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To all of you experienced moms out there who have completed LHFHG, would you say that around week 22 we begin 1st grade material?
How does LHFHG compare to what children do in K at public or private school? I am talking content and substance, not just phonics and math.
I am so impressed with the material we are covering!
Dorla

Yikes! I used the whole thing for first grade! I guess you could call it first grade whenever you want. It's the phonics and math you choose (I believe) that make the difference between what grade you want to call it and the opinion of what constitutes K or first varies widely from state to state and even from school to school within states.

Oh, and most K and first grades in ps do not even focus on history or science....just as it pops up with holidays and such so you're ahead of the game in that area.

I'm not sure I answered your question....were you talking about the history?

I used LHFHG for 1st grade for my son, and I will do the same for my daughter.

I plan on using it as a K curriculum as the level phonics and math in Lil Hearts I covered with my older kids before they went to k. And looking at Hannah's maturity in these subjects now I see no problem with her being ready for it soon. But I agree that the reading, Bible, history, and science are not usually a part of K in schools. Those are the areas that I will have to monitor the most in Hannah's maturity before I decide when we will start, be it 4 or 5 years of age. I think that those subjects would qualify as either K or 1st.

We will be using it as a first grade curriculum...due to the quality, and quantity of the history, science, etc. For Kindergarten, we're actually using Little Hands...because I know many public schools are just teaching letters and sounds in K...even though the kids are 'supposed' to already know those things; many don't. Anyway, I figured we would start slow, and he'll take off and move at a good pace soon enough.

I've been using it for my first grader (who is more on a K level) and for my pre-K'er (who is more on a K level) and it seems rather light? I have no idea what public schools are doing, though.

We will be using it for both Kindergarten and First Grade. My boys will each have their own phonics, math, handwriting and maybe even science.

I helped my friend who was a kindergarten teacher with end-of-the-year testing for 4th. quarter conferences one year (this was an assignment for my masters program). Anyway, I had to meet individually with each student and test them for individual letter recognition, numbers 1-10, colors, knowing body parts (i.e. point to your nose, mouth, ears, etc.), had them write their names in a rectangle on the report card, and had them follow basic directions (i.e. hop on one foot, put the book under the chair, put the ball behind your back, etc.).

I also helped her teach for 2 days, all day, in the classroom. Melanie made a very accurate observation in saying that science and history are VERY light, if covered at all they're quite hit and miss - like it's Columbus Day, so let's read a book about him. It's President's Day, let's read about Washington and Lincoln, etc. That's about it!

So, having done LHFHG twice now with my own children, I feel very confident that it is a solid academic program for either K or First Grade. (My mother also taught First Grade for 20 years). By First Grade, phonics needs to be learned, as well as printing manuscript, and for math addition and subtraction is introduced as well. I know Carrie is diligent about checking state guidelines, as well as the "What Your Child Needs to Know By..." data. So, sit back and ENJOY it gals - the guesswork and worry has been taken away with HOD - so you can just delight in teaching your children! Now, off to enjoy my day doing LHFHG!

Ladies,

When we put our target age levels on each guide, we make sure that we are fulfilling the state requirements for those years. So, LHFHG is a solid K or Grade 1 program. We also make sure to provide more than one level in language arts and math, so that those areas can be fine-tuned even more closely to your child's level. You can feel confident in turning in your guides as your lesson plans to any school district that your bases are covered (and then some) with LHFHG for K or Grade 1.

Even though the history and science readings that you are scheduled to use are the same for both a K and a Grade 1 student, those students will comprehend and apply those same readings differently based on their level of maturity. So, those same read-alouds will have a different level of application and understanding based on your child's developmental level.

This is the same design followed throughout all of our guides. I know it's hard to do, but at HOD we try to move away from the grade level designation and look at the developmental age. Yet, I understand the reason for the discussion as you also must report to the state, which uses grade level designations. So, I just want to reassure all of you! I'm so glad, Dorla, that you are impressed with what your little one is learning. I have found I learn right along with my boys too.

Blessings,
Carrie

Thanks Carrie for the explanation. I am learning not to think in terms of school grades but, as you say, developmental age. It is hard to do because "what grade"? is the question we are asked all the time.

But I sure like your way much better. It helps me remember that I am guiding an individual and not a mass product!!
Dorla

I plan on using LHFHG for K and 1st for the same child. I am just going to add the 1st grade materials to it for next year plus the emerging readers. She will be 5.5 yrs old this school year and I just believe that would be better for her. It would also make it an easier transition for her to go into Beyond for 2nd grade.