heartofdakota.com

Hi, I'm a former hsing mom (ds has graduated) who is doing research for my sister who doesn't have internet.

My sister is considering HoD for her 8 yr old daughter, 'E'. E has been in public school K-2. She is doing well academically, in fact she is reading chapter books &the books she reads at school for reading are at the 4th grade level.

My first question is about phonics. They do teach phonics at her school, but not the intensive phonics I prefer. Does she need a phonics review this summer? I know Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory would be too easy for her.

So I really like both Bigger Hearts & Preparing Hearts, how can we know which level would be appropriate for her?

Thanks,

Goldnrod

I would suggest going through the placement chart to determine which guide is best for "E". Her math and writing skills are very important in determining her level to begin the curriculum.

Hi Goldnrod, and welcome to the HOD Board! How nice for you to help your sister out with some research! I'd be glad to help you. First off, I think you are totally on the right track here - Bigger Hearts (BHFHG) or Preparing Hearts (PHFHG) would be the 2 placements I'd be comparing for little 'E' too.

As Christina suggested, checking out the placement chart and really honing in on the columns pertaining to Bigger Hearts and Preparing would be the best place to start. It sounds like 'E' is reading well, so we already know that. But I'd love to hear a little more about 'E' - especially a few books she has read on her own comfortably lately, whether she is ready to read a portion of her history and her science on her own or whether it would be better if mom read those this year, whether she's done a year of cursive writing or not, how much she is used to writing each day (i.e. several sentences, short paragraphs, longer paragraphs), if she has had daily grammar (the basic parts of speech), if she has had any experience with oral narrations, and what she did for math last year. WHEW! Sorry for all the questions, but I really like to get placement right, right from the start, if we can! It is such an incredible blessing when dc are appropriately placed. The entire year goes so well then!

So, here is a link to the placement chart, which will probably make clear some of the answers to my questions...
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

Here is another link to a post that explains the difference in the amount of writing in BHFHG and PHFHG, which I do think is an important consideration for placement...
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3602

For phonics review for dc who are reading quite well but may not have had a thorough trip through phonics, I'd suggest either "Explode the Code" workbooks 2-3, or the "Reading Reflex." Both are excellent, inexpensive, short, easy to implement, and do a super job of filling in any gaps without taking all day!

HTH, and please do share any more information you can when you get the chance! I'd love to help more, and so will the other ladies after you've given more details. I do think your sister and niece would thoroughly enjoy HOD! It is such a joy to homeschool with - a real blessing to our family, and I think it would be for them as well.

In Christ,
Julie