Bigger vs. Preparing?

[Rachelle]

Edited to add: I was looking at Bigger or Preparing, not Beyond.

I used HOD LHTH and LHFHG. Then we've been doing our own thing and I'm feeling led to go back with my eight year olds/rising 3rd graders

We've been doing US history (my stuff) for two years. My kids learn well with hands on but love reading books. Both are extremely good readers however our skills in writing (composition and the mechanics) are at Beyond level. We have not been formally narrating other than what we did in LHFHG. I will use my own language arts and math. I don't mind "scribing" for them at all at this stage so I was thinking Preparing might still work.

My goals for heart of dakota are:
1. to make school enjoyable without the work load of creating my own plans and carrying out elaborate stuff.
2. reaching my kids spiritually--so the bible is important. I don't feel the things I'm doing are really where we need to be in this area. How does the bible/spiritual compare between these two? I want my boys to make it personal--see it as a relationship, etc.
3. I have a sensitive child. I don't want to disturb or confuse spiritually with content! Still, I'm getting lots of questions about ancient history, other religions, and similar here. These questions were leading me to want to do Preparing but maybe content would be more disturbing than Bigger?

[Robbi]

This may not be the "correct" answer, but I say split the difference and go with Bigger. I know its still US history, but very different with the biographical approach. Since you did LHFHG two years ago, but not much narration, etc since then I can see how they would fit in Beyond but they have matured 2 years.
Maybe my advice is way off. Did you check the placement chart?

Hope it helps some to talk this out. I can't help you with content on Preparing, we aren't there yet but they would be at the younger end of that guide.

[Rachelle]

Oh man! I used the wrong words--meant Bigger vs. Preparing.

We fall in Bigger in the skill set guide. I was selecting between those two.

[countrymom]

Based on what you have said and the fact they place in Bigger, I would go with Bigger. Bigger has a wonderful study from Proverbs and plenty of Biblical application. We are enjoying it so much. Even though it is US history, it is just so different then many of the programs.

[pjdobro]

I would be inclined to go with Bigger as well. Though you can be their scribe and help with the writing portion if you were to do Preparing, they wouldn't be getting the full effect of the program. There are so many skills in Bigger that really set the stage for Preparing so it's one I wouldn't want to skip unless they were solidly placing in a higher program. '

Your first goal will be easily met with any HOD program you use as it is written. The ease of use is great and each program will set the stage for the next one helping your dc learn the skills they need to easily progress to the next guide without you having to add extra things or do hours of planning.

Your second goal is also easily met with HOD. All of the programs are going to point to Christ and our relationship with him. The study of Proverbs in Bigger has been one of my very favorites so far. It looked at various Biblical character traits and helped us learn how to apply them to our life. Preparing was wonderful as well. It includes a study of mostly Psalms. It leads dc into memorizing whole psalms and really hiding the word in their hearts. We had some wonderful heartfelt discussions this year relating to the Bible study. It also starts dc having their own quiet time once a week. All of the programs are going to feature God's hand in history and show that through the characters and events that have happened. They are all great!

Your third goal is one that makes me think even more that Bigger would be best. Preparing is the first year where we really looked at other religions and beliefs. When you are studying ancients, you come across a lot of other civilizations that believed in other gods. It was handled well in everything we did and continually pointed us back to God. I feel my children really learned a lot about how to defend their faith through the year in Preparing however, it is definitely a step up in maturity, and it's something that I'm glad that Carrie waited to put into a bit older program. We've had several years to get a good grounding in our faith before looking at other religions.

We did Bigger for 3rd grade with my 8 year olds and it was a wonderful year. I know everyone is different but I think it is fantastic third grade program, and it sounds like that is more where your dc are placing. Here is an old thread that talks about the amount of writing in Bigger vs. Preparing that could help with your decision as well: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3602 Hope that is helpful. Welcome back to HOD!

[Robbi]

OH, Bigger not Beyond that's makes more sense!!
I'm pretty sure everyones going to agree that if they place in Bigger then that's what u should use! if you modify Preparing for them, then you'd probably have to modify CTC and on up as well. And that defeats the purpose of the open & go curriculum you're looking for!! Plus with the sensitive nature of the kiddos and content and I say Bigger is a better idea!!!

[mskogen]

I agree with pp, Bigger would be a great year. The best way to choose is the placement chart. When kids are placed correctly they learn alot. Carrie intends for kids to do parts of Preparing alone, the goal is indpendence learners. Bigger will give them the skills to do those parts indpendently. Bigger is a great, interesting year, that all will love. Let us know what you decide. Blessings,

[my3sons]

I agree - Bigger Hearts sounds like the way to go! I actually look forward to Bigger Hearts with each of our dc with eager anticipation. It is just a special year! They both loved the Eggleston books so much, and I was fascinated by them as well. I also appreciated the Godly character trait focus - it was so timely for everyone - this mama included! Bigger Hearts was when each of their oral narrations began to have more substance, be more enjoyable to listen "animatedly to" as CM advocated , and we got to enjoy learning so many new skills together. Finally, our talks became deeper, we could focus on new things, because simply learning the mechanics of reading and writing was not such a mainstay. I think you will really enjoy Bigger!

In Christ,
Julie