I'm a NEWBIE! Is it ok to SKIP a level in HOD?

[flydena]

Carrie -

It looks like we were both typing at the same time. I agree with Preparing for DD, but am not sure about extensions now, as her reading didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I think I assumed that because she enjoys reading, that she could read more difficult books as well, but after the Guerber reading, I'm thinking that she should probably just stick with Preparing without extensions, build skills, and then the following year, she will have improved in her skills and levels and be ready for the tougher books!

And, yes I have changed my mind about combining them since the beginning of this thread. I read your recent posts about frequently asked questions and those really got me thinking about meeting each child where they are and helping them to do the best at their level. And, how it could even enrich the conversations in our home with them doing different levels, keeping the excitement up. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THOSE! They truly got me thinking and reconsidering! It would have been disasterous to put my DD in RtR like I had originally thought I might! It's just very difficult to choose a level sight unseen! But reading the different posts and having so many wonderful people respond and help me think through and process the decisions, has been such a blessing! Thanks again!

Dena

[my3sons]

Thanks for sharing the results of your dd reading that sample, and I agree that she would be well placed in PHFHG. I would only use the extensions for PHFHG if she is truly able to read them independently and if the extra challenge is needed. You may want to begin PHFHG without the extensions, at least for a month, and then add them if they are needed at that point. It also sounds like your ds will be well placed in RTR. I think you have an excellent plan for your 2 dc here. Be sure to post any more questions you have in regard go PHFHG or anything else, and we'll be glad to chat them through. I too am thankful Carrie took the time to post those recent posts about FAQ's, as we have found the thoughts shared there to be true in our home as well. It is nice to know that each child is a part of placement with HOD, and that sometimes that leads to combining, and sometimes not, but either way, HOD can be a blessing if placement is right for each child. You have really thought carefully about this decision, and weighed the needs of each of your dc for this coming year. I think you are going to have such a good year! I bet your dc are going to thrive - hooray!

In Christ,
Julie

[flydena]

I AGREE! HOORAY !

I'm just glad that a decision has been made, and I finally feel good about it!

In Christ,
Dena

P.S. Now I just can't wait to begin the ordering process! And, even better....getting it all so I can SEE and TOUCH it!

[Carrie]

flydena,

Thanks so much for the update! I'm so glad that you are feeling a peace about your decision and have been able to work through what would be right for your particular family. We pray that Preparing and RTR may be a blessing to your family.

I agree based on what you've shared that it is wise to begin without the extensions in Preparing and add them later only if your daughter can do them independently.

We look forward to sharing the journey with you! I am also so thankful that the series of posts on common questions was helpful to you as you pondered what was best for your family. They were so time-consuming for me to think through, gather in a cohesive form, and write, so we pray they will bless others as well.

Blessings,
Carrie