Yes, I am glad that dd is having fun with her friends, but I was worried that it would make it harder to take her out to homeschool. Up until this new method of differentiation, dd was concluding that contact with her friends wasn't enough to offset the lack of learning, but with all this free play time, well, I wasn't sure.

SAHM, thank you for that point. It makes great sense. And supports homeschooling.

I realize it's not ideal due to total lack of learning, but for dd, she needs to be emotionally happy, and this new method of differentiation seems to have perked her up. I say kudos to the teacher for noticing and putting her with her friends!