Extensions question

[MomtoJGJE]

How do you know that your child needs extensions? Is it just if they are beyond the age range? Are they ever necessary for a child who is progressing through the guides?

[MicheleW]

I would say mainly by age, but it also depends on the child. My DD 10 is an avid reader, but somewhat lacking in writing/notebooking skills. I kept her back a year in the guides because she was struggling with so many of the assignments, but she reads like crazy, so the extenion books make it possible to use a lower guide to fit her other needs while still having books that challenge her (and keep her busy so I can work with DS).

It also depends on if you using a guide for high school credit. I have one that will be using Rev2Rev for 9th grade next year. In order to make it high school credit worth, you really need to upper level books offered in the extension pack.

Plus, I know a lot of people agree that the extension books are so wonderful and add so much to the program that if there is any way to fit them in, you should. My youngest DS (6th grade) has autism and can't sit through too much reading (and also can't read hardly at all on his own. He is doing Bigger this year with his younger sister. Since he can't sit through all the books, I have chosen to read the extension books aloud to him and sister and have her read the books from the Basic package on her own because the extension books are much more interesting and keep my son's attention.

Totally on a side note: We are in the middle of "Bud and Me: The True Adventures of the Abernathy Boys" (Bigger extension set) and it has been by far my favorite book this year! If you have any opportunity to read it, it is just fascinating! It is the true story of a 5YO and 9YO boy who ride their horses around the country (by themselves) around 1910. They spend the night in the White House with President Roosevelt and President Taft. They see their first car and first airplane, and even tour an airplane factor with the owner, Wilbur Wright!