Beyond vs Bigger

[happyhome]

I am looking at Beyond vs Bigger for my girls- 6 and 8- 1st and 3rd grade. I can't see doing two guides b/c I have two younger and two older kids to work with and a very ill mom(I need it simple this year) I know some threads have said to use one side of Bigger for the older and the left side for both together. However, if I order two guides- I will try to do them all - that's just how I am. So my question is: Do I use Bigger for them both and just require less written work, etc. out of my first grader or do I use Beyond, DITHOR, and the Rod and Staff 2 for my 3rd grader and try to add in some extra writing assignments. My younger daughter is a good reader- likes to write and can sit and listen well to a story. She would be starting the emerging readers set. The older is an avid reader- loves to be read to, loves science, and is a bit more bookish than the younger. My concern is overwhelming my younger daughter vs not challenging the older one. I really want to use HOD- last year I tried TOG, and while I think it is excellent, I need something less intense for me.
Any thoughts?

[raceNzanesmom]

I'd probably do Beyond and add to it for the older, perhaps start cursive if she's ready for it.

[twoxcell]

If you want to combine I would use Beyond, Bigger is far too much for a 6 year old. You could easily add in R&S grammar 2, and even the cursive. Simply do one lesson of R&S per day and one page of the cursive. If your 8 year old is ready I would also add in DITHR.

[mom24boys]

We are almost in the same situation! I agree with the other poster, I think Beyond will be the best fit for the 2 of them. It will be easier to up the 3Rs for your 8 year old. My oldest was going to be doing Beyond left side and Bigger right side. As I have been looking through and planning things out, I have realized that I really don't need the Bigger guide to do this (although we will be using it the following year for sure). Here's specifically what you could do to get by with the one Beyond guide. (I like things spelled out for me, but if you don't, just ignore. )

dd8:
- Beyond left side (History, Bible, Music, Poetry, Rotating box including science)
- Beyond right side (copywork that matches Beyond poetry, storytime)
The following items are listed in Bigger on the right hand side that need to be "covered" for dd8:
- LA: R&S2 - as you can see in the online sample, do 2 pages a day.
- LA: cursive - pick one of Carrie's suggestions...Carrie says this is typically for 3rd graders.
- LA: spelling/dictation program - **you will need to add something to cover this.
- Reading - purchase and follow the DITHOR guide and book suggestions.
- Math - Just go at her pace with whatever program you like.
- Science - Bigger starts science daily. I want to save Bigger science until we are doing the Bigger left hand side because they compliment each other. So I am adding in a science program this year which both boys will enjoy (in addition to 2 days a week for the science in the Beyond guide as they compliment the history portion). A little extra science for this year, but I'm sure it will be fun.

Hopefully that makes sense and helps somehow. This is exactly what we're doing next year (minus cursive)...it's going to be great!

[Mommamo]

I agree that Beyond sounds perfect, and it would be easy to add to it for your older one without having to buy the Bigger guide. I also wanted to add that there are two spelling lists in Beyond, so just use spelling list 2 and you should be good to go. If those are too easy, though, you'll need the guide for Bigger so you can have the dictation.

[momtofive]

Last year we did Beyond with a 3rd grader and a 1st grader. They both had a wonderful time and it was easy to "beef" it up a little for the older child. You can use their level of english and math. To beef up the science for your older child, you could easily incorporate more books on science related topics they are interested in, or on animals. Just have them narrate to you or do a drawing and maybe write a sentence or two on what their drawing was about. You may even decide to keep it really simple and just do Beyond as is, for both of your children.

No matter what you decide, you're in for a treat! Beyond is a great program full of fun learning--for you and your children!

Blessings!

[Heart_Mom]

Here's another vote for Beyond! It's also a shorter program overall, so it might be easier for you to handle!

We really enjoyed it last year...

[MelInKansas]

Another thing in favor of Beyond is that if your 6 YO is doing the Emerging Reader set there are specific plans and questions for each book in the back of Beyond. Again, you'd have to plan out the reading and other subjects your older daughter would do to make it challenging for her. Hopefully she can do several things independently to make it easier on you!

[meandmycuties]

I'd definitely go with Beyond and just use the appropriate readers, English, Math & handwriting with it for your 3rd grader.

[Tree House Academy]

Another vote for Beyond. Having used both guides, I can say, without a doubt, that Bigger is too much for a 6 year old...especially one who is just ready for emerging readers.

[my3sons]

I'd also vote for Beyond, as this will be a good combining situation not only now, but also for the long term. HOD has extension packages in Bigger Hearts on up, and the extensions are independent, so you can always add those very easily down the road without adding time to your busy schedule. Bigger Hearts is too much for a 6 yo, and Beyond will be just right for both, for as you mentioned, you can easily add R & S English 2, DITHOR 2/3, and the appropriate math level, for your older child. You can also add cursive. I think this would be enough, and I think it would be a very fun year full of great learning! HTH, and I have also said a prayer for you as you have shared you are ill. May the Lord help you through this time. I have found HOD to be such an answer to prayer for me through difficult times - including health concerns. May it be a blessing to you as well!

In Christ,
Julie