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We having been doing LHFHG this year, but we are getting ready to start the emerging readers from Beyond tomorrow. I also looked at all the spelling words in Beyond and I really feel like he is more than ready to do the spelling lists and was wondering if I should start these (He would definitely be able to do list 2 too) as well.

My only concern is once we get to Beyond will I be cutting out too much of the meat and always be blending difference levels??

I think if you were to just do spelling list 1 in Beyond...and use the emergent reader's schedule, you would still be fine to do the 'left' side of Beyond...next year, and not have to combine levels of the guides. Next year, you could use spelling list 2 and move into DITHOR for reading. I don't know where your dc is in Math, but the 'right' side of the guides is easy to customize for your child. You can always use a level ahead or behind what is suggested for that guide...it's all dependent on your dc's abilities. The only possible issue with that would be in the later guides (Bigger... and up) you may have to schedule your own english and math, where Carrie has it in the Appendix if you're using the suggested levels. However, that's not as important as proper placement. I have been using Bigger...this year with my 10 and 8 year olds, with my oldest in higher levels of math and english. I did have to create my own schedule for his english and math, but it really wasn't too hard and the year has worked out well. I hope this has been helpful. Maybe others will come along to offer their suggestions.

I agree with inHistiming. It will work great for you to just head into Beyond for spelling in the daily plans and the Emerging Reader's Schedule in the Appendix. If you use only those portions, then you'll still be able to do Beyond as is the following year (using Spelling List 2 and DITHR).

If, however, you also choose to use the gentle grammar lessons and the math lessons in Beyond too, then the following year when you head into Beyond for all subjects, you'd just need the Bigger Hearts guide (right side only) for English/Math and dictation passages.

Either way will work. We usually recommend not rushing kiddos though, so you will most likely be right on track by adding the Emerging Reader's Schedule and the Spelling List 1.

Blessings,
Carrie