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We are new to HOD and after reading so many great reviews, spending lots of time pouring over the website and forums, we have decided HOD is exactly what we are looking for. I have looked at the placement chart many times but I am still just not sure if I should keep our middle two together. I thought I was pretty set on using Bigger Heart with the extension for our will be 2nd grader and 5th grader. But after looking at the sample again and again and looking at the placement chart I am not sure our 2nd grader will benefit as much from Bigger as he would Beyond. This level will fit our 5th grader perfectly so I am set on that for her. Our will be 2nd grader has a really tough time reading, really dislikes having to write, is SUPER busy and is all boy!! Will Bigger be to much for him??

We own our own business, music and homeschool supply store, so I work everyday in the store and if we didn't have time constraints I wouldn't even consider putting him in Bigger. On the other hand, I don't want to overwhelm him and want him to get the most out of what we are doing.

So in other words, I need help!

In Christ, Judy
Helpmeet to my Best Friend
Homeschooling Our Clan

In my opinion, your son sounds like he would do best in Beyond. My son was on 2nd grade level this year and thrived with Beyond. We have really enjoyed this year. The way you describe your son's personality, I personally don't think he would be ready for Bigger. I haven't done it yet, but everyone says it is more writing intensive than Beyond. I think your instinct is correct in going with Beyond. It really is a fun program. My sons (both of them) have really enjoyed it this year. That would be my thought for you. I am sure other ladies will chime in their thoughts as well. Blessings!

Hello, and welcome!!

From what you have said, I think Beyond would be a much better fit for him. It is just the perfect program for a 2nd grade boy!--Especially if reading and writing aren't his "favorite" thing to do right now! The main books used in Beyond are so intriguing even for a busy boy who has better things to do than read!

I think Bigger would overwhelm him, and then you would probably find that you are not saving any time at all by combining them in Bigger. You would spend so much extra time trying to make him "fit" into Bigger.

As far as time goes, I think you would find that using Beyond in addition to Bigger really won't lengthen your school day very much. You will be surprised at how easy it will be. Also, your day will be so much more pleasant when your children are placed in the appropriate guide for their skill level.

Beyond is fun, fun, fun! Bigger is great, too. I am probably speaking out of turn here, but I hope you decide to go with Beyond for your son because we have loved it. I don't want you to miss out!

Definitely not speaking out of turn. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I have poured over the samples and Beyond would fit him SO much better. When our oldest (15 1/2) was this age, I had a habit of expecting way more from him than he was capable of (same reading/writing issues our almost 7 yr. old has now). I don't want to do that again!! I spent time talking to God about this the last couple of days and truly feel like putting him in Bigger would be doing that same thing.

I think Beyond is just where he needs to be. Besides, I have about 99% of the books. Now I just need the guide.