If you could only choose one US history program . . .

[zuzuspetals]

Which one would you choose? Beyond or Bigger? I know they both come at it from different angles - stories vs. biographies.

We did US history last year starting with the explorers and ending with the Pilgrims sailing on the Mayflower. I can't even remember if we read about them landing.

My main concern is if we go with Bigger and the biographical approach, they won't get the flow of the story of America -- does that make sense? I really want to make sure they've had at least one good year of US history, and since we didn't really finish it up last year, I want to make sure I pick the right program this year, because regardless of which program I do this year, I plan to do Preparing the next year after that. Is is okay to go from Beyond to Preparing? My thought is maybe we could do the left side of Beyond and the right side of Bigger if Beyond would be a better history program for them. Would that work?

Also, here is a more detailed look as to where they are academically:

Ages: DD will be 7 in August. DS will be 9 in August.

Reading: DD 7 is reading independently and loves to read. DS 9 is an emerging reader -- can read 2nd grade level, but not fluently. Still working on phonics.

Writing: They both can do simple dictation. We are in the middle of All About Spelling Level 3, and I would dictate sentences to them a couple times a week. We really didn't do much copywork this past year. They can both compose original sentences, although DD is much better at this (since she is a better reader). We still need to finish up our Handwriting Without Tears books -- DD grade 1 and DS grade 2.

Grammar: Both of them did Daily Grammar Grade 2 this year, but haven't finished it. We also edited a paragraph each day - 2nd grade level. I plan to do Preparing to Build English 2 with both of them next year.

Science: We did Apologia's Exploring Creation with Botany and kept up a notebook.

So, basically, if Bigger will give them a good foundation in US History, I'll probably just do that. If Beyond will give them a better understanding of it, could I do the left side of Beyond and the right side of Bigger?

Sorry this is so long and detailed.

Thanks!

[8arrows]

If you plan to do Preparing next year, I think it would make a lot of sense to do Bigger this year. Your children would seem to fit well in it, and Julie always points out that Bigger really covers a lot of skills. My 7 and 9 year old are doing BIgger this year. If you want to add to the biographical approach, you could read just the history book that is listed in the extension package aloud to both children.

[WigglesMom]

I 2nd the history book from the extension package. We aren't doing the full extension package, but we have the history text A child's Story of America and the science text Exploring Planet Earth. They are both very good. I haven't done Beyond so I can't give advise on it's history.
Val
edit-I take back my recommendation after having read through A Child's Story of America. You can read my views on it under the thread viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4327 I will definitely be screening the independent reads from now on out.

[zuzuspetals]

Thanks, 8arrows and WigglesMom. That's a good idea about adding the history book in the extension pack as a read aloud!

[my3sons]

Good morning! Yes - 8arrows - here I come with the "lots of skills in Bigger" reminder! From what you've shared, I'd place both of them in Bigger Hearts. Then, your dc will be well prepared for PHFHG the following year because BHFHG introduces many skills necessary to be able to do the parts of PHFHG semi-independently and independently well, as they are to be done (rather than the parent having to do all of those skills with dc because the dc were not introduced to them the previous year if they didn't do Bigger). Though Bigger Hearts does history biographically, it still does it chronologically. Historical events are still part of the biographical readings, and the plans move chronologically from the 1500's through the 1970's. We still got the feel of moving through time and learning about key events when we did Bigger, but it was just done with the focus on key people - which made for a very interesting (and inspiring ) way to learn American history.

In Christ,
Julie

[Kathleen]

Though Bigger Hearts does history biographically, it still does it chronologically. Historical events are still part of the biographical readings, and the plans move chronologically from the 1500's through the 1970's. We still got the feel of moving through time and learning about key events when we did Bigger, but it was just done with the focus on key people - which made for a very interesting (and inspiring ) way to learn American history.

Ditto to what Julie said here! This past year was my oldest son's 1st year with HOD...and our first time to really do American History. (He just knew a bit here and there...) He placed in Bigger Hearts, and we had a wonderful year and got a good picture of American History. I haven't done Beyond though, so I really couldn't compare them for you. But from what you've shared I think that Bigger would be a super year for you!

Kathleen