Beyond to Bigger- "big jump"

[mama247]

Hi Ladies,

I've read several posts that the content from Beyond to Bigger is really a big leap. Is that mostly speaking to the "learning the basics" portion of the guide?

I'm planning on using Bigger with my ds7 in the fall. We used Beyond this school year and really liked it. We didn't have any issues with placement.

I'm curious as to why many feel the jump from Beyond to Bigger is so big. When we do use Bigger in the fall, I plan on using it mainly for history and science and doing our own language arts. I have all of the history and science books bought for Bigger and they look awesome.

One mom I spoke with said she found the history notebooking and weekly science notebooking in Bigger really advanced. How do you ladies weigh in on that?

I do not have the Bigger guide yet, but I have a friend who does and I will be looking at that soon. I really like the look of the history cycles and sciences with HOD. They seem to be age appropriate and "rich." So those are the two main subjects I am using the guides for. I always "tweak" things to our liking but the history and science of the HOD guides seem really great to me.

Thanks for your input!

[deltagal]

My 10 yo finished Bigger in December. When we started Bigger he was still in emerging readers, could not do much handwriting and had not begun dictation. By the time we finished he was reading extensions, writing notebook pages and completed one level of dictation. I remember at first that I would help him with his notebooking and coypwork by creating fill-in-the-blank worksheets. We also worked a lot on developing skills while in the bigger guide. I don't recall it being a big jump from beyond to bigger, but I do remember working hard to help him get his skills up as we progressed through the guide. He couldn't just do-it-all from the get go. It was a great experience for both of us!

[mom23]

I find there to be a definite step-up between each of the guides that we've done so far. Did you start from LHFHG and go to Beyond? It's a similar thing, I think, just at a higher level, because the kids' skills are building. I don't think it's anything to be afraid of! Especially since you've done Beyond so successfully . The pp had great advice! Just start where your child is, and work together to build those "Bigger" skills.

Notebooking-it's certainly something new that wasn't in Beyond, but we didn't find it too advanced. If they're ready for the guide, you should be fine!

[mama247]

@mom23 Thank you! I am eager to see the Bigger guide and see how it is layed out from week to week. My son is a sharp little guy and he has retained a lot from the Beyond guide this year.

[lissiejo]

I too will be beginning Bigger with a young 7yo this fall. I was nervous too simply because of all the posts. But after purchasing the guide my fears are gone. I am going to begin half pace just to help her get into the swing of things, but even as a 1st grader this year in Beyond she did a lot of the work on her own, even some of the history reading when I came down with a cold that took my voice with it! I was shocked at her ability to read and comprehend the Pioneers and Patriots book with only a little guidance from me.

The biggest complaint I've read about starting in Bigger younger is the writing. For me this is a plus. My daughter despises formal handwriting lessons, but does well with written assignments. I see this as a good opportunity to help her gain some much needed handwriting practice without realizing it. She is very bright academically speaking and definitely needs challenged. When she isn't challenged she becomes obstinate. It's a heart issue we constantly battle, but I also realize the need to keep her academics at an appropriate level for her. After perusing Bigger repeatedly for the last several months I'm confident in using it for my particular 2nd grader. That doesn't mean it's a good fit for everyone, but for kids who have successfully completed the younger HOD guides (she'll have done all 3 previously) I see no reason to jump right into Bigger as a 2nd grader.

Have fun!

[mama247]

@lissiejo - Thank you! That really helps ease my mind in our transition into Bigger. Like your daughter, my son is very bright and has really enjoyed Beyond, especially the history. I have even learned quite a bit just from our history readings. Your post makes me even more excited to see the Bigger guide and get a good feel for how our 2nd grade year will flow.

[creekmama]

I was worried about the big jump when we started Bigger back in January. And the amount of written work has proven to be a challenge for my son, although I am confident that he is properly placed in Bigger. So we started Bigger at half-speed, making sure to do math every day. Now we're at about two-thirds speed, and it's always very clear when it's time to add something and lengthen our school day. For example, he asked to start cursive, which I was holding back on. Now we do half a page a day. He's complaining less about writing in general, and he's really proud of his notebook. So don't worry too much about the transition. Take it slow if you want to. You'll figure out what's best for your kiddo!

[lissiejo]

I should have clarified half speed too I think...by August (when we will start full time) she will be doing math and grammar at full speed if not the whole program. We'll just see how it goes.