Placement Help for 7 Year Old

[Wendye]

Hi,

I have been looking at this program for quite some time and am excited to start HOD for the first time this next fall. My question has to do with the placement of my 7 year old. He is a really good reader and we are finishing up Abeka 1st grade phonics and language program. He likes to read and also enjoys listening to books (with or without pictures) read to him. He is pretty wiggly but will sit and read and do his work. I was initially thinking that he would place in Bigger since he will technically be in the 2nd grade and will be using Singapore 2A/2B. Beyond just seems more fitting for a first grader. After reading some of the posts it seems like most people are placing their 7 year olds in Beyond. I have thoroughly looked at the placement chart and was settled on Bigger but after reading many of the posts lately I am wondering if that is the best place for him. He is really excited about learning Cursive as his brothers have convinced him that he will be able to writer faster using cursive. He is able to write 2 to 3 sentences on his own. I usually read a chapter book to him and we also read Story of the World. After he reads to me from one of the Abeka readers he answers the comprehension questions in complete sentences. The sample week for Bigger seems like something that is doable for him. I think the most challenging part will be the vocabulary/dictionary work. I would really appreciate some feedback as to where he should be placed.

Thank you.

[TrueGRIT]

Have you looked at the placement chart yet?
www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

That should give you a better idea. You could also look at it and tell us where he falls, and someone could help you better based on that.