Extension Package for Science in Preparing

[SouthernMrs]

Hi,
I have been reading old posts on the message board and came across a post from Carrie mentioning adding a possible Extension Package for Science in Preparing Hearts (for use with the older children) and I was wondering if any decisions have been made on that at this point. I haven't seen anything new on the website about this yet.

Also, as far as the self study extension books go, we only need to pick ONE of the self study packages, correct? Of course my 5th grade dd will be able to read the books for olders, but I just saw a couple of new ones added to the younger list on the website that I'm sure she'd enjoy too! Can we mix and match or just use them for extra reading?
Thanks!
Charlene

[Carrie]

Charlene,

You are so quick about noticing changes in the "Preparing..." packages! Aesop's Fables that was scheduled in the Deluxe Package went out of print, and "If You'd Been There in Bible Times" is also scheduled to be out of print eventually, so we had a few changes! We're actually very pleased with the changes to the Deluxe Package and feel that they are even better than what was previously scheduled, so it is a God-driven change!

As far as the science in "Preparing...", we have decided to leave it as is for both younger readers and for older readers. This is because the books in the science package are all targeted at ages 8-12, so they fit the extension pack range as well.

If kiddos in grades 5-7 haven't already used Tiner's "Exploring Planet Earth" in "Bigger..." that could be added to "Preparing..." once a week if desired. Another option for 7th graders would be to add Tiner's "Exploring the World of Chemistry". Also, we felt that some older kiddos who may be especially science-minded may want to add their own topics of study based on interest if desired, so this would give them a chance to do that (but is not required).

For the Extension Package for history, you can easily add books from the younger package to the older package. The schedule for the Extension Pack readings will be in the Appendix. The directions and schedule for the Deluxe Package history readings will be on the left side of the daily plans each day.

Blessings,
Carrie

[SouthernMrs]

Thanks so much for the info, Carrie, I appreciate your responses.

So since we've read the Exploring Planet Earth book this year with Bigger, we should be good to go for next year with a 5th grader with the science as written in Preparing? Maybe exploring some topics on our own with extra library books or something? We did enjoy Exploring Planet Earth this year, but I'm afraid to add another title from this series for next year without knowing which ones you will use in future guides. I'm not sure we're quite ready for the Chemistry book yet since dd is only going into 5th.

Again, thanks so much for all your help!
I'm looking forward to meeting you at the NCHE convention next month!
Charlene

[Carrie]

Charlene,

I'm glad it helped. I do think you'd be fine with the science in "Bigger..." for a 5th grader. When you mentioned not wanting to use what we may schedule in the future guides for science, you hit the nail on the head (as to why I'm hesitant to mention specific additional science titles to read casually for your 5th grader).

We are looking at possibly including Tiner's Exploring the World of Medicine in the Ancients along with something like Galen and the Gateway to Medicine with another science book to round out the study of the body. We are also looking at some Masterbooks titles too. So, I'd hate to suggest the ones that may be scheduled.

All of that to say that I think the science in "Preparing..." will be fine for your daughter, and you can always add if desired according to her interests.

Blessings,
Carrie

[SouthernMrs]

Thanks again, Carrie!
Charlene