heartofdakota.com

I have a 9 year old (10 in Oct), a almost 7 year old and a 2 year old. I am looking for something simpler to do for school then what I did this year (KONOS...love it but with a 2 year old it is hard!) and am considering this. I am looking at which book I could use for both of my girls (will be in grades 2 & 5)...should I used Bigger Hearts for His Glory or Preparing Hearts for His Glory? I used Little Hearts for His Glory last year for my then 5 year old and both girls loved it (the older one listened because she wanted to!).

I am also looking at ueing just straight Rod & Staff, but my older one dislikes that idea so much....she says it is boring.

We already have a math curriculum that we like and I plan to use Rod & Staff for English.

Thanks!
Wendy C.
mommy to Emily (India-9), Melody (China-almost 7) & Steven (China-2...arrived March 2008)

rumkimom wrote:I have a 9 year old (10 in Oct), a almost 7 year old and a 2 year old.
....
I am looking at which book I could use for both of my girls (will be in grades 2 & 5)...should I used Bigger Hearts for His Glory or Preparing Hearts for His Glory? I used Little Hearts for His Glory last year for my then 5 year old and both girls loved it (the older one listened because she wanted to!).

First, have you placed the girls according to the placement chart here?
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

Let us know where you think each child would place and we'll be better able to give you our thoughts.

Yes, I did look at that and my older one would fit in the older one, but the almost 7 year old would not. The almost 7 year old would fit fine in Bigger (she will be going into second grade). I did see that they have extentions in Bigger for 4-5th grade (the older one will be in 5th grade in everything but math, for that it will be 4th grade).

Since I would like to do their work together if possible, my big question is....would it hurt the older one to use Bigger? (then I could use the next one next year). Of course I would have to use the 5th grade grammer book (Rod & Staff), Drawn into the Heart of Reading for her grade level, 5th grade spelling as well as a different math book (we are using Right Start for her).

About the extention....does it tell us what to do for the science/history for the older children (in the appendix??)?

rumkimom wrote:Yes, I did look at that and my older one would fit in the older one, but the almost 7 year old would not. The almost 7 year old would fit fine in Bigger (she will be going into second grade). I did see that they have extentions in Bigger for 4-5th grade (the older one will be in 5th grade in everything but math, for that it will be 4th grade).

Since I would like to do their work together if possible, my big question is....would it hurt the older one to use Bigger? (then I could use the next one next year). Of course I would have to use the 5th grade grammer book (Rod & Staff), Drawn into the Heart of Reading for her grade level, 5th grade spelling as well as a different math book (we are using Right Start for her).

About the extention....does it tell us what to do for the science/history for the older children (in the appendix??)?

I just went through a lot of this myself. After putting myself through the ringer, I ended up ordering the Bigger set this morning.

I think there is a lot in there that can be tweaked for the older children. I bought all the extension items for my upcoming 4th grader.

As far as science...you could do what is in Bigger, then perhaps find a few more advanced books at the library on the subject, or things online, to add to what your older child is going. Have then do a bit more independent reading...or if there is an experiment you can find in other sources like the one in Bigger, that is more indepth, let the older one do those extra steps and add more procedures to their methods, and add a bit more info in their findings.

Lovetobehome and I have emailed lots, and talked on the phone some, about Bigger and what we want to do. As she says, it's easier to beef up a program than to try to make it easier.

If your youngest fits fine, I'd go with Bigger and then beef it up for your older one.

Just my $0.02

rumkimom wrote: About the extention....does it tell us what to do for the science/history for the older children (in the appendix??)?

It gives you daily readings for history and unit readings for science.

Dixie

Wendy,

The ladies are doing a great job of giving you advice, and I'm sure they will continue to weigh in here. But, it does sound like you could do your 2 kiddos together in "Bigger..." with the extension pack. They do fall within the target age range of "Bigger....". You would have to use the things you mentioned to beef up the language arts (your own spelling or dictation, a higher level of Rod and Staff English, your own math, and also consider doing Drawn into the Heart of Reading..").

As far as Rod and Staff English, if you're coming to it from another English program, you would most likely want to back up and start at Level 4 (or even level 3) depending on what your daughter has had in the past for grammar instruction.

I agree that it is much easier to beef up a program than it is to water one down. If you have other questions, ask away. The ladies are generous with their help!

Blessings,
Carrie

Thanks to all replies!

Carrie - I was going to ask about the grammar when I saw that it was suggested that you go with 3rd or 4th grade grammar even at the 5th grade level. We are currently using Easy Grammar (grades 3/4) & Daily grams (grade 4), but she is having a hard time with it, so should I have her do the 3rd grade level or the 4th grade level?

Next question....I am planning on using "Drawn into the Heart of Reading" for Emily (almost got it for this year....but decided it would be too much with doing the KONOS on-line Co-op...it is wonderful, but too much with a new toddler in the house, plus we might be out part of the time because he needs surgery as he has a cleft palate) but what level do I get for her? She is 9 going on 10 (in Oct), loves reading, is reading above her reading level, and usually remembers most of what she reads (but she hates worksheets). What level should I put her in? 2/3 or 4/5? I am thinking I should go with 4/5, but would it be better if I do 2/3? My younger one will need to go with the emerging reader reading set (she loves worksheets).

Thanks!
Wendy C.
mommy to Emily (India-9), Melody (China-6) & Steven (China-2)
our blog: rumkimom.blogspot.com

Just wanted to say welcome! I have no advice for you. You already took what I would have given. Bigger is what we have done to connect an age gap and it is working very well.

But I am just excited to see another family that has adopted. There are a few of us on here now. We have four from Kazakhstan. My in laws have one from China as well. Anyway welcome! You are going to love HOD! It is very flexible. I have one that often times has lots of doctor appointments as well and it is so nice to have it all done for you but still have the flexibility that you really need.

Enjoy!

Wendy,

I'm thinking if you would like to really "connect the dots" grammar-wise with your older daughter, I would probably go back to Rod and Staff 3. My 9 turning 10 year old will be doing Rod and Staff 3 this year too.

Since your little honey also does not love to write, you may want to go with Drawn into the Heart Level 2/3 for a year to ease her into it. Then, move into Level 4/5 the following year and finish whatever units you didn't cover in Level 2/3.

Blessings,
Carrie