which guide to do next year

[meandmycuties]

We did Beyond in 2nd grade with my twins, Sonlight in 3rd, and this year for 4th we returned to HOD and did Bigger. They turned 10 this past Jan. I like Bigger, but the spelling words are way too easy and some of the dictation is also. We've had to use Rod & Staff Spelling with it. I saw that Preparing has two choices of dictation passages but without looking at it,it's hard to tell how much more difficult it will be compared to Bigger. That being said, the children will be taking an English course away from home next year so Dictation & spelling may be included. I'm not sure yet. I thought about skipping Preparing since they are turning 11 next year anyway, but that means missing the History in Preparing. Opinions?

Amy
J & J- (10) Bigger
N(5)- Explode the Code online and starting LHFHG in the fall

[MomtoJGJE]

You can skip ahead in dictation until they are missing a little... you don't want them missing much though. Maybe once a week or so at most... if they are missing more than that it's too hard. It doesn't seem like it'll help with spelling, but it does, tremendously.

I would definitely not skip a guide based on where they place in dictation though.

[twoxcell]

Preparing has 3 levels of Dictation 2,3,4. Bigger contains level 2. Level 4 is quite a bit more advanced than level 2, by the end the child is writing pretty long passages.

[LynnH]

I wouldn't skip Preparing. Like the pp said it goes up to level 4 dictation. Which has some pretty challenging passages. Preparing also really teaches them how to take ownership for the Independent boxes and teaches written narration. Preparing also introduces them to the history that they will then delve into in more depth in the next 4 guides. It gives them those hooks to hang future learning on. It would be a huge jump to go from Bigger to CTC.

[my3sons]

I agree with the ladies' thoughts here - the jump between BHFHG and CTC may be too much for Geronimo! Seriously, PHFHG is the perfect transition between BHFHG and CTC. It has dc taking over skills they are ready for slowly, so by the time they get to CTC, they are ready for success in those areas with the harder readings. Here is a link to dictation samples...
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1221

I think Level 4 of dictation is quite difficult, and that may be the place you want to begin with your dc if they are good spellers. HTH!
In Christ,
Julie

[meandmycuties]

Thx for the advice, and the link to the dictation passages. That helps a lot.

Amy