I did it. I ordered Bigger for this year.:)

[meandmycuties]

I posted on here a few times about my dilemma because I wasn't sure what to do. We used Beyond in 2nd grade, then Sonlight 3 in 3rd, and I wanted to switch back to HOD but not repeat Amer History we've already covered. After much deliberation(and watching eBay auctions:) ), I decided to just go for it & order the Bigger stuff new. I won't know how much of it is a repeat until I receive it, but I have prayed about it and I feel peaceful about doing HOD again. I have the DITHOR 2/3 that I purchased for 2nd grade and we didn't use it because I didn't think my kiddos were there yet. Should I get the DITHOR 4/5 yet or will 2/3 be ok for 4th grade? We probably could have done Preparing next year for 4th but I wanted to finish American History(Sonlight 3 is only the 1st 1/2). Thanks for your input!
Amy
9 y/o B/G twins- getting ready to start Bigger
4 y/o boy - continuing with LHTH

[pjdobro]

You are in for such a great year! We just finished Bigger at the end of May and had such a wonderful year. We also did DITHR level 2/3 this year for our 3rd grade year, but I think it would also be fine for 4th grade. It would be a nice way to get used to the program without having a bunch of writing. You'll already be easing into more writing with Bigger so I might lean towards level 2/3 in DITHR for that reason. You can always use the higher level books for reading and still use the level 2/3 student book. I see you have b/g twins the same age as my b/g twins. Neat!

[netpea]

Yay, you're gonna love it.

[meandmycuties]

You are in for such a great year! We just finished Bigger at the end of May and had such a wonderful year. We also did DITHR level 2/3 this year for our 3rd grade year, but I think it would also be fine for 4th grade. It would be a nice way to get used to the program without having a bunch of writing. You'll already be easing into more writing with Bigger so I might lean towards level 2/3 in DITHR for that reason. You can always use the higher level books for reading and still use the level 2/3 student book. I see you have b/g twins the same age as my b/g twins. Neat!

Yes that's very cool! Do you have a blog?

[meandmycuties]

Yay, you're gonna love it.

Thanks! I'm excited to get the books!!

[pjdobro]

Yes that's very cool! Do you have a blog?

No I've never started a blog. I've thought about it many times but never done it. I'm afraid I would probably spend way too much time on it, but maybe someday I can discipline myself enough to do a blog and not be consumed by it.

[Carrie]

Amy,

I'm excited for you too! I think we'd probably advise doing Bigger, rather than Preparing, but you'll know better once you get your books. You can always return Bigger and exchange for Preparing if needed. We're doing Bigger Hearts with our son too this year. We pray the Lord may richly bless your homeschool year!

As far as DITHR goes, thinking about how much literature study your son has had, how much he likes to write, and how independent he is will make a big difference in placement. If your son hasn't had much in the way of formal literature study, prefers not to do much written work, and still likes to be with you for his lessons, you will be fine with DITHR 2/3. If, however, your son has had some literature study, does not mind doing a page or so of graphic organizer type written work each day, and is desiring a bit more independence, then Level 4/5 would be better.

Blessings,
Carrie

[meandmycuties]

I just got my box, and I couldn't be more thrilled! I think it's going to be great!:D YAY!

[my3sons]

Hooray! I'm excited for you to begin Bigger Hearts! We loved the red Eggleston books so much - very inspiring stories abound in those. Likewise, we just plain had fun with the science experiments, the history projects, and the art assignments. My ds's portfolio of the year shows incredible growth from Day 1 until now. It will be fun for you to look back on all the growth you see this year with your dc in Bigger Hearts - the skills it teaches are truly ones dc rely on throughout the rest of their schooling. Likewise, Bigger Hearts "grew" my dc's faith in the Lord and gave me excellent opportunities to talk about Godly character traits with the dc - what was going well - and what needed to improve (in them and in me too). I'll look forward to hearing about your year in Bigger Hearts!

In Christ,
Julie