Bigger Hearts extension with a 12yo?

[angela&4boys]

Hello HODers,

I've been a lurker for a couple of weeks here and actually purchased Bigger last year. After perusing it's pages though, I decided my newly-turned 8yo wasn't quite ready and sold it. I've taken another look at the samples and think it's perfect for him now. He'll soon be nine, but the interest level of the books is ideal and I look forward to teaching him at his level. In the past, I've watered it down from big brother's studies and have decided to try beefing it up for the older instead. I'm looking forward my younger being able to enjoy it for a change instead of watching his eyes glaze over with overwhelming information.

My question is if the older extension is enough for my 12yo? I own A Child's Story of America and he was ecstatic at the idea of reading it for history. We have been studying Creation to the Middle Ages for two years and he is eager to do some "more recent history studies". (His words in quotes. ) I've read some of it and it seems very rich and Christ-centered. I intend to give him more challenging literature and he'll continue to use math, grammar, and writing at a 6th grade level. I suppose I'm just looking for reassurance that I can beef history and science up enough for him. With this in mind, are there additional writing assignments included for the history and science extensions?

I probably should mention that although the suggested ages match up nicely, I think Preparing is a bit too advanced for the 8yo and we will be finishing up our Middle Ages study just prior to beginning Bigger.

Your thoughts are appreciated,

[Carrie]

Angela,

This thread may help you a bit, if you scroll down to my recommendations on Bigger Hearts.:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3290

One other thread that will be helpful to you is this one.:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=640

Blessings,
Carrie

[angela&4boys]

Carrie,

Thank you for taking the time to personally answer my question. Both links were very helpful.

Aaron is not a voracious reader so I think I'll stick with the original extension package. However, he does read beyond grade level and I think DITHOR may round-out his studies nicely.

Thank you again, especially for your ministry to the home school community.

[my3sons]

Angela,
Bigger Hearts is such a rich program. As you discovered when you looked it over the first time, there is more to it than originally meets the eye. I could not believe how much my ds learned from doing Bigger Hearts. I think both of your dc will glean so much from it. Using the extension package will increase the difficulty for your older child as well. I love the way HOD extends for the olders - it really seems to offer the best of both worlds. Siblings can learn together, without the youngers being stretched too far or becoming overwhelmed, and yet it extends beautifully for the olders, in a way that still connects to the rest of the learning. I have also really appreciated this versatility in the LA and Math portions of the programs. Anyway, I am so glad that you have shed your lurker shoes and stepped into the HOD World - we are so glad to have you be a part of this board!

In Christ,
Julie

[angela&4boys]

Awe, thanks Julie! What a warm welcome.

I must say that this board seems to have a very genuine and encouraging atmosphere. It's one of many reasons I'm drawn to HOD.

Looking forward to learning from you and others here...

[gracelikerain]

I have been thinking alot about my plans for the upcoming year. I had originally planned on using Bigger with my dd who will be 9 in Sept. I had also planned on using the new CTC with my dd who will be 12 in Oct. & in 6th grade. This year we have been doing PHFHG combined & I love how it is working for our family. I could not imagine going up a higher level with my 8dd because I have been working very closely with her & see that she is not ready. So, I figured on using Bigger because she needs American history. The only reason we did not do Bigger this year was cause last year we did some with another program but it did not stick at all... ..Now, I am really liking the idea of my older dd who will be 12 in Oct. to do Bigger the left side & extensions. So, if I do that & use CTC right side, what will we use the following year for science if we have done it already in CTC?? Any thoughts? Also, do you think it would be terrible to repeat PHFHG with my younger dd next year? I don't know what I would use with her in the year after next & I feel she would benefit from another go at it. Ahhhh, I would appreciate any insight to my thoughts. I'm feeling flustered...I must be in prayer....

Thank you so much.

[Carrie]

Georgette,

If you used the right side of CTC with your older child next year, then the folloiwng year you'd use the right side of our new guide with her (to be out next year). You'd be functioning out of a couple of guides that way but could then combine for history if desired.

As far as knowing whether your 8 year old should repeat Preparing Hearts after Bigger, the only way to tell will be when she gets there. My first reaction would be not to have her repeat but rather move on to CTC.

Blessings,
Carrie

[gracelikerain]

Thank you, Carrie. I never thought of that!
I appreciate your input greatly.

blessings,