Need encouragement about 10 yo in Beyond

[Tiffini]

My 10 yo son really struggles with reading, writing, and comprehension. He has dyslexia. I put him and my 8 yo in Beyond towards the end of last year and we got through the first 8 weeks. I am planning on just continuing where we left off with both of them. However, I am struggling with some anxiety about the long run with my 10 yo and feeling like he will not be prepared for the future and high school level work. I looked at my Bigger Hearts again last night and I really think it would be too hard for him still. He is doing math at a 4th grade level, but everything else remains at a 2nd to 3rd grade level. I guess I just need someone to tell me that it's ok for him to remain in Beyond even though it seems so young for his age. I have been doing HOD a long time, but never with a child some LD issues. I can't see how it will work out over for him over the long haul right now. Thanks for any words of help or encouragement you can offer!

[StephanieU]

When you say Bigger is too hard, is our everything out just things that involve writing (and of course reading)? A child with dyslexia in school would have an IEP with accommodations. My nephew is a severe dyslexic. Hod accommodations include having everything read to him being a one sentence direction (even in sixth grade). He also often had a scribe so he doesn't have to write much. Other things he is allowed to type. You might want to consider what accommodations are reasonable for him and then with those in mind decide which guide is a better fit.

[Tiffini]

Thanks, Stephanie! Yes, he struggles with the reading and writing, but it is more than that. He would not be able to comprehend or remember the readings in Bigger at this point. That's what makes it so difficult.

[LynnH]

Hey Tiffini so his auditory understanding is also a challenge? Does he understand higher level concepts if presented in movie form? Just wondering if you have been able to figure out what his strongest channel for learning is? This will seem like a weird question, but if you used something different for him what would that be and why do you think it would work? If you could figure that out then is there a way you could modify HOD some to be similar?

I do think it is absolutely fine for you to continue in Beyond. I know it seems young for his age to you, but if that is where his comprehension level is then it isn't too young for him. I hope that makes sense. In ps they would meet him exactly where he is. I have watched my dd as she has made lesson plans for special ed students and she takes the required concepts and simplifies them down until they are at the students level. That is basically what you are doing with Beyond.

I know how hard it is to not worry about high school and beyond with kids that have struggles. I have learned to just keep reminding myself that God is in control of his future and there isn't any curriculum that will change that. That doesn't mean I don't listen to God's leading when it comes to what to use or what to expect, but I have had to realize that I can chose the completely wrong science or math and God's plan for my son will still be accomplished.

[Tiffini]

Thanks, Lynn! Those are great words of encouragement and focus. Those are also very good questions to ask. I've learned over these years that I have to continually put the kids in God's hands and trust Him to work it all out - for their good and His glory! Sometimes it's just hard figuring out what decisions to make. Whatever those decisions are - you are absolutely right that God will take care of them. You've been a great example of that with your son and I appreciate you very much for sharing that with all of us.

[Megan]

You've gotten some wonderful advice...advice that has helped me, as well! I have settled on Res to Ref this year for my 13 yr old dd..she also has dyslexia and has some comprehension trouble. (We haven't started yet and I don't know how she will do with reading the directions and understanding what to do) I liked the suggestion to substitute things that don't work for our kids.. like maybe finding a science study that's a video series...there are so many things on Youtube and Netflix! Or doing more oral narrations if that's what works best. Anyway, just know that you're not alone and the best place for him, is where he's learning and has a sense of accomplishment, doing things that are within his capability. If at a later point in time he is ready, you can always add more to beef up any of the programs for high school..that's what I'm planning on for my dd.

Hope you guys have a wonderful, rich year of learning!

[my3sons]

Hi Tiffini! How did Beyond Little Hearts... go at the end of last year? It sounds like it went well, as you started this 5 day a week guide somewhere near the end of the school year and were able to get through the first 8 weeks. It sounds like your 2 sons may be a nice pair together as they move through school. That could be a blessing! Looking ahead, this pair could do the following path (I'm just looking way down the road, which is probably not necessary at this point, but I know I'd be trying to figure it out ...

Revival to Revolution for younger for 7th; for older for 9th with extensions or with American Testimony DVD for sure (US1 credit for 9th grader; physical science advanced kit for high school; LA DITHOR 7/8 Boy interest 6 or more titles - could do some on audio/grammar 6/comp as is or EIW 9th/math/electives as befitting)

MTMM for younger for 8th; for older for 10th with extensions or with American Testimony DVD for sure (US2 credit for 10th grader; beef up science or use WG's science; Write with the Best as is, lit use WG or a portion of WG some on audio/grammar 6/math/electives as befitting)

WG for younger for 9th; for older for 11th (WH Biology for science; WH Lit some on audio/grammar 7/ math/electives as befitting)

WH for younger for 10th; for older for 12th (US1 Chemistry or US2 science depending on what was done previously and what is ahead for career choice; LA/math/electives as befitting for what is left to be completed)

US1 for younger for 11th as is
US2 for younger for 12th as is

Those are just a few ideas, but maybe the Lord is wanting these 2 boys to school together, to support each other that way, to be close to one another that way, and to give you a nice combination for your last pair. You are such a good mom and teacher, that no matter what - I know your son is going to turn out well! Just the love, support, and prayer your family surrounds each other with - the Lord is at work and will continue to lead!!! I hope this wasn't overwhelming - just trying to help!!

In Christ,
Julie