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I chose to do Preparing w/my 3rd grader this year b/c we moved to Australia just after the new year and I thought it appropriate to put our American history plans on hold until after we did some world history. We will be finishing Preparing in the fall and I really want to do Bigger. I hate to skip it!!

There are several reasons why I would like to do it. The first is that I can combine my 2nd and 4th graders and add the extension package for my 4th grader. The second is that we did early American history last year and I would like to finish the cycle. The third is that I am pregnant w/our 5th child (!!) due in October and I cannot handle 3 programs w/ a new baby and a toddler in the mix.

My only concern is that I do not want to take a step back w/my 9 yo. She has done so well this year with Preparing. Will the extension offer her sufficient challenge?

TIA!

Shelley,

Normally, we wouldn't recommend backing up in our programs, as one guide does a good job of preparing a child for the next guide in line. However, you have some good reasons for desiring to consider doing Bigger Hearts with both of your kiddos.

Bigger will be a step back in the level of history readings, however the Extension Pack will help take care of much of that potential problem. The activities in Bigger Hearts will definitely seem younger than the projects in Preparing Hearts, however if your kiddos like activities then they will most likely enjoy those in Bigger as well.

The science is simpler in its readings in Bigger than in Preparing, but again the Extension Pack will extend that area. You could most likely use the math, dictation, and grammar schedules from Preparing Hearts for one more year for your 4th grader just using the next scheduled level up in each area from this year. You'd also move up in DITHR with your 4th grader.

One concern I do have is whether the following year you would desire your younger child to skip up to CTC with your older child. I think that jumping from Bigger to CTC would be too large of a jump for your younger child to do successfully. So that's my thoughts.

Blessings,
Carrie

Thanks for your thoughts Carrie. I would plan on doing Preparing with my younger daughter after Bigger as she has not done it yet. I know it isn't ideal but based on my circumstances I don't know of any other way. God has a plan for us so I will look to Him to get us through what will most likely be a challenging year.

Blessings!!