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Hello ladies,

This is our first year homeschooling and because of that, we placed my son in Bigger. On the chart, he had placed in Preparing for everything, but it was recommended to put him in Bigger because we'd never homeschooled, never done Charlotte Mason style learning, and because at the time he had difficulty doing tasks independently, and really disliked writing.

I think Bigger was the right choice, however, he has really blossomed since I ordered it 7 months ago. I no longer have to stand over him to get tasks done, his writing is faster and neater, and I'm finding it hard to keep him challenged. It is not in our budget to purchase Preparing right now (although I think he really is ready for it) so we need to finish out Bigger.... but he is chomping at the bit to look at his own guide, see what needs to be done, complete it, and check it off. Although it is not marked in the guides to do it, what do you think of me letting him do some of the boxes in Bigger on his own, such as his English, Math, DITHOR, etc., saving the things like storytime, history, etc. for us to do together? He has really matured and I want to encourage the independence and responsibility he is showing.
Thanks for the help!! And...on a complete sidenote, I can't help but share that we are expecting another baby in the Spring!!

That is so wonderful that your ds has blossomed so much doing Bigger! It sounds like he is ready to take on some independence and that should work out well for you as you come to the end of the guide. I would work on letting him take over his science with little supervision since that is an area that will be independent next year in Preparing. I would also let him take over the vocabulary activity independently. You could begin to do less and less in the area of grammar and math by just going over the lesson with him and let him finish it. If he still needs more independence and is ready, you could let him take over his history reading also. I would definitely keep the Bible Study, Storytime, and probably Poetry to be subjects that you do completely together. A lot of the other areas you could make semi-independent by letting him read the instructions, discussing it, and then letting him finish the activity. Even if he isn't doing the activity independently, you can let him read through the guide and check off the boxes so he feels in control. That will help him feel more independent and get him comfortable with using the guide. It sounds like you are having a great first year homeschooling and your son is excelling!. Congratulations and good job!

Congrats on expecting, and I second everything pjdobro shared! He can definitely begin being more independent in each of the areas mentioned, and I like the order suggested as well, starting with science, and proceeding from there. In general, using the guide as his own, reading through each box's directions, getting out needed supplies, working more independently, cleaning up after himself, handing in assignments, and checking off each box as he completes it in the guide are all excellent ways to encourage healthy independence. My ds began to be ready for this about 2/3 of the way through Bigger Hearts as well, and I found that a great time to begin encouraging more independence in preparation for PHFHG. I think this will have worked out very well for your ds.

In Christ,
Julie

You've already received some great responses! I just thought I'd link this past thread that may be of some help too. Link: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10561&p=76934

Blessings,
Carrie