Struggling with placement

[Vstinnett]

I took my DD out of second grade public school in November of this year. She has one of those birthdays that she was seven at the beginning of the school year then one week into second grade turned 8 so she even though she is older she is always a grade behind, if that makes sense. I put her in Beyond for 6-8 year olds, we are about half way through, and it has been way to easy. All of the grammar, science, is info she covered in 1st and part of her 2nd grade public school. I've had to supliment a lot. I chose the 2a/2b math and that has been fine. And as far as the history goes, well, we are about all Pilgrimed out at this point. All 3 texts cover this one subject matter and it's gotten to the point she dreads history. She is wanting very much to move beyond that particular subject in history so I have been suplimenting in that area too. So I'm wondering what to do for next year. My husband sees that I have strayed so far from the Beyond curriculum that I should skip the Bigger and go right into Preparing. She will be 9 for most of the school year so I see that fits but I still would like a little guidance in this decision. Any help would be greatly appreciated:-)

[Nealewill]

If you look at the placement chart, how does she place? For example, I would print it off and circle the areas where she places. If she places in Preparing, then that is where I put her. Can she read well by herself? Preparing has a lot of independent reading. Also, can she write a few sentences on her own and copy a few sentences? That is another large jump.

[MelInKansas]

Congrats on making the decision to homeschool! I hope even though you've had some bumps your first part-year of homeschooling has shown you what a blessing it is to learn at home with her. It has to be a tough transition, and it sounds like she's already learned a lot of things and is pretty bright.

The reason HOD doesn't list a grade level on their guides is because the age range and placement chart are key to getting them placed correctly, and that is more important than grade level. So, you would want to look through the placement chart carefully and consider where she will place. Bigger Hearts does American History but goes farther and covers it more in depth. The history read-alouds there are really enjoyable, you will probably like them a lot better than those in Beyond. Yes, Beyond is very simple and "easy" but there is a lot of depth to each activity. Especially the storytime activities and narration activities are things that are deceptively simple in Beyond but the skills will ramp up quickly in Bigger if you haven't really "covered" them well in Beyond. Also, the time is kept short to allow young kids the chance to just be kids. There is just no need to spend 5 hours each day sitting in a chair doing book work when you are 8. Find things she loves doing - crafts, Legos, dolls, etc and foster those interests. Cook and bake. Learn life skills like housework and handicrafts. Play games. Enjoy the little years.

But if she places higher then by all means skip and put her in the higher guide next year. My 2nd born just turned 9 right after she started Preparing, and while there is a lot of work for her and the length of the school day is a frustration, she is capable and likes a lot of things about Preparing. She also just started 3A in math but really you can place in math wherever the child fits, regardless of the guide. I hope this helps.

[rumkimom]

I agree with what the others said. Check that placement chart and go with where she places. I would also take a look at that both curriculum (you can download the first week for each of them) to see the level of work. In Bigger you can use either Level 2 or level 3 of Rod & Staff English (Level 2 is listed in the plans but you can use 3 instead as I did many years ago when I had 2 in the level at the same time). I think one of the differences between Bigger and Preparing is that in Bigger there is much more copy work and in Preparing they are creating their own sentences.

My just turned 10 year old son is currently in Bigger and the amount of work is perfect for him, but he wants to do more independently at this point so I do let him do a few things but not much. He is not quite read for preparing yet due to his writing. He is looking forward to preparing in the fall and is ready for those independent boxes, hopefully he will be reading for the writing in it by then.

My 7 year old son (will be 8 in April) is doing LHFHG this year and it is the right level for him. He has no interest in reading so is struggling though phonics (and does not know how to read). He will move up to Beyond in the fall. He is almost ready for it except for the spelling/reading part of it. He is enjoying LHFHG with the Bible stories and the storytime. Last fall he could hardly sit still to listen to stories (he was adopted from another country at age 6.5 years) but now he is starting to listen to his brother's storytime story.

[DreaMama]

Hi, we are looking at starting "kindergarten" after we finish this years pre-K curriculum. It has been successful/unsuccessful lol We are both learning what works and doesn't work for us. LJ (will be 5 when we start) is advanced in certain areas and average in most but struggling with writing. I'm finding that she is placing in between Little Hands and Little Hearts. Is it better to start out with the lower level and supplement?

I am not a teacher by trade and have a tendency to get impatient. I am aware of it and try to work with her in bits that are manageable for us both at this point. She tends to be a bit headstrong and defiant (yes, already!), especially when bored or frustrated. So, my concern is overwhelming us if we start Little Hearts but not engaging her enough with Little Hands.

Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks,
DreaMama
by the Grace of God,

[Nealewill]

What areas does she specifically place better in Little Hearts and which areas does she specifically place better in Little Hands? I think our advice will differ based on which areas she places into which guide. Does that make sense?

Also - one thing to note, it is February now. When are you planning to start HOD? If you are planning to start now, then I would look at Little Hands. If you are planning to start in September, then I wouldn't spend a lot of time on the placement chart yet. So much will change over the next few months. I know for myself, I usually order and receive my materials right after Christmas. When I get all the books in, the future level, and I sit down to peruse the new material, I always panic a little and think my oldest dd won't be ready. Honestly....she is always more than ready when the time comes. And that shows she was placed correctly in her level while she was doing it. For me, when I am reviewing the materials, I am looking at it many months before my dd will start it. I am not looking at it right before she starts. So that is my encouragement to you, it would be best to look at the placement chart when you get closer to starting. Your daughter may be very much ready for Little Hearts by the time she turns 5 and then you would want to use Little Hearts at that time.

[DreaMama]

Thanks so much, I appreciate your help!
It's good to be reminded that not everything has to be decided immediately and that progress happens at her own pace.

I think I will print out the placement sheets and track her progress until I order. Perhaps we can work on the areas that need attention to progress to Little Hearts and close the gaps before it's time to order.