ER question

[rcarp74]

Hi- I have a quick question about Emerging Reader. My newly turned 9 year old is doing Bigger this year. Prior to Bigger, she was in a private Christian school. I wasn't sure where to place her as far as reading (ER or DITHOR) so after asking for advice on this board, I bought the ER set (I bought/started with Prairie School). We are in Unit 11 of Bigger and she is reading extremely well....very confidently and independently. The ER books are way too easy for her. I was considering moving her up to DITHOR. I just don't feel she is challenged enough in this area. Does anyone have any thoughts? I could continue her on the ER readers until we are done and then move up. Either way, I have 2 younger children so the ER books wouldn't get wasted or they could get read for fun. This is my first year homeschooling. What are the thoughts on reading? Should their level be somewhat challenging? I bought the ER set thinking that it would give her confidence but now she comments that these books are super easy. And I agree. If we did move up, what level should we start with-- 2 or 3?
Thanks for all advice.

[StephanieU]

So she has three or four books left in the ER series, right? How about speeding it up to double speed?
As for the level of DITHOR, the reading level for the Level 2 books is about the same as the last ER book, but the analysis is more indepth. If The Courage of Sarah Noble is VERY easy for her to read, then the Level 3 book pack might be a good choice. But, if that book is a good fit for her reading fluently, then go with the Level 2 books. Also, remember that if you buy the package (teacher's guide and student book together), that it comes with a reading list. It contains more books than are available from HOD, so you can customize that way as well if you have easy access to a public library.

[rcarp74]

Thanks Stephanie. Well now that I looked, I see she has only 2 ER books left after this one we are currently reading....guess I should have checked that first.
That makes it easier. We can finish these up then order the next set.
As far as ordering the next level-- I looked at both sets (2 and 3). Wondering if it is ok to order books from both sets? I looked at them both with my dd and there were different ones we liked from each set.
Also, are these books supposed to be used with DITHOR? if so, then I would need to order the teacher guide and student book right? I am confused about that because obviously we won't be finished with Bigger once we start these new books. We will prob be on Unit 14 or 15. So how does that work if I am in the middle of Bigger - or does it matter? Can DITHOR be started anytime? I honestly don't know when to start DITHOR but my initial thoughts were to wait until after we were done with Bigger.

thanks.

[StephanieU]

You will need the DITHOR parent book and student book. If you buy those together, you will get a list of books, including the ones available from HOD in the packs. But, there are more options as well. And it is okay to do a mix of books, as long as she can read them all fluently. In the older guides, you only do DITHOR 3 days a week, so you don't finish it in one year anyways. So, there is no problem starting it mid-year. You can line up the genres with the storytime if you want, but you don't have to (and that would only be in Bigger as Preparing Read Alouds aren't genre-based). it is totally optional. If there are Level 2 books she wants to read, maybe start with those and then do the Level 3 ones with Preparing. Really , it is very flexible with what works for your family.

[my3sons]

...
As far as ordering the next level-- I looked at both sets (2 and 3). Wondering if it is ok to order books from both sets? I looked at them both with my dd and there were different ones we liked from each set.

Sure! You need to have each of the genres covered. So, when putting together your own set using titles from DITHOR Book Pack 2 and DITHOR Book Pack 3, just be sure you have chosen so each genre is covered. The genres are listed in the same order and can be seen at these links...
http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional.php

Also, are these books supposed to be used with DITHOR? if so, then I would need to order the teacher guide and student book right? I am confused about that because obviously we won't be finished with Bigger once we start these new books. We will prob be on Unit 14 or 15. So how does that work if I am in the middle of Bigger - or does it matter? Can DITHOR be started anytime? I honestly don't know when to start DITHOR but my initial thoughts were to wait until after we were done with Bigger.

Typically, students that complete the ERS move into DITHOR when they finish. Most students move into DITHOR Book Pack 2. You'd want to order DITHOR 2/3 Package, and then whatever books you choose for each of the genres. As far as when to start - especially since you have felt that the ERS was somewhat easy for your dd, and also since she is 9 yo and ready for DITHOR 2/3, I would start it right away. The middle of a guide is actually a good place to start DITHOR because you and your dd are already in a good routine with your BHFHG guide, and adding DITHOR now would be fresh, fun, and easy to do. I think this would be easier to do as opposed to starting it at the same time you start PHFHG. I am planning on starting it with my ds when we finish his ERS, and it will likely be the last few months of this school year. I started with my older 2 sons whenever they finished the ERS, and it worked great! We have LOVED DITHOR here! Our oldest ds (now in the high school guide), did DITHOR from around the middle of Beyond Little Hearts through the end of the MTMM guide. Upon finishing it, he said quite sadly, "I'm sure going to miss doing Drawn into the Heart of Reading. Could I just do 1 more year? ":lol: Nope. Time to move on hon' - but I sure was happy to hear he loved it that much!

In Christ,
Julie

thanks.

[rcarp74]

Ahhh, got it. thank you again Stephanie and Julie. I think it is all cleared up now in my head. I am excited to start DITHOR with my dd now that I know the plan! I will be ordering within the next week. You guys are great! thanks again.