? about RtR Basic and Extension packages.

[athomemom]

My dc really can go either way with the basic package and/or the extension package. They have read some of the books already. Instead of just buying the basic package and the extension package as well, will the program work for us if I decide to purchase a few books from both packages? If so, how many should I purchase for our school year?

Does this make sense? Thanks for the help!

[Tree House Academy]

All of the books in the basic package are scheduled in the guide. The guide will not work (for history) without the basic package. The Extensions are optional. You could definitely buy the extension books and use them as you like.

[blessedmomof4]

The Basic Package in RTR are the history Read-alouds. They are scheduled daily in this guide's lesson plans. There is a separate schedule in the appendix for the Extension Package. So you can use some of each if that works for you, only sometimes you would use the daily lesson plan, and sometimes you would have to look in the appendix. Normally, you would use either the read-alouds in the Basic Package for younger or sensitive students, OR the Extension Package books for older and mature students. Both the Basic Package and Extension Package are optional, but absolutely add to the studies wonderfully. What you cannot do without is the Economy Package, which contains all the required history "spines" for the year

[athomemom]

The Basic Package in RTR are the history Read-alouds. They are scheduled daily in this guide's lesson plans. There is a separate schedule in the appendix for the Extension Package. So you can use some of each if that works for you, only sometimes you would use the daily lesson plan, and sometimes you would have to look in the appendix. Normally, you would use either the read-alouds in the Basic Package for younger or sensitive students, OR the Extension Package books for older and mature students. Both the Basic Package and Extension Package are optional, but absolutely add to the studies wonderfully. What you cannot do without is the Economy Package, which contains all the required history "spines" for the year

Okay, so I do NOT purchase both the Basic and Extension packages? I was under the impression that for older students that I would need BOTH?
I'm sorry I keep asking so many ??? I'm trying to figure this out!

Thanks for all the help!

[blessedmomof4]

From this description on the HOD site regarding the RTR Extension Package: "Adding this optional package to the Economy Package extends the area of history to include more advanced, independent reading material. This allows your 7th or 8th grader to learn along with your younger students. This extension package is best suited for mature 7th and 8th graders who are strong, independent readers. For sensitive 7th or 8th graders, or for those who are not yet strong readers, we recommend the Basic Package in place of the Extension Package." I gather that you would use either or, but not both. However, if you happen to have older students who just love to read as much as possible, by all means you could use both , just saying that you don't have to. I hope that makes sense!

[Tree House Academy]

The Basic Package in RTR are the history Read-alouds. They are scheduled daily in this guide's lesson plans. There is a separate schedule in the appendix for the Extension Package. So you can use some of each if that works for you, only sometimes you would use the daily lesson plan, and sometimes you would have to look in the appendix. Normally, you would use either the read-alouds in the Basic Package for younger or sensitive students, OR the Extension Package books for older and mature students. Both the Basic Package and Extension Package are optional, but absolutely add to the studies wonderfully. What you cannot do without is the Economy Package, which contains all the required history "spines" for the year

You are right...I was thinking economy instead of basic. My apologies!

[athomemom]

Okay, so I would choose either the basic OR Extension Package NOT both....what should I do if my dc has read one of the books already? Just pick a different book from that time period or topic?

[my3sons]

We are doing RTR with our 11 yo now, and we only use the Basic Package. The Extension Package is usually for dc that are 13 yo or older. Really you can choose one package or do both packages. We have families that do just the Basic Package, some that do just the Extension Package, and some that do both the Basic Package and the Extension Package at the upper levels of HOD guides.

The Basic Package fits with Storytime box of the daily plans of RTR. Options are suggested for the reading of the books - either the parent can read them aloud, the student can read them independently, or a combination of the two. My ds reads it all independently except for 2 pages he reserves for me to read at the end. Then, we do the follow-up card activity together, which takes about 2 minutes. We are loving these books!

The Extension Package is scheduled out in the Appendix. Older students read these independently following the schedule. There are optional follow-up activities that are suggested to be used on a rotating basis. These are independent as well. The Extension Package books have higher reading levels. If dc cannot read them easily independently, then the Basic Package should just be used, as the Extension Books are not chosen with the thought in mind of them being read aloud by a parent. The number of pages read each day is a lot - so if dc cannot keep up with this independently, the Extension Package should not be used.

In short, an older student (ages 14 on up) doing RTR would do both the Basic Package and the Extension Package if they are ready for that level of reading, that amount of reading, and that level of independence.

Otherwise, younger dc (and older dc not ready for the above responsibilities) would just do the Basic Package. HTH! We are 1/3 of the way through RTR and loving it! I think you will too!

In Christ,
Julie