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Hi, I'm new to HOD and well, to home schooling too. We will start in the fall ('09) and I am so excited but I have some questions. Carrie has been so patient with me and so helpful as I carefully try to plan for my first home school experience. I have 3 beautiful children of which 2 of which will be home schooling. I have ordered Bigger for both my girls ages 7 and 10 to do together with extensions for my older daughter and Beyond TM so we can use the math and english for my younger daughter.

I was so scared when I started researching all the curriculum but was so glad to find HOD. I decided on Bigger for both girls so I would not overwhelm myself trying to do too much our first year. I think it would/will be a good fit for my girls but I have a question. As I am getting more use to the idea of home schooling (which I said I would never do...) and I am feeling much at ease about the curriculum after deciding to go with HOD I have had the chance to look over Bigger TM and Beyond TM, I'm wondering if I am doing a disservice to my younger daughter by having her go right to Bigger and not do Beyond? I think she will do fine as far as the work is concerned in Bigger/History and such but I wanted to find out if she will be missing out on a lot of American History if I don't do Beyond? Is it okay to go right to Beyond with my 7 year old, will she still cover the basics along the way somewhere... pilgrims and such?

It would be so nice to keep them together for everything except English and Math but I wanted to hear what some of you might have to say that have used both curriculums and even those past Bigger etc... I know that it is my decision either way but it's nice to hear from others keeping in mind that I've never done this before and well... I will keep on praying all the way through for God's direction. I would be happy with whatever wisdom I can get from you seasoned schoolers. Thanks so much!

Kendra Shaw
Proud mamma of 3... Adyson (almost 10), Averey (7) and the little prince Owen (3)

Whoops, I made a mistake in my wording... I meant is it okay to go straight to Bigger and not do Beyond...

Has she been in school this past year? Chances are, she has heard about pilgrims! But if I were you, I'd read the history books from Beyond just as fun read-alouds, if you really want that covered. We read Stories of the Pilgrims last year (we weren't using HOD at the time) just for fun, and my children really enjoyed it (my oldest was 6).

I'm new to HOD too, but from what I've learned so far, it sounds to me that your placement is fine. I almost got Bigger for my 7 year old too, but went with Beyond since her 5.5 year old brother will be joining her.

ETA: I know that Beyond covers more than just the pilgrims. But I wouldn't worry about it. Do you remember any of the history you learned when you were 7? I don't. It will be covered again. Don't stress yourself out; have a great time with what you've planned!

Kendra,

Welcome! If I were you, I think I'd do Bigger with both of them as you planned. This is our 1st year with HOD, and we started with Bigger. I know my son has heard of Pilgrims, but I'm sure hasn't covered them like HOD does. I had the same thoughts as you wishing I could do ALL the great programs. Bigger has been wonderful this year!! It'll be a great place to start, and you will learn about a lot of interesting "heroes" in American history.

I bet you're getting excited to get started with your homeschooling! Just be glad that the Lord led you here this year so you don't have to decide whether to skip Bigger, too.

Kathleen

Thank you! Just hearing some others thoughts makes me feel so much better about the placement I have chosen for my girls. I am pulling them out of public school so it's a big change for us all but VERY exciting. Thank you for helping me and I'm excited to get to know all the ladies via message board using HOD. God is so good to have lead me to this place already. I feel comfortable and less stressed about the change now and I would recommend HOD just for the great help I've received and I haven't even started the curriculum yet. We may not be able to wait until August to start!!!! Thanks again!

Kendra