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Hi all!
Getting ready for order our materials, my oldest who is 8, will do Preparing in the fall. Looking at the ordering process, I noticed a set of books for independent history reading...? Guess I missed this in the catalog.... Is this beneficial??....he is an advanced reader, and reads everything he can.....I didn't think the extension books would be appropriate for his age, but didn't know about this set...?. If anyone has any thoughts on this I would appreciate it. It would add quite a bit of $ to our total to purchase, so would like to know if it would be needed/beneficial. Thanks so much!

The independent history books are needed for this guide. For half of the history readings, you will be reading it to your child. The other half, the child completes through this set. The extensions would be in addition to these books and would be reserved for children who are older. If you print off the first week of the plans, these books are all eventually scheduled in the independent history box - the box is on the left side of the plans all the way at the bottom.

Daneale did a good job of answering your question! I'll just echo her thoughts by sharing that we found the independent readers for PHFHG to be fantastic books, and they really make the history come alive! They are not meant to be used for the subject of reading, so having the optimal reading level is not so important. What is important, is having dc learn to read a portion of their own history and begin to follow directions independently using their PHFHG guide for the "Independent History Study" box. This training helped my dc be able to handle the increased rigor in CTC the following year well. If dc have no practice reading a portion of their own history and following a few directions independently in PHFHG, CTC is harder to transition into. Other important skills are also taught, such as these (taken from the PHFHG introduction)...

Oral narration, copywork, notebook entries, and Biblical connections round out the independent readings. At this age, notebook entries are limited to copying, tracing, and drawing from a model. Accuracy and attention to authentic detail are encouraged. Entries are meant to be factual and to provide a finished product that gives an overview of the history topics studied throughout the year. Reminders are given for copywork to be done in cursive.
Students need a place to store their notebook entries. Either use a 3-ring binder with plastic page protectors or a bound sketchbook with unlined pages. Students also need a Common Place Book for their copywork. A Common Place Book is often a bound composition book with lined pages. It provides a common place to copy anything that is timeless, memorable, or worthy of rereading. It is for copying text and not for original writing. Bible verses, classic poetry, and passages from excellent literature with beautiful or vivid wording are often included. Students will add to the Common Place Book throughout the year. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks so much!...placed our order last night