heartofdakota.com

Hi again!
Okay-another question.
We are new to being protestant Christians-but my dh is agnostic. He allows me to take our dc to church, but praying is only at meal times with him. I recently bought both our dc a new Bible-NIV. One for my newly 13yo dd that is specifically for teen girls. The Adventure Bible for 8yo ds. Neither have gone to a Sunday school/youth group, none of us have been in a Bible study, and none of us have owned or read a devotional. This is all about to change.

Our current curriculum will end near the end of January. I spoke with Carrie about where to place ds-but didn't tell her that we are new to being Christians. So-w/o that knowledge, she suggested we start him mid-way in Beyond and start Bigger in the fall. This sounded good to me, except then I got to thinking that ds will miss more Bible study-or that he won't have that extra faith foundation. I already feel behind in life in this area. Following HOD from the beginning would be ideal to nurture his love of our Lord-but obviously he is too old for a younger level. If I started him in Beyond near the end of January, took a break for summer, then finished it next fall, THEN started Bigger-would he be okay? Or would he get bored? His BD is in mid July, and I consider him a 2nd grader.

Thanks for any input!!

Blessings,
Christine

Dear Christine,

I don't usually take this approach with people, but I strongly urge you to start him in Beyond--maybe even from the beginning. It is a great program. Our son is very close in age with your son, and I tried both programs with him. Bigger was just way too much--academically--as far as the history and related activities (which is what the whole program stems off of). With Bigger being "to old" for him, he just wasn't getting anything out of it. In my very humble opinion, Bigger is just too much for a 7 to 8.5 year old boy. For several reasons, but one of them is that the activities in Bigger are a little tedious for a young energetic boy, and just take a little too long. They were perfect for my 9 year old daughter, though. She is definitely a "sit down at the table" and do some work sort of girl. Anyway, just my 2 cents. As far as boys go, I feel that Bigger is for an age range that is higher than what is indicated on the guide (not so much for spelling or handwriting, just the other stuff), ESPECIALLY for new homeschoolers. That is what we were at the time.

Hope this makes sense and helps!!
LIZ

I would say Beyond...is great for an 8 yo in second grade. It's what I used with my dd during her 2nd grade year when she was 8. She loved it, and so did I. I believe you would be very pleased with the content and the progress that will be made.

You won't go wrong with Beyond! It is a super sweet program that is a pleasure to teach. Bigger is more involved, but is also a fabulous program. I would start fresh with Beyond and take the time to build a spiritual foundation for you ds and yourself! I'm thrilled that the Lord has called you to Himself. It is always such a joy to see another snatched from the world!

Christine,

I am also a fairly new Christian so, you are not alone! I feel like I have so much to learn and give to my children yet.
I understand what you are saying when you wish you could have started at the beginning with HOD to put a firm biblical foundation in place with your kiddos. I just wanted to offer a little bit of a different perspective so that you don't worry too much about getting a "late" start.
Remember that you still have many years ahead to learn about, and instill the Word of God into your children. So, just remember to look forward instead of backward when thinking about the wonderful opportunity that lies ahead for you and your family! Be thankful for where you are right now!

It seems like beginning with Beyond Little Hearts would be a great place to start. And if that is where your heart is urging you to begin, then by all means do so! I always think that when my heart is leading me and urging me in a particular direction that it is certainly the Lord tapping me on the shoulder and lovingly pointing me in a particular direction! Remember there are definitely wonderful things in store for you and your family as you begin this journey. I am imagining that you really haven't missed out on anything...just wait and see!

Candice

I think you would really like Beyond. My 8 y/o dd and 6 1/2 y/o ds both enjoy it. I think the history and Bible Study would be very appropriate for his age. If he needs something more advanced in the 3R's, you can easily do that. My 8 dd does more advanced grammar and spelling, does DITHOR, and we do Math U See for math. So it's very flexible. But... the history and Bible Study are great! And it sounds like those were really your area of concern.

And, welcome to the faith, sister!

Christine,

I'm so glad to see you on the message board! The ladies are doing a terrific job of giving you advice to ponder. They are wonderful at encouraging one another and in providing helpful guidance.

I am also thrilled to hear that you are a new Christian. I'm sure the angels are rejoicing in heaven over your salvation.

Since you shared that we visited by phone, I'm thinking that we were leaning toward either starting with the beginning of Beyond and then reassessing after your summer break, or starting with the beginning of Bigger Hearts and going at half-speed (due to the upped level of written work). If I remembering correctly, we were also leaning toward beginning in the middle of the Emerging Reader's Set, and then finishing that up by summer or so.

I just wanted to clarify that I wasn't thinking you'd begin in the middle of Beyond overall (just the middle of the Emerging Reader's Set). I'm so sorry if I wasn't clear on that and I am so glad that you posted on the board. If you have other questions, ask away. The ladies are so gracious with their time and love to help!

We pray we'll get to know you even better as time passes!

Blessings,
Carrie

Christine,

Sounds like you have wonderful advice. Just wanted to say welcome and congratulations! How wonderful that you are a new Christians and right away training your children in the way they should go. That is huge. Looking forward to getting to know you better. Wanted to say welcome. You will love Beyond! We are doing it now and it is such a wonderful program. My kids are really learning and growing in the Lord. You will love it! Welcome!

I wanted to pop in here to say thank you for all of your replies. I am fighting an unwelcome tummy bug at the moment and will post back when I can think straight.