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Hi Carrie,

I have a question regarding placement of my 2 boys next year. They will be an early 8 yr old and an early 6 yr old.

Currently, my oldest is doing MFW Adventures, Singapore 2A and BJU Reading 2. My youngest is doing an ecclectic K program. We are working on learning and writing letters and are doing BJU Math K.

When I first looked at HOD I decided to do BHFHG and LHFHG, along with DITHOR for my oldest. I am now wondering if I could just combine the 2 into Beyond...? I looked at Beyond.. and it looked great but would it just be a review of Adventures for my oldest? I notice it used Pioneers and Patriots which we are using now, along with some of the reading books we're doing now. Also, would it be to hard for my youngest?

I do not believe my youngest will be reading at the beginning of next year. At best, maybe CVC words. My oldest is reading at a strong 2nd/3rd grade level. In regards to my oldest and DITHOR, would it be better to do the level 2 books which would most likely be right at his reading level for next year. Or would it be better to do level 3, which would probably be advanced for him?

Thanks so much for all the information and I'm really looking forward to doing your program next year!

Jenine

Janine, I really don't have any advice for you....it may be possible to combine them, but it sounds like they are pretty "spread" as far as skill levels go.

I'm just going to give you a bump up to the top of the board and welcome you to HOD.

Sometimes the board is slow on the wkeds...but maybe someone will see it!

I think your original plan is probably best. If he's doing Adventures right now, he'll be ready for Bigger while your younger is probably just right for Little Hearts.

Jenine,

Sorry it took me a little bit to get back to you. I noticed the post last night but was too tired to think clearly and didn't want to make a snap judgement, so I thought I'd get back to you today with a clearer mind!

I agree with LeeAnn and Melanie that your original idea sounds best! With the level of reading, writing, and math that your older son is doing, "Bigger..." is a better placement. It sounds like your 2 kiddos are far enough apart with their skill level right now that you'd be holding back the older and pushing up the younger son to do "Beyond...". You are also correct that "Beyond..." would be much of the history you've covered in "Adventures....".

So, you're right on with your assessment that doing LHFHG and "Bigger..." is best. You could also do LHFHG half-speed until you've eased into it, doing the left side of the plans one day and the right side the next.

Blessings,
Carrie

Thank you ladies so much for answering! I just have one more question. Would it be better to do level 2 DITHOR or level 3 reading books? My oldest is reading at a solid 2nd/3rd grade level currently. Is it better to challenge him or give him something that is right at his level?


Thanks again in advance!

Jenine

I keep hearing less is more... using books at your child's reading lvl gives them confidence in reading.

I let my child read the poems to me and that gives her plenty of word challenges. I really love how in Bigger Carrie has them doing lots of vocabulary each week. Right now I my child is right in the middle of lvl 3 reading. When I give her something harder as her "reading assignment" its a bit of a struggle for her and its not enjoyable. She now loves to read and i want to keep that love of reading alive.

hmmmm....I guess it depends on what level you think he will be on when you start. Are you starting now, or waiting until August? He may be on a solid level 3 by August. I would start on a level that would not frustrate and just enjoy getting used to the format of Drawn.

Hi! It's so nice to meet you, and I agree with what these kind ladies have had to say for advice. I too, think LHFHG and Bigger... fit your situation best. I also agree with what was said about the reading level. For beginning DITHR, I would always rather error on the side of being a bit too easy than a bit too hard. There's enough new solid learning there with the parts of the story, character traits comparisons, etc. that lots of wonderful learning will be taking place already, even if the books are a tad easy. That being said, if you get to the end of the year and your little honey is ready to leap tall buildings and read the Level 3 books quite easily, by all means, you could take the plunge and equip little Superman with those books too! (Sorry, a very late in the day type of attempt at humor here!) Well, so glad you are here, and keep on chatting with us to keep us "in the know"!

Jenine,

Aren't the ladies on this board wonderful! I agree with them wholeheratedly that it's important to have reading be enjoyable by making sure your little one can read the material well without struggle. Since you'll be having all of the higher level discussion that goes with DITHR, you'll want to keep the reading level at the easier end.

Once kiddos have adjusted to formal literature study and have had a couple of building years, then it's good to nudge them forward with more challenging material.

Blessings,
Carrie