Post
by MelInKansas » Thu Jun 05, 2014 7:09 pm
Extensions aren't "necessary" at any level except once you get to High School, if you are not doing the HS guides you would want to add on to some of the other guides in order to make them worth HS credits for the transcript. Of course you want to make sure you are meeting your state's requirements for what your children do, but beyond that, place them where they really fit well.
Proper placement is key, and if you have that your child should be challenged but the work should be achievable for them. Many would look at the standard grade level where people use these guides and think that if their child wasn't in them they would be behind. While getting in all the HS credits may be a challenge, I think it's wonderful to let the child work at their own level, exactly what they need. Once you start, you will probably discover pretty quickly whether or not your child is challenged enough, or too much.
ETA: I should say that I have never used extensions. One thing I think they do for a child who is older than the age-range of the guide, is they explore the topics more in-depth, which that child is probably ready for. HOD does a great job of making things age-appropriate and just enough, because each level is meant to be used with certain ages, it's not created to try to reach all ages or even a very wide range. So because an older child should be ready for a longer school day, and because an older child can think more in-depth about the history and science they are learning, the extensions provide that. As someone else mentioned, they are most often used when combining with a younger sibling, meaning the child doesn't necessarily place in that guide but you are "beefing it up" for them so you can do parts of it together with a sibling. But I know some use it even when that is the only child placed in that guide, because they feel the child needs the extra challenge. All of HOD's book selections are wonderful that I have experienced so far and I would recommend using extensions if you think your child can handle it. It will really deepen their experience. If reading is a struggle maybe you could use audio books or read it to them if you have the time.
Melissa
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end"
DD12 - Rev to Rev + DITHOR 6/7/8
DD10 - CTC + DITHOR 2/3
DD7 - Bigger + ERs
DS5 - LHFHG
DD2 - ABC123
2 babies in heaven
