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My 2nd grader is just finishing up Bigger and it has been challenging for him - in writing and comprehending the material I read aloud sometimes. He's just finishing the Emerging Readers. The Preparing material seems like a big jump in skills. Is that what you've found to be true? I'm not sure he's ready to do that amount of work and adding in DITHOR too for 3rd grade. Does anyone have a suggestion for me? In August I'm starting Beyond with my 1st grader. I don't want to go backwards wth the 3rd grader and go back to Beyond, but I've contemplated doing that. Suggestions?

I am not sure what others would suggest- but my first thought was to begin Preparing Hearts- but start "half-speed" doing one side of the plans one day, and the other the next. You could do this the whole year and teach Preparing over two years- or you could just do it until you felt he "caught" up to a comfortable level with the skills.
This is what I would do if I was in your shoes... that would also give your child time to listen in to any Beyond Storytime, etc. that might be enjoyable.

I am sure others will chime in who have more experience than I- but I hope this helps!
Blessings,
Rebecca

Sue Ann,

I would say the same thing as Rebecca. I think a good way to grow into the skills needed in stepping up a guide is to take it half speed for a while. This will spread the work out a little while still moving up in skills.

Kathleen

Sue Ann,

I agree that the ladies have given you excellent advice. I would also recommend doing Preparing Hearts at half-speed, doing the left side of the plans one day and the right side the next. You could spread Preparing Hearts out over two years if needed in this manner, giving your sweetie a chance to grow up in the needed areas without moving backward.

Blessings,
Carrie