The other thread got me thinking...

[Dustybug]

DD is all geared up to start LHFHG in Sept. for K. She will be 6 in Feb., knows all her letter sounds and can already read most 1st grade level books, although she still needs work on blending multi-syllable words that she doesn't know upon sight. She is spot on for placement in LHFHG. I'm using all K options except for the Fine Motor Skills, where I'll be using the 1st grade option. We are currently working through LHTH for the second time with her, using the older options, bible, and devotional, and Abeka phonics and some workbooks.

I'd like for her to get to the upper end of the age range for the guides by the time we hit Bigger, maybe even Beyond. My question is, I think she could handle LHFHG full speed, but in order to use Beyond for 2nd, not first, I'd have to do it half speed. What would you do in this situation? Most days, DD begs for more school so I don't want to hold her back, but I'm worried that if she is still in the middle age range in later guides, she may struggle in certain areas developmentally. Would there be something else someone could recommend to extend her school time even if I went half speed so she wouldnt' feel like I was "taking it easy" on her?

[netpea]

I would say go at the speed she is capable of until she needs to slow down. If she can handle LHFHG full speed then do it. When you hit Beyond if you need to slow down, go ahead, if not keep moving ahead full steam. You'll know if she's progressing fine or not. She may excel for a while then slow down a bit then excel again. She may excel all the way through. That's the beauty of homeschooling, you meet her needs every year, whatever they are. Just my 2 cents...

[8arrows]

I agree with the pp. I would keep on going until you hit a rough spot, then slow down.

[countrymom]

One thing I have learned in trying to plan way ahead for my boys schooling, is I just don't know how they will progress. I would go at the speed she is capable of until you need to make an adjustment. So far my oldest hasn't done any of the guides according to my original plan, and I have learned to just take it as it goes. We are all happiest with this arrangement.

[mom24boys]

Someone recently suggested doing LHFHG and BLHFHG 4 days a week. This makes it take longer. I'm not sure how to find that thread, but they said you get an extra 100 days out of that. Then if you supplement a little you can stretch the 2 guides into 3 years. Take a break and do a unit study on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter...that would stretch things out as well. So you're still going "full speed" you are just only doing 4 days a week. Just an idea.

[Dustybug]

Thanks for all the replies! I know that I shouldn't always think so long term, but I am a PLANNER with a definite capital P! lol I like to know at least a rough outline of my plans for a year or so in advance.

I think after talking with DH, we are just going to plug on ahead until DD hits a hump(if she does at all). I'll just go with the flow, although I do like the idea of only going 4 days a week. I am planning on using Doorposts' Polished Cornerstones with her starting this year, and I may reserve that for the 5th day along with some other "extras" or field trips.