd originally chosen) as I believe he fits there on the placement chart. When we begin 3rd grade in the fall he'll be nearly 9 and I think his skills will be in place to use Preparing (at least in terms of the placement chart). He will be in 3rd grade math and ready for Rod & Staff English 3. Currently he is using Level 3 studied dictation with no challenge yet. He's also learning cursive with Cheerful Cursive. He loves this! Here are my concerns and questions:

1. Though he fits on the placement chart he is not a strong oral narrator. One of my goals over the next few months is to work specifically on this skill. Any suggestions? My initial plan is to use The Christian Liberty Nature Reader Level 3. I ask him to read a paragraph and then narrate. I am using Carrie's narration suggestions for Mom and student. My son has the ability to narrate well (excellent recall and memory; can answer direct questions) but he lacks "style" or "form". I want to refine this. I also think that with a bit of refining he'll be more than ready to begin written narrations which is a strong desire I have for him in 3rd grade. I cannot imagine waiting on that until 4th grade as he's on the cusp of being "ready" and the challenge will stretch him in a good way.
2. Can anyone compare the writing output between Bigger and Preparing?? I have both guides and I'm not seeing a great difference in the amount of writing required of my son in either program. I think either one presents a challenge in the amount of writing required. Thoughts? Comparisons?
3. Can anyone address the step up in challenge between Preparing and CTC?
4. Any other advice you may want to give in regard to using Preparing over Bigger.... sometimes there is more than meets the eye and I don't want to be caught off guard. I am more than happy to stretch the four days into five (I like this option) and/or begin at half speed to work our way into a full speed schedule. I can see this stretching being JUST what my oldest son and I need this upcoming school year.

Thanks so much for your kind helps in this regard!

[John'smom]

Katrina,
I can help on only one aspect of your post. You can compare the amounts of writing in Bigger/Preparing here. HTH!

[abrightmom]

Thank-you Edwena!!!!!! That helps a lot and I can compare Julie's list to my own .

[LynnH]

I can address the step up from Preparing to CTC. I think it is a big one. My ds did Preparing last year as a 10 year old and did well. This year he is doing CTC as an 11 year old(6th grader) and it has been a challenge, especially the independent history reading. They take over the history reading in CTC and the books are challenging. I know my ds has struggled to comprehend them at times. Especially when a written narration is required. Now his reading comprehension is only average for his age, but I have heard from others including Carrie that these books are tough as far as reading level. I know some moms just read these to their younger dc, but that isn't what Carrie suggests. Having them read it themselves is part of the progression in skills. The science reading is also a step up, but not as big of one. There are more independent boxes in CTC than in Preparing. There is also additional writing expected with the inclusion of Write with the Best.

[birchbark]

Regarding narration, there is this thread with lots of input from Carrie, although you may have read it already.

[abrightmom]

Thanks for the helps ladies! Hmmmmmm. My gut tells me to use Bigger but start NOW. The kiddo is on the cusp of being ready and Preparing just screams his name! However, as I read through these boards and wade through my many print outs (of HOD threads ) I am continually reminded that it is GOOD to pace ourselves. I DO want my son to be challenged but more than that I want him to thrive. I will maximize every assignment in Bigger by asking him to do 3 vocabulary cards, all of the writing that we are able to do, etc. I will also use Bigger as the training ground for teaching him to narrate (we'll work hard on that skill in Bigger), to work harder, a bit longer, and even independently in some subjects. I plan to train him with science and then expect him to do that on his own as soon he is able to.

Thanks again!

[anointedhsmom]

Katrina,

I have to say my first thought reading your question was it's not sooo much about going from Bigger to Preparing but the step from Preparing to CtC. These guides are can seem light when in reality they are nothing of the kind. The progression of skill is evident in each one when you are in the trenches with the guide. I do think you know that already though I would be more worried about putting a child in CtC and subsequent guides too early.

If you truly feel he's on the cusp I would say do what you are thinking and start Bigger now. Bigger is a great prep for Preparing. It might be somewhat light for him but I think you will find you are glad you went ahead and did Bigger to prepare for Preparing

With prayer I know the Lord will make it clear to you the correct path to take.