DITHOR worries

[Kims]

I am so worried that we will have trouble with the DITHOR. I am not sure why. This LA stuff is not my thing I am more math minded but I really want to focus on this area with my two younger children. Looking at the sample of DITHOR I like it and it looks simple enough (I am looking at the 2/3 level). I figure by the time we move on to higher levels I will hopefully have it down.

Is there any suggestions anyone can give me? Any helps or something to keep me on track and consistent even when I may be lost, confused or even tired of it?

[Maadrose]

My advice would be for the first time you use DITHOR, choose a book that will be EASY for your child both in reading level and in the amount they have to read. I had tried to implement DITHOR in the past 2 years but never actually finished a unit w my dc and I think it is because we got sooooo bogged down in the amount of reading that I was requiring. That and the fact that I chose books above their reading level...longer is not always better. we really enjoyed DITHOR this year and are keeping up with it I think due to the fact that I chose an easier book in our first unit and they dc felt successful! Now we are reading books at their level and really enjoying it! We never did the culminating projects in previous years but this year we are doing the projects and they are loving it!

[mrsrandolph]

Something that I think makes it easier is *if* your 2 are on the same reading level, have them read the SAME book. Like, for biography, both of mine (9 and 10) read Amelia Earhart. My 10 year old was more independent, while my 9 year old read every chapter aloud to me. But we were able to complete written work together. That made it easier on all of us.

However, if they are not on the same reading level, it is still very manageable. Just go at your own/ your children's pace. Don't worry so much about how many times a week at first. You'll find your groove.

The guide is laid out to make it simple for you, even if LA is not your "thing". It tells you what questions to ask and when. So you will do great. And remember...we are always here to help!!

BTW...Math is not *my* thing!! My 10 year old can solve the problems before me while I'm still counting on my fingers.

[my3sons]

We've loved DITHOR here for so many years! I think the comments in this post by Carrie give outstanding advice for starting DITHOR...
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=11159&p=81165

HTH, and just get started! I know you will find a good rhythm and learn to love it, just as we have!
In Christ,
Julie

[b.motherofthree]

My dd is a GREAT reader. Especially with Fantasy/Fiction, but she also does really well with other genres. I'm wondering if we really NEED DITHOR. I'm trying to do things economically this year because I worry that dh is going to be less agreeable if the price is not right. Could we together choose a variety of books in different genres and do book reviews or reports?

[my3sons]

... I'm wondering if we really NEED DITHOR...

In a word, YES! DITHOR provides students' reading instruction, and it covers so many skills that it is very difficult to adequately replace. DITHOR is a challenge, and if you have a strong reader, it is all the more important to do DITHOR, as it takes them further. We have been wowed by our dc's steady progress with DITHOR through the years. Researching high school lit programs, I am oh so thankful for DITHOR. My ds is completely prepared, and though he was an early reader and tested off the charts on standardized tests early on, DITHOR taught him so much more. Not only does DITHOR teach important reading standards for upper level skills, it also teaches dc to be morally discerning when making reading selections, when reading, and when analyzing characters' actions. It helps them to look at their own lives and apply Godly character as well. DITHOR is one of the most economical reading curriculum choices out there because you can choose your own books to use with it, and also because you purchase 1 teacher's guide. DITHOR includes multi-level plans for students from age 7 through age 15. Its uppermost level may even be counted for credit for freshman high school lit. The DITHOR Student Books are used over 2 years, as the plans in the core guides PHFHG on up have students do DITHOR just 3 days a week - so it takes 2 years to complete all the genres within in one DITHOR Student Book. You can easily utilize your library or any books you have on hand as long as students have not previously read the books and as long as you match the book to its appropriate genre. DITHOR has won many awards over the years for a reason - it is simply outstanding. I'd not want your dd to miss it! If you need to save some money, I'd use your own books for Storytime (though they are also excellent) and your own books or library for DITHOR reading material, and spend your funds to still get the DITHOR TG and Student Book. If it helps, you can also stagger start your core guide and DITHOR (i.e. start CTC first and then 3 months in, get DITHOR and start it then). HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[b.motherofthree]

Thank you so much! It definitely does help!

[Kims]

These posts helped me tremendously as did reading what Carrie has posted previously. Thanks so much Julie and other ladies for your time.
The biggest thing I got was just start. I don't have to start big just start it.
We will start next year or later this year when we start Bigger.