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Hello everyone,
I have been using HOD for 3 years and plan on using PHFHG next year w/ my 3rd grader and will be doing LHFHG w/ our twin 5yos. We also have a 2yo. The twins did a different pre-school curriculum last year. And I'm trying to figure out what it will look like to do two full curriculum with the 3 girls.

I was wondering if any other mother's ever have their children do the History and Science "read alouds" and story time readings on their own? My 8yo is a very advanced reader and usually did them on her own last year. Then, I would have her tell me about what she had read--but to be perfectly that wasn't EVERY time. I'm trying to decide if next year, I need to make more of a point to read them to her, or if it is ok to do it the way we did last year. She also did the extension package reading for Bigger Hearts for His Glory. Next year, we will be doing the PHFHG and I plan on her doing the "older" extension package too. My biggest problem w/ her doing the readings on her own is that I feel like I don't know as much about the material as she does. And as her teacher, I don't know if that is ok. On the other hand, I know that I will be doing a considerable amount of reading to the twins for LHFHG. And, I don't want them to miss out on all of that great reading material by just have them listen to my older girls readings.

I would love some feedback. Thanks for your time! And I hope you can make sense of my ramblings

In Preparing it is scheduled for them to do the science reading on their own so that should help you. I really wouldn't have her do the history reading on her own for Preparing because the conversations that go along with CHOW and Grandpa's box are so vital as far as tying everything together and also making all the spiritual connections. I also think that even though she is a great reader she is young and you might want to make sure that you are there to explain some of the content that is in some of the books in Preparing. There are lots of teacher notes regarding violent content in CHOW that lets you know to skip it if you want to. Carrie purposefully planned those books to be done as a read aloud for that reason. I guess she could do the storytime books on her own, but I really enjoyed reading those with my ds. In CTC she will do the history readings and science on her own.

Hi there, and welcome to the HOD Board! As the pp shared, the PHFHG plans have dd reading her own science this year, so that is planned appropriately in length and content for dc to take over that reading. Our dc loved that! As far as the history, I'd not have her read the "Reading about History" box of plans on her own in PHFHG, for many of the reasons the pp mentioned. The readings are short, so they will not take you long to do. The discussions are priceless. The next guide (CTC) on up, she will be doing her own "Reading about History" readings when she is older, so that is coming next year. Your dd will be reading the "Independent History" box's materials in PHFHG on her own, and completing those directions independently. Those readings and plans are appropriate in length and content as well, so dd should really enjoy those. For Storytime, you could compromise and set the timer and read 10 minutes to her, when the timer rings, she could finish it from that point out. That way, you know what's going on in the books, you share the responsibility of reading with dd, you model good oral reading techniques for dd, and well, you just get to ENJOY all those awesome books too!

She is young for the extensions, but I know they are great books! It may be okay yet to have her read those for enjoyment at her leisure this year in PHFHG still, but I'd not have a 9/10 yo read the CTC extensions the next year due to maturity of content. Our sons are on the young end of the age ranges for guides too, and we let them read the extensions a few years after completing a guide. Great reading! And not too mature. Like you, I just don't want them to miss all those amazing books! But maybe just let her enjoy them a little later once she hits CTC - just a thought. I hope something here helps, but I have to tell you, PHFHG is such a joy! We have about 1 month left in it, and I am feeling quite bittersweet about it. Love the feeling of accomplishment of spending a wonderful year together in a guide, but sad to see it end! However, having taught CTC years back, I know we'll love that too. I'll look forward to hearing about your year and getting to know ya here!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks so much ladies for your feedback. I really appreciate you sharing your experience w/ PHFHG. So, the extension books for this year, you think might have too mature of content, or is that the next year's book? Since she does all of those independently, I was just assuming that the content was ok for any child in that guide, and that they were only recommended for older readers based on the more difficult reading level. I will plan to do the History reading with her, and I really like your suggestion about the Story time books. I know I will be doing a lot of reading to the twins this year, but we will find our groove and it will all get done.

Thanks again for taking your time to respond to me.
In Christ,
NavaMama

You're welcome - I am glad to help! For the extensions, I believe CTC is the first mention of mature content in regard to the extension package, and this is what it says...
Due to the more mature content of the books set during the ancient time period, both in the violence that was prevalent during this period and in the depravity of worship of pagan gods, this extension package is best suited for mature 6th and 7th graders who are strong, independent readers. For very sensitive 6th or 7th graders, or for those who are not yet strong readers, we recommend the Storytime History Set for the parent to read aloud instead.

So, PHFHG extensions are probably just fine for leisure this year for dd, but maybe not next year in CTC. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie