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I've recently considered combining my dd6 and ds8. Currently, dd6 is in Beyond as written full speed. Ds8 is in Bigger as written full speed. They are doing fine as placed with only ds struggling a bit with the readings in Bigger. I'm looking ahead and seeing that eventually I'll have 3 children to teach and hearing that running Bigger and Preparing at the same time (that would happen next year provided I don't combine or change anything) isn't highly advised I'm getting a little concerned with what my future teaching days will look like.

I would definitely keep DS at his skills levels in math, DITHOR, grammer, cursive, and dictation (science, too?) - basically Bigger right side. But since he's already completed Beyond is this ridiculous to have him repeat the history, associated activity, poetry, and bible?

I don't feel this is an emergency decision at this time but it is an idea that I hadn't considered. Ds struggles with listening comprehension and I think he might do better with the Beyond material, including Storytime selections. I had chosen some different storytime titles for dd's turn in Beyond so they would be fresh for him, too. Then next year I could put them both in Bigger (dd full program, ds doing left side Bigger and right side Preparing) and he might do better with the Bigger history having a little more maturity on his side.

I know I'll be spending some time in prayer over this one but I'd love some thoughts from you all.

I think you could combine them if that is your goal but you would need to make it different for the older, there are posts on how to beef up Beyond like this one:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12629&p=90843&hilit ... ond#p90843

You wouldn't want to just repeat it as is since he has already done it.

Thank you for that link! I did a search too and found some more ways to beef up Beyond. I also found some extra activity ideas to add some variety for him this time.

We did a trial-run today to see how things might work. It actually went pretty well. I talked with ds about the possible change and he seemed almost relieved about the idea. I think I'll test this for a few more days to see if it is the right fit. If not, we will keep exploring other options.

Yes, we did this with my oldest. I am still very glad I pulled him back. He was not able to handle Bigger at age 8. He's now in Preparing.

Thank you Amy. That is encouraging to hear!