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Hi all! I posted earlier about trying to figure out whether to combine my daughters in LHFHG or not. Upon doing some more research I have determined that my gifted 4 year old dd is definitely ready for LHFHG, but even though I've looked at the placement chart numerous times, I just can't figure out where to place my oldest dd!

My oldest dd is 7 (will be 8 in April) and should be in 2nd grade. I started homeschooling her 3/4 of the way through 1st grade, and at that time she was behind her peers because she has trouble with reading and writing. I believe she is probably dyslexic (her first grade teacher agreed), but we haven't had her tested, and I would like to avoid doing so if possible. Since she was behind, I had her start first grade over at that time (March of 2012). She has improved a lot since then, but I think she may still be a little behind her age group.

It's hard to watch my daughter struggle with reading and writing so much. This has been a great source of frustration for her, because she is mentally and emotionally very mature for her age, and she is her own biggest critic. Also, given the fact that my youngest daughter is very gifted, dd7 is afraid that dd4 is going to catch up with her! I have seen a wonderful improvement in dd7's self-esteem since we began homeschooling; she no longer feels like she has to compete with other kids in her class and has more freedom to learn at her own pace, and for that I am SO thankful. I am super excited to start HOD, I think it will be great for both girls! I also think it will really help dd7 by making learning more fun for her.

So, I need some placement advice! DD7 knows her alphabet (upper and lower case). She can write anything I spell for her, but can only write very simple words on her own (cat, dog, for, the, etc.) She is able to read short books containing simple words with a little help. She still needs to work on punctuation and sentences (she can write short, simple sentences with help). She can add and subtract single digits, but not double digits. What do you think? Should I place her in 1st grade LHFHG, or BLHFHG? What would you do?

Thanks in advance for your help!

I need to get ready for church, so I'll be back or PM you. It sounds like your dd has similar problems to my dd. She is 9 and we are in Bigger, but taking it slow. We have done Little Hearts and Beyond. My dd also struggles with reading and writing. The writing is getting better. She has eye converging or teaming problems which I know affects her reading. She did have OT when she was younger because of visual motor problems, but she has not been tested. I guess my first thought was making sure your dd doesn't have eye tracking problems. I will get back to you.

I was in a hurry this morning and forgot to say "Welcome!" You will love HOD.

First of all, put aside the 'grade level' idea. If you have a struggling child, you just need to find where she places and begin there. HOD guides are set up to use with multiple ages, not necessarily grades. My dd is considered 3rd grade, but there is no set level of curriculum that needs to be completed for a certain grade level. My dd has had a lot of difficulty with math. She is well below what a typical 3rd grader would be, but she is progressing. It may be at a snails pace, but she is moving forward. That's what is important.

My suggestion would be to find where she places on the chart Carrie has on the HOD site. That may help you make a decision. If you choose LHFHG, you do not need to put her in '1st grade' again. You can consider her 2nd grade even if she places in Little Hearts. But, from the sounds of it, I wonder if she could place in Beyond. If it is the reading and writing she has trouble with, she will get practice in that in Beyond. Is she doing manuscript or cursive? If she is only doing manuscript, she will get practice with that in Beyond. As far as the reading, if you feel she still needs some phonics, you can do that with Beyond. If she is not ready for emerging readers, you could get some easier books for her to read until she is ready for those. My dd started the ER books while in Beyond and at a certain point we had to stop, because the words were becoming more difficult. I am having her practice in easier books until I feel she is ready to go back to the ER's. She is also still doing some phonics. As far as math, you just place her where she fits. She sounds so much like my dd as far as her skill level in the 3 R's. I personally think she would be able to go into Beyond. My dd will be 10 in May. We started Bigger this fall, but we are taking it slow. It will probably take us half of 4th grade to finish it. You can always go at half speed if it is too much. Also, if you are placing your younger in Little Hearts, it would probably be good for her to have her own guide.

I would recommend taking your dd to an eye specialist to make sure that she is not having convergence or eye teaming problems. There are others on this board who have dealt with problems like that. I remember reading a post where the child had that problem. After doing some vision therapy, the reading took off. My dd's eye problems have been know since birth, so hers is more complex. It is typically not something you can detect yourself. There is vision therapy or eye exercises for that problem. You just need to make sure the doctor deals with that type of problem.

I hope something here helps. You can PM me if you wish. I'm sure there are others who may have some advice.

Welcome to the HOD Board, aandjmorgan24! Pam really gave great advice! Her daughter is just thriving with HOD, and I think it is because of her careful consideration of placement each year, as well as the deep love and encouragement she gives her dd each day. From what you've shared, I think half-speed LHFHG for your 4 yo, and either full-speed or half-speed Beyond Little Hearts for your 7 yo would be a good fit. According to the placement chart and to what you've shared, these would be good placements for your dc. I also think that having them in separate guides will be a self-esteem builder for your older dd, which is important as well. HOD DOES make learning FUN! It also is Christ-centered, which keeps the balance of academics and faith in check. The heart is looked at as well as the mind - such a wonderful way to go about homeschooling! We have loved what HOD is doing and has done in our home over the past 10 years. We are looking forward to our future with HOD in the high school guides as well. What are your thoughts about these placements though? We can work out the details together here. These ladies are such a help. Nice to meet you, and keep asking questions until you are all set!

In Christ,
Julie

Thank you both so much, that was very helpful! I had wondered about placing dd7 in Beyond, but was afraid it might be too difficult for her. It sounds like it will be a good fit though. So I'll have dd4 in LHFHG and dd7 in BLHFHG. My next question is this: do you have any tips as to how to teach with two different guides? How exactly does that work? I can't wait to get started, I'm really excited about this curriculum!