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After some consideration and looking over Beyond, I'm intending to go back to doing all parts of LHFHG and adding spelling list 1 from Beyond. I want to do Beyond as is next year with spelling list 2 so I'm going to leave off it's grammar until then. I was thinking about the thought that even though DS is a little accelerated in his reading and more so writing for his age, it doesn't necessarily mean he needs to keep pushing forward and, recognizing that his attention for formal lessons is very typically 5yo boy-like, I think this suits him perfectly right now. He is so self-motivated and curious and I figure I just don't need to formalize everything he shows interest and skill in at this point. I also realized that I was spending too much time on phonics and math without him being able to recognize that he was making much progress so I've made changes there (and started including the activities in LHFHG - I had totally forgotten them!) and it's made all the difference. DS is delighted with how quickly school is now getting done so his attitude and effort in all parts has improved greatly and we have the vast majority of the day for fun and informal learning and this is perfect for him.

Oh, and we may or may not do the emerging reader schedule but I have it and have checked the library and we're good to go if I decide to do it now rather than wait until Beyond. I'm looking forward to it either way.

I'm am so glad that you have found the right fit and balance for your ds. It sounds like you have a great plan. Enjoy the journey.

I'm glad to hear this! I was kind of "discussing" with a friend of mine who has a 4.5 year old DS who is a good reader (nearly as good as my 6.5 YO ) and is starting handwriting (and bonus she used to be a PS teacher before she had kids). She said for kids who like to write but can't spell, one thing they would do is create a "word bank." Pages with the words that the child wants to write so they can write them correctly when they want to - therefore reinforcing the correct spelling instead of any wrong spelling they might come up with. Just an idea, I thought I might share with you at some point.

I'm so glad to hear it's going well now and that his attitude has improved! We have had so much fun with HOD, once you get into a rhythm with it it seems like it goes so smoothly!

mater est laetus, so glad that you have figured out what will work for your ds. Success

MelinKansas, thanks for sharing this good idea. My dd4 is wanting to write little notes now and I have not even started formal handwriting with her. Once she can read, I will do this so she can just copy these words.

Mel, that's basically what I've been kind of doing here and there. I've been figuring that I will continue with that outside of school while doing the short daily systematic spelling lessons within. I'm going to be using the term "Word Bank" now and I'll feel more confident now that you've shared this. I appreciate it so much that you thought of me & ds!!

After school this morning ds actually said, "That was fun!" He expounded to make it apparent that what he really meant was, "that was short!" and he's all kinds of enthusiastic about short. This weekend when asked about school at church he told people that he doesn't do much school but he likes to do spelling first because he likes that the least (he's not fond of word lists). He has not been grumbling or complaining about it an ounce though, so it's all good.

This made me laugh! I guess as long as he does it with a good attitude, it's unrealistic to expect a child to like all aspects of school all the time, so you're still doing great!

I hope by God's grace it continues to go well, and you both can enjoy seeing him learn and grow!