Bigger Hearts for a 4th grade 10-year-old

[playschool]

Tried Preparing (only got to week last year but it seemed a little too difficult for my ds (at the time was 9 and in 3rd grade) who struggled with narrations and written narrations. Even though it is a year later, I thought it would be better to start in Bigger this time in order to build up the proper skills so that he can experience success in the later programs. I purposely started him in Preparing this past year just so that I could combine him with his older sister, although I knew that he would probably fit better into Bigger. In retrospect, I probably should have placed her in CTC (she is currently in 6th grade and will be in 7th in the fall) and put him in Bigger. Now, I am possibly thinking of placing her in CTC and him in Bigger. My dd has not had a lot of World History at all. When we ditched Preparing (which I wished we would not have done), I had them each read the Abeka History book that corresponded with their grade. That meant that my dd studied Geography and History of the Americas and my ds studied about famous Americans of history in Abeka's 3rd grade book. I just want to make the right decision this time. Do you think that Bigger without the extensions would be too easy for my ds? He is very much a hand holder.

[Melissa H.]

Anxious for a reply to this also. I'm thinking of using Bigger for my 9 year old who will be in 4th grade. After reading/comparing the writing in Bigger and Preparing, I'm thinking Bigger would be better fit so he could work up to Preparing.

Thanks,

Melissa

[cocomimilily]

Hi, I'm new to HOD but just rec'd my books for the fall. I prayed and thought long and hard and also rec'd a lot of great advice from this board about where to place my 3 DC ages 5, 7, and 10 in the Fall. I decided to go with Bigger for my oldest daughter. She will be in 4th grade and turning 10 in October. While I think she could probably handle the workload in Preparing, I didn't want her to miss out on all of the great material in Bigger. I was also afraid it would be too easy for her in Bigger. However, after looking over all of the books I can put my fears to rest! There is so much in Bigger and she will be challenged enough! I did get the extentions for her, but even without it I think it will be plenty, especially if your son needs a little hand holding. There is alot in there! Wow! I am just so impressed and can't wait to start! I'm glad I went with Bigger and feel she will just be that much more ready for the following year in Preparing and it won't be such a fight
Hope that helps!
Beth

[playschool]

Thanks Beth! That actually does help. I have looked at the samples but have not had the chance to get my hands on a Bigger manual to be able to look through the whole thing for myself to see everything that is covered and the progression that it makes to prepare the kids for the next year in Bigger. I have thought of letting my ds read the Eggleston books on his own to free me up a bit to work with my other children. Also he seems to do much better in his narrations when he is actually reading the material for himself. I have looked at samples from the Eggleston books and they do not look like they would be too overwhelming for him to read on his own. I will have to take a look at them again just to make sure. Thanks again!

[Carrie]

playschool,

I think your plan sounds like a good one. If your son is not a fan of written work and still needs more hand-holding, but you'd like to move him toward a bit more independence, then Bigger with extensions would likely be a good fit. If you order the program and find that you'd rather move him into Preparing, you can easily exchange or return it.

Blessings,
Carrie