heartofdakota.com

Okay, we started with Little Hearts this year for our 6 year old (grade 1), but honestly, we quit, because it was too behind him, and we were having to supplement so much. It just wasn't worth it for all the extra prep work, resources etc... So we've been winging it this year using different resources, and really doing well. But, I LOVE how put together HOD is, especially it's strong literary focus, and reading is my son's best subject (he's reading several grades ahead).

My concerns with Beyond are: mostly the science. Honestly, DS didn't like the science in Little at all, he really hates anything remotely "textbooky", and I know he won't like it in Beyond because it's the same style. He's much more into living book format, and I think he would enjoy the science in Bigger much better.

But, my concerns with Bigger are: mostly the time. I'm not sure he's capable of putting in 3-3.5 hours a day that they say it normally takes (he'll be 7, but has a sensory disorder, and really struggles with focus etc...).

Also, with Beyond, the math is right on par with where he is, so we could use the math exactly as written. But, I like the biographical approach to history in Bigger.

LOL... input?

You wouldn't want to push up into Bigger just for the science. The history books in Beyond are excellent, living, exciting books and your DS will enjoy them a lot. They are a lot better than in LHFHG. While LHFHG can seem very "easy" or "light" it is complete and it is enough. You could certainly work through the issues with the science book, it seems like he could handle a short reading even if he doesn't like it. There are more experiments and hands-on activities in Beyond as I recall. Today we did one about "wedges" because the Pilgrims used wedges to split the logs to make their first house.

If your child would struggle with the writing, narration, and length of his day I don't think you should use Bigger. He can enjoy it when he gets to it.

Two of my kids are doing beyond as well. And I think every science day there is an experiment. My kids seem to like the science quite a bit but it the same author that is used for LHFHG. But I really like it and the kids do too.

Daneale

The activities in Beyond are really fun ways to learn some basic science facts. I would not jump to Bigger, it is meaty and too big of a jump from Little Hearts. I think you will really enjoy Beyond.