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I have an 8 1/2 year old. I am not sure where to place her. Because of her learning style, until this year we haven't really followed a certain "curriculum", just kind of winging it and a lot of life learning. I believe she is ready/mature enough to take on doing more work. That being said, she is pretty much on "grade level", but isn't there when it comes to work load if you know what I mean. I was looking into Bigger, but wasn't sure if it would challenge her enough...but then again I am concerned if we take on Preparing, it would be more of a work load. I hope this makes sense

Thanks,
Cara

Did you come up with Bigger or Preparing based on the placement chart? If so, if she seems somewhere between those two, then I would definitely suggest Bigger for your first year using HOD. As you already mentioned the workload difference between the two is significant. You don't want her to be totally overwhelmed. Things like writing and notebooking are tiresome for children and best to work up to. If she places higher in math, reading, spelling, or grammar you can easily substitute those things at her level. Bigger is plenty challenging. The history is very interesting and none of it would seem too "young" for her. Also there are skills she will be newly exposed to, like narration (probably) that she will need some working up to. So that's why I would recommend Bigger. My DD started Preparing when she turned 9 and it is challenging for her (and she has done every HOD guide before it).

I would recommend Bigger as well. If she is not used to a workload, Bigger will be plenty and Preparing will be overwhelming. She's at a great age for Bigger.