heartofdakota.com

Hi all!
Looking for a bit of advice....I began BIGGER a couple months ago for my 2 older children. DS is almost 10, DD is 7. DD placed in Beyond, DS in Preparing, but I wanted to combine them, so I opted for middle ground. I am finding that Bigger with extensions is good for my son, but he could easily do more. He is advanced anyway. Bigger for my daughter is good...maybe a tad above her, but it's working.
I also am in a co-op, and I am thinking I will actually continue it next year. It is a rigorous academic co-op, and most people use it as their 'main' school for the subjects they take while there. They do a 4-year history cycle, and next year they will begin the cycle again...with Ancients. My question....should I try moving my son up to Preparing now, so he is ready for co-op next year along with CTC? Or should I continue with Bigger, and skip Preparing for him, and go right into CTC/co-op Ancients next year?

lovetobehome,

I'm thinking that if you've already made a switch this year already, then I'd lean toward keeping your two kiddos going together through Bigger Hearts. Then, when you finish the year, or when you finish Bigger Hearts, you can always assess again and decide whether to move your son up to Preparing or CTC based on where he fits best at the year-end.

An overview of American history as provided in Bigger Hearts is a great thing to have prior to jumping into the ancients or to world history. It's so important to have some understanding of our nation and founding fathers!

Anyway, those are my thoughts!

Blessings,
Carrie

I had one more thought. Since your son seems able to do more, you may wish to make sure that you're doing DITHR with him and also adding a writing program (such as Igniting Your Writing or even Write with the Best). Perhaps you already have these bases covered some other way, but I just thought I'd mention those just in case you didn't.

Blessings,
Carrie