5 year old doesn't know abc's...placement?

[Mercy]

I had told my friend to order LHTH, but now I am thinking that LHFHG might be better...

What do you think?

Thanks,
Mercy

[KristinBeth]

I would think that LHTH would be more appropriate for a child who has to get familiar with letters and their sounds, and then LHFHG could be used once the child is ready to learn phonics. The Reading Lesson (one of the phonics choices for LHFHG) does introduce letters and the sounds they make, but I assumed that was more for review than a first exposure. If she's ready for K otherwise your friend could add in earlybird math and handwriting K to LHTH.

[my3sons]

I agree with your initial placement advice, as well as with the good advice KristinBeth gave. Learning the ABC's is a big deal, and it's good to have it down before beginning LHFHG. LHTH will teach the child many, many things. Biblical history, early science/health concepts, beginning math (just look at the "Introduction" to see that whole list of skills), fingerplays, letter activities. I think one of the big things my sons have learned from LHTH is that they need to listen to me reading more carefully, because questions about what I read are coming. She should get the 4-5 yo LHTH package, because that includes "The New Bible in Little Pictures" and "My ABC Bible Verses". These resources include comprehension questions and higher level concepts than the younger resources do. LHTH also taught my dc to be able to do school for a bite-sized amount of time, yet with multiple boxes of short lesson skills. The routine of doing this helped them transition into the routine of doing LHFHG for a longer amount of time, with longer lessons and follow-ups the next year. More can always be added, like the LA/math of LHFHG, if it's needed, but it's tougher to take away and then realize you finished a guide only to find your child is not ready for the next one. LHTH sounds like a great placement for your friend's child. How nice of you to help her out with that!

In Christ,
Julie

[Mercy]

Thank you for your replies. I always forget it is better to go with the younger guide and beef it up, if needed. I just didn't want to steer her in the wrong direction!!

Thanks again for your help!
Mercy