If you've used Bigger....

[amysue277]

What age do you think it is best suited for? I know this largely depends on the child, but wanted to get a general answer anyway.

I am trying to decide at what ages I want my boys to "arrive" at Bigger and Preparing. They are 18 months apart. Combining is probably not ideal, but has to be done in this crazy stage of life with little ones. I am considering either stretching out LHFHG, Beyond, and Bigger by doing 4x/ week or doing Bigger and Preparing over 3 years. I don't want my younger guy frustrated and he seems to be "average" as far as ability, while my older son seems to catch on very quickly.

I think he'll do fine with LHFHG and Beyond, but I've heard Bigger is quite the jump. if I don't slow down LHFHG and Beyond, this guy will have just turned 7 when we start Bigger. Is that ambitious? I only ask this far ahead because I don't know if I should start LHFHG full speed, or stretch it out. I hope this makes sense! Thanks.

[MomtoJGJE]

I think you should just do whatever level you are on at whatever level you need to do it at the time

If they can complete each level fully they are ready for the next level.

However I've really enjoyed it both times we've done (are doing) it... and my children have been 8 each time. But I would not hesitate to put a 7 year old in Bigger if they've fully completed LHFHG and Beyond. In fact, my third will be doing Bigger while she is 7.

[amysue277]

Yes, I agree it's probably too hard to tell right now. I do know that he'll be doing the K options for FM and handwriting next year while doing LHFHG, and I'm not sure he will be ready to do all of Beyond the following year (will have just turned 6) with the copy work and all. So...does doing Beyond using LHFHG 1st grade options mean he won't be ready for Bigger?

Either way, I know I have to stretch these guides out somehow. I want my youngest to be doing preparing in 4th, which puts my oldest in 5th. I'm leaning towards 4 days a week, but it will bug me slightly not to finish, but I'll have to just get over it, LOL!