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Hi Ladies,
Last year, we were using Beyond and Little Hands for my 2 kids. We had LHFHG, but were not using it. A friend was looking for something for her 1st grader, but her husband was out of a job and they had no money to buy anything. I loaned her everything for LHFHG, except the phonics and the cd (we love to just listen to it). She got money from someone else to purchase the phonics, the cd and the workbooks. I did tell her that I would need it back this Fall because my youngest would need it.

Well, Fall came and they were not finished and her husband is still out of a job. We weren't quite finished with LHTH so I said she could keep it until Christmas. Well, now she is having health issues as well as the financial issues. She hasn't mentioned getting it back to me and I feel like a heal for even thinking about asking.

My husband and I talked about just purchasing what we don't have (we had phonics, cd, and the workbooks remember), but we don't really have the money for that. NOW, I'm looking at the placement chart again and wondering if I should just start her 1/2 speed in Beyond. The writing is what she would struggle with. She already listens (secretly) to her older brother's history and storytime (in Bigger) and can answer the questions if he can't. She will finish or be close to finishing Reading Made Easy by the end of the school year. I would just finish RME and then move into the Emerging Readers. We do a separate math so that is not an issue.

I'd really hate to miss LHFHG history....and I'm trying to remember Beyond and figure out if it would be a good fit. I'm really torn. So any advice?

Laurie

Laurie - I think you are an incredible giver, and a person who loves to help those in need. What a gift! May God bless you for your loving kindness. I also think that your 5 yo needs to do LHFHG. I would politely ask for it back for your dd. You are in a situation financially where you need the program you already purchased for your dd, and it makes no sense to purchase it again, nor does it make sense to place your dd in Beyond as that is not befitting her age nor her proper placement. I realize this will be difficult, but I think it is wise counsel. It is choosing to use what best fits your dd, and this is also a calling we have as homeschool moms. I do understand the predicament you are in, and your big heart for your friend, but I think it is not overstepping to ask for the program you purchased back for your dd who now needs it. I will pray for you in this - as I know this is tough.

In Christ,
Julie

Hi Julie,
Thanks for the reply. I looked at the first weeks of both books again. You are right. She needs to be in Little Hearts. If her writing and overall manual dexterity were better, I would give Beyond a try, but she would miss quite a few boxes and she is not ready for the spelling, either. Her listening skills and comprehension are definitely up to Beyond speed. I think this comes from listening to her brother's lessons. She is so cute. She hides around the corner to listen because brother doesn't want her learning what he is.

Anyway,I know I was grasping at straws to solve a problem. Thanks for the prayers. We were using Five in a Row to fill the gap, but we are now done with that also. I really need to figure this out for after Christmas. I do covet your prayers. I keep praying for clear direction so I do not jeopardize the friendship.

Laurie

Laurie,

You are so gracious! What a wonderful friend you are. Perhaps, you could tell your friend that you need your LHFHG set back after Christmas, but you would be willing to loan her your Five in A Row in its place? This would help your friend still have some academics in place during a financially tough time in her life, but it would keep you from placing your school on hold. It is possible she is not getting much school done right now, and it could be quite some time before she finishes with LHFHG. Anyway, just a thought.

Blessings,
Carrie