Bigger or Preparing?

[3babiesmommy]

Okay, so according to the placement charts, my will be 3rd grader in the Fall definitely fits more into Preparing. However, I was going to place her in Bigger, simply because we haven't really covered any American History. What do you ladies think?

Thanks!

Coleen

[Kathleen]

I think you'd love Bigger! We are this year!! (Nice to meet you, by the way. )

You always have the option of adding the books in the extension package if you feel that Bigger is a bit light for her after you get started. Honestly, I think you'll find that there's a lot there in Bigger. It's very solid academically. If it were me, I'd dive into it, and add the extension pack only if you thought you really needed it after you get into it. (They do look like great books though, and I'm a little sad that we haven't read them all...but our year is exactly what we need the way it is.)

Kathleen

[Riversidemom3]

Hi,

I ditto Bigger. I am using it with a 2nd and 4th grader this year. I did add some extensions for my 4th grader. If I'm not mistaken doing Bigger for 3rd grade will put you on the track to complete all of Carrie's future volumes through 8th grade. Ideal but not necessary (if your planning that far ahead )

Jeri

[8arrows]

Next year my 2nd and 3rd graders will be doing Bigger.

[3ringcircus]

This year my 3rd grader feel into Preparing on the placement charts as well, but had a difficult time with Preparing initially as so many of the skills were new and challenging. We probably could have just slowed to half speed for a while, but I went ahead a put her in Bigger and she has done great. So I would recommend Bigger if you are new to HOD anyway. Also, if you continue all the way through the guides, putting her in Bigger in 3rd grade will have her finishing HOD just in time for high school.
We do read some of the extension pack as it is available at our library, but I haven't found any of the material to be 'below' her grade level at all, if you had any concern about that.

[Carrie]

Coleen,

I'd lean toward placing her in Bigger too, as she won't have another pass through American history for awhile. My own son used Bigger in third grade last year, and we had a wonderful year.

Blessings,
Carrie