Beyond vs. Bigger

[kc&sc]

I am new to HOD, and struggling with the choice between Beyond and Bigger. My children are 8 and 9, and I plan to group them together. We have been using Mystery of History and just completed Volume 2. We have been enjoying the journey so far, but I feel drawn to HOD. I just don't know which guidebook would make for a better transition. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

[Jennymommy]

It is generally wise to go with the younger guide and do extensions for the older child. But first, where do they place on the charts? That will help us to help you You could also print the sample weeks for each guide and compare them side-by-side.

[kc&sc]

My daughter: reading independently, able to form her own sentences in manuscript, currently working on simple dictation, learning cursive letter formation, math Singapore 2B, understanding of basic grammar, starting working on diagramming sentences. My son: emerging reader, able to complete copywork in manuscript, ready to begin simple dictation, learning cursive letter formation (struggling a bit), starting Math-U-See Gamma, understanding of basic grammar, starting working on diagramming sentences.
Again, I appreciate your help! Thanks

[Jennymommy]

I would lean toward Beyond, using extensions and DITHOR for your daughter. You could use the girl choices and level 2/3 student book for DITHOR, as well as Rod and Staff English 2 for her if she needs the challenge. Do whatever math you feel is appropriate for each of them, though if you switch to Singapore, the extra activities and schedule are already in the book. For your son, you would use the emerging readers and activities from the appendix. From there, just make sure to do all the activities as written so dc are ready for the next guide, which will be quite a jump in handwriting. Also, maybe do the boy set or history interest read alouds for your son If it is too much for him, it is fine to slow him down...they would be on different schedules, but a frustrated boy learns very little (I know from experience ) God bless

[Jennymommy]

Oh yes, be prepared to separate them possibly in the future...girl maturity and boy energy don't always mix well for schooling togetherness

[kc&sc]

Thank you so much for your help! I feel better now about the whole thing. It always helps to talk with someone who has experience! God Bless

[StephanieU]

Bigger might be a better fit. It is the standard/average guide for a third grader, and your 8yo sounds fairly average of not advanced. Beyond does not have extensions (those start in Bigger), and it would probably be fairly simple yet could be more fun. Bigger is definitely more mature and more like school but still not dry. There is a lot more writing required in Bigger, and the history books aren't as "fun." But, we are still enjoying it (finished unit 3)

[kc&sc]

Hi! Thanks for the response. When you say a lot more writing in Bigger, how much writing are we talking about? They currently write 3-5 sentences when they do their history narrations, along with daily handwriting, and spelling every other day. They also do book reports after each read aloud we do (my son dictates his to me, and then does copywork to complete his report). Thanks for your help!

[Nealewill]

I think she was saying that Bigger has a lot more writing than Beyond - comparatively. With what you have shared about the volume of writing they do currently, they will be fine Bigger.

[StephanieU]

In Bigger, there is daily writing for cursive/copywork, working/dictation, and grammar. Then once a week there is a science notebooking page, science lab page, vocabulary cards (1-3 words with the definition, sentence, and picture), memory verse copywork, history notebooking page, and timeline entries. Occasionally there is some writing for storytime, geography, or art as well.
In Beyond, on days 1-4 there is spelling and copywork. On day 5 there is grammar. Like Bigger, there is occasionally writing for storytime art, etc. There is also a timeline, but not all units have an entry.

[8arrows]

I think that Bigger will be a better fit according to their skills. Have an awesome year!

[MomtoJGJE]

I also think Bigger would be great based on what you described.

[kc&sc]

Thank you to EVERYONE for being so helpful! Based on all your input, I am looking into going with Bigger. We are looking forward to an awesome year with HOD. God Bless!