New here and trying to decide btwn. Beyond and Bigger...

[Sue G in PA]

Hi. My name is Sue and I am currently homeschooling 7 children (dd12, ds11, ds9, ds8, ds6, dd3 and ds1). We've been using MFW ECC this year and while I loved the concept...it wasn't a big hit with the kids. After much prayer, we have decided to send my 3 oldest back to public school next year so I will have ds8, ds6, dd3 and ds1 at home. Here is my question: I would like to combine ds8 and ds6 in one program but can't decide between Beyond and Bigger. I'm leaning toward Beyond after some responses that I received already over at the WTM board. Here are some details about ds6 and ds8. Ds6 is learning letter and sounds (he pretty much knows them all now), can write his manuscript letters, copy simple sentences and is now starting to sound out CVC words. We will be doing our own math program since I already have one for him. Ds8 is my challenge. He has Aspergers and is an extremely bright child. This kid taught himself his letters/sounds and how to read before we ever had a phonics lesson. Phonics bores him now b/c he "already knows that stuff". He is a quick learner in most subjects, but won't really apply himself if it is too "hard" for him. Writing is a chore for him, although he is quite capable of copying short passages and taking simple dictation. This year (and most of last) he has fought me every day about doing his work. It gets to the point that I just "give up" b/c he will get so aggitated that it effects the other children and their motivation/attention. So...most days he gets away with doing nothing except the basics. This can't continue and I must find a way to reach him and engage him. We are using Time4Learning on the computer for math and la now b/c he loves computer games. He will also continue with Singapore 1B. Anyway, sorry to ramble. I was just curious what you all thought about Beyond or Bigger. Oh, dd4 will either be using LHTH next year or MFW K. She's another very bright child. Already knows her letters/sounds, can write most of her letters and is sounding out CVC words already. I have both programs...just not sure which to use yet! Thanks for letting me ramble on!

[eazbnsmom]

Hi Sue,

See you made it to the boads. Welcome!

[tiffanieh]

Welcome to HOD! I was just going to say that from the sounds of things I think you have pegged your children right on with leaning towards Beyond. Given the fact that your 6 year old is DEFINITELY not ready for Bigger and although your 8 year old is bright, copywork, dictation, etc isn't his strong suit and it only gets greater and greater the higher you go up in the guides.

I would tend to agree with you and think Beyond would be a much better fit for both of your kiddos, especially since you are wanting to combine...i don't blame you. I will have a 6 and 8 in November next year and we are also going to be doing Beyond together!

I think you are going to thoroughly enjoy HOD...it has made the BIGGEST difference in our lives for homeschooling compared to many of my friends that are burnt out. I have yet to experience that burnt out feeling!

Blessings!!

[crlacey]

I too would combine them into Beyond. That would give your younger one the chance to continue his phonics and the older one a chance to feel confident in his work.

[mansmom]

I agree with Beyond...this year we did Beyond with 6 and 8 year old...and it was a perfect fit...we really had a great time and I can see how they have gained many skills that will enable them to be successful with Bigger in the fall.

[Mumkins]

I agree beyond sounds better for the older two. But I just wanted to comment on your younger. LHTH basically is teaching letter names and sound and counting to 10. As is MFW K, I've done that too. Since your DD already knows that, do you think she's fit LHFHG? When is she 5?

[Carrie]

Sue,

I just wanted to pop-in and welcome you to the boards and to HOD! We're glad to have you here!

I agree that Beyond sounds like the best placement for your kiddos. If you felt your 8 year old needed a bit more spelling or grammar, you could always use the right side of Bigger Hearts to bump up those areas, however from what you've shared I don't think it will be necessary.

We pray you'll enjoy your HOD journey as much as we have!

Blessings,
Carrie

[Sue G in PA]

Thanks everyone! I'm really feeling like God has led me to HOD. Like I said, I have used HOD programs in the past. I have LHTH (haven't really used it though) and have used DITHOR. My dd3 will be 4 in August. As I said she knows her letters/sounds, can sound out CVC words, write most of her letters, count to 20 (English and Spanish), etc. I do not want to push her. She is only 3. She is extremely bright, but I want her to be a child, KWIM? There is so much about MFW K that will be good for her. I'm seeing that LHTH might be a bit below her academically, but the other activities will be fun. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm leaning toward MFW K. After that, I will certainly look at the HOD programs. I'm pretty set now on Beyond...and excited about it!

[angela&4boys]

Hi Sue,

No real advice, but a warm "Welcome!" (Btw, I recognize you from the WTM boards.)

Like you, I feel God lead us to HOD. I am really looking forward to beginning our journey with it in late summer.

In Him,

[DHT1999]

Hi, Sue! I can't offer much assistance as we will be new to HOD next year. I'll be doing Bigger Hearts with a seven year old and a ten year old. It does sound like Beyond would be just right for your children. Bigger Hearts has alot of writing. I think my seven year old would do fine (he places there on the placement chart) but I'd still do Beyond with him if I didn't have his older brother doing the same program as him. I really wish we had done Beyond this year.

Anyways, just wanted to wave at 'ya. I recognize you from other boards. I have used MFW in the past. I think your idea of doing MFW K with your littliest one is a good idea. She would probably enjoy the units and since she knows the basics in the program already, she can just solidify her skills and have fun with the themes.


I know the Lord called us to HOD at this time. Sounds like He is really on the move in lives because I'm reading lots of posts by moms saying the same thing! This is the first time that I can say with complete assurance that God has "called" us to a particular curriculum.