do Bigger (with ext. pack) at half speed??

[jjdmathnut]

Hi! My boys are 7 and 6 and we are finishing up Beyond this spring. They both enjoy History the most and dislike copywork (esp. the youngest), which I'm thinking may be because he's a little young and his fine motor skills aren't fully developed yet (?) SO, would it be appropriate to do Bigger at half speed the next 2 years? I thought perhaps we could use the extension packs as read-alouds, since they love to hear the history stories. Thank you in advance for your advice!

[my3sons]

I think I'd definitely do Bigger Hearts half-speed with your young little guys. We went half-speed for quite awhile with Bigger Hearts, and I loved the teaching opportunities it gave and the time it gave my son to really blossom and grow into all of those good skills Bigger Hearts teaches so well! I have not done the extensions, the only thought I had there would be to make sure they are not too mature in content for your littles. Another option for more read aloud titles would be to get both the Classic Set and the Boy Interest Set for read alouds for a daily Storytime. This wouldn't extend the history, but it would extend the genre studies and story element/beginning narration skills very nicely. Plus the books are of an appropriate level and just plain FUN! I have a goal that each of my dc are able to do all of what is asked of them in Bigger Hearts well by the end of it - especially in the areas of reading, writing, copywork, working independently at times, and following written directions well. This has always helped them be totally ready for PHFHG, as well as the later guides. I think you are wise to slow it down, and make sure dc have all the skills necessary to proceed successfully with the rest of the guides. Great idea, and I bet you'll enjoy it as much as we did!

In Christ,
Julie