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We are new to homeschooling this year and will be using Preparing for my 8 year old (3rd grade) twins. I am trying to understand a little more about the history choices and the pros/cons to them, specifically to the basic read aloud and the deluxe package for the newly independent reader. I'm unsure of which one to order or do I need to order both? My twins love to read and were both at the top of their class last year with reading. Thoughts? Ideas on how to make the decision that is best for our family (I also have a 3 y/o at home). Thanks for your input.

You definitely want both. The basic package is for you to read aloud to them and the second is where they are independently reading and doing an activity with them-drawing/copying.
If you can only get one of the packages, I would get the independent readers. They will learn many skills through those and are an integral part of the program. The others are great stories and she provides discussion starters with them in the storytime box.

The choices for Preparing are which reading, math, and LA program you use. The Economy, Science Add-on, Basic, and Deluxe Packages are all scheduled in the guide and all necessary. You don't actually choose any of the history. Your kids are not old enough for the Extension Package, so don't worry about that.

It really helped me to see the first week planned out to see what I needed. Here is the first week for Preparing:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/pdf/PHFHG-sample-week.pdf
You will that storytime box includes Bible readings and storytime books. And then at the bottom of the left page there is the self study books. The only thing not in the schedule is the extensions, which are in the appendix.

Echo YES you want both, the read-alouds you will do with them and the independent reader books that they will read on their own. Maybe you would even want two of them? I'm sure you could easily schedule for each of them to have the books at different times, but it would be easier if they each had their own set

You want it all!!

The ladies are right - all of the parts of PHFHG are terrific! However, if you absolutely must choose due to finance constraints, I'd get the Economy and the Deluxe packages for sure, as these have the most skills being taught along with them. The Storytime books are wonderful reading books, but your dc would not be missing as many skills if they didn't do that box. It may help you to click on the PHFHG guide on the main HOD page, then click on the blue link "Preparing Hearts - packages" at the top, then click on the little yellow lightbulb labeled "Helpful Tips on How to Order." This will walk you through your order nicely. Otherwise, you can look at the "How to Order" box in your HOD catalog for PHFHG. Or, just keep asking questions here until you are set! HTH! I'm so excited for you to start PHFHG! You are going to have a fantastic year!

In Christ,
Julie