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My daughter is going to be 8 in two months. I am looking to see which book would be best for her. From what I can see I can start with Beyound Little Hearts For His Glory, Bigger Hearts For His Glory or even the newer one. My daughter can read level 2 books without help and I just started getting level 3 books for our daily reading. She still needs extra work on her phonics but she has improved after going thru phonics a second time with a different program. For english we are using First Language Lesson and just started 2nd grade a few weeks ago. We still jump around on science and social studies but want a more organized approch to it. We finished Real Science for Kids before Christmas and now I am using Rod and staff workbooks. I am learning fast that my daughter likes to read books more than sit and do workbooks. Ya think I would have learned that when my first choice of curriculum didn't work for her. If never using anyof the books prior which one would you recommend? I am using the first book with my younger children and plan to use all of the books with them. I would like to have my oldest included to in the program. Even though they are at different levels I can see us all working together with this program.
TIA

Did you look at the placement table? That's where I started.

I did look at the placement table but I am still not quite sure where to start her. I guess I have to get over the what grade and go with what age? She does vary in from first to third grade depending on subject if you have her checked against the local school here.

Hi! I would recommend starting with Beyond... because it teaches lots of skills that are built upon in Bigger... For example, the oral narration lessons in Beyond..., make narrating in Bigger... a cinch. The copywork and spelling in Beyond..., make the dictation a breeze in Bigger... There are lots of skills taught in this manner, and I think you could do Beyond... this year, and Bigger next year. Of course, if you look at the placement chart and are leaning toward Bigger, that would be just fine too. There is quite a bit more writing in Bigger..., so that is something to consider. The reading and math in both programs are flexible and offer many levels, so I'd be thinking about the writing aspect. If you have any more questions though, fire away! Moms are great here about encouraging and helping out!

I just wanted to say that you are on the right track with not thinking in terms of "grade levels", but "skill levels". There are lots of moms on here who are using Beyond with 7-8 yo's (mine will turn 8 about half-way through Beyond). The programs truly do encompass ALL the ages stated.

If you are on the fence, go with the lower level program. You don't want to frustrate with something too difficult. Also, if Julie or Carrie say to go with Beyond, go with Beyond!

MamaBear23Cubs,

I think I answered your question about Singapore Math, and I see I should have started with this post first. So, sorry if my answer to the Singapore question confuses you.

You are right in seeing that you need to look at the skills and not your little honey's age when seeking the best placement in our programs.

I am also wondering whether you are planning to start now or planning to start at the beginning of your next school year? As my3sons pointed out, if you are starting now, "Beyond..." has great skills that would build well for "Bigger...". It also includes the math lessons for Singapore 1B that you could use.

However, if you continue on with what you're doing and start at the beginning of next school year, you would probably be better off with "Bigger..." at that time.

If you have other questions, post away. The ladies are great about chiming in to help!

Blessings,
Carrie

Thanks for the advice. I am going to keep what I have and work it into the layout of Beyond Little Hearts For His Glory. I am going to order Singapore 1B to see how it works and also order Drawn into the heart of reading. I like how I can use any book with it. I just have to wait until payday to get them plan on starting our new routine April 1st. I would start sooner but we are moving and my husband is deploying. Not a good time right now for switching or doing schooling right now. Again thanks.

MamaBear23Cubs,

It sounds like you have your plate full right now!

One thing I wanted to mention is that you may want to work through the Emerging Reader Set with your oldest first before starting DITHR to really help cement your dd's reading skills. The schedule for the Emerging Reader Set is in the Appendix of "Beyond..." and "Bigger...". Here is the link to the Emerging Reader Set, so you can look it over and see if you think it fits her level:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/emerging-reader.php
If it seems to easy, then you are ready for DITHR!

As far as using Singapore 1B, you will just need to jump to the halfway part of the "Beyond..." guide for the math box only, to teach the math lessons starting with 1B or follow the schedule in the Appendix of "Bigger..." for 1B. We did this with our oldest son and it was no big deal to keep track of. We just place one sticky note in the guide at the math spot and one in the guide for the rest.

Since you won't get a chance to begin until April, you may want to take one more look at the placement chart to clearly decide between "Beyond...' and "Bigger..." skill-wise. If your dd can handle the writing in "Bigger..." it might be the better placement, if not "Beyond..." would be best.

Blessings,
Carrie

Blessings,
Carrie