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My 7.5YO DD is almost done with Emerging Readers. And honestly, they've been too easy for her for a while, but they are good books and we are enjoying them so we are continuing. We kept going with them even while we were on break from other parts of school. Anyway, I now bought DITHR, the 2/3 workbook, and the book list. On the book list, the 2/3 level suggestions seem too easy for my DD. I know its probably good to start on easier reads rather than harder, and I suppose I could have her do 2 books in a genre rather than just one. What would you ladies who have done it suggest? She is reading longer chapter books without any pictures, I don't know what reading level she's at but she is reading American Girl books and we bought some of the other Thornton Burgess that weren't in LHFHG and she's enjoying those. Magic Tree House, things like that. I quite honestly can't check out enough books from the library and we go every week.

I was thinking of just picking some of the "harder" books on the 2/3 list just to see where we are at. Problem is many of the books seem hard to get, out of print, or something like that. I may have to do Inter Library Loan. I was hoping there would be at least one in each genre that was free or cheap on Kindle, which I think there is, but not the ones I think my DD would really love.

Thanks for your help.

I don't think you will have a problem with the level 2/3 readers. In my opinion they are all a higher reading level then Magic Tree House. Some of them are shorter than others but they are a step up for sure from the Emergent Readers especially the level 3 books. My ds has enjoyed all of them so far.

Your daughter sounds so much like mine. She's turning 7 in a couple of weeks and reading on a much higher level. She's very much enjoying those same books you mentioned! Another favorite series is the Imagination Station books that follow the Adventures in Odyssey series.

Now on to your question I felt the same way about the emerging readers and the first set of level 2/3 books...BUT...as far as DITHR is concerned I think the fact that they were a little easier made identifying the information asked a little easier. It seems easier to look at literary elements and things like that with books that aren't quite as challenging. Does that make sense? I still like to have her read books that will stretch her a little, but I save that for her quiet time in the afternoon.

Which readers are either of you using? I didn't buy a book pack, I was going to pick and choose from the books on the book list. Some of those are actually in Emerging Readers also, which is part of what's confusing to me. They also have a grade range, and I am guessing I shouldn't just pick the ones that start with grade 1 level, as the Emerging Reader books do (they will say grade 1-4 or something like that).

Anyone who has used the book list to create their DITHR reading list? I guess the good thing about that is I will be able to bump up a level of reading if I feel like I need to. My DD is also a fast reader but I know she needs to work on careful reading and retention which is something DITHR will definitely help with.

These are the level 2/3 readers for DITHR and none of them are on the Emergent Reader list. http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional.php
The level 2 are reading level 3.0-4 and the level 3 are 3.5-5.1
My ds is almost done with the level 3 books and will be moving on to level 4/5 in the fall.

Level 2 http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional2.php
Level 3 http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional3.php

HTH

I think she's talking about the books from the optional book list, not the book packs. And yes, there is some overlap with the book list and the ERs. We haven't used the book pack either. If something is too easy, I just go up to a different book. You can use any levels of books along with whatever level of the actual workbook, does that make sense? So if your 2nd grader reads at a 6th grade level, you can use a more advanced reading level book even though you are using the 2-3 grade DITHOR student book.

Okay, thanks, that's what I thought. This is very helpful as I am preparing to start school in just a week now!

My dd just finished DITHR at the 2/3 level for 2nd grade and is the same way with "consuming" every book she comes in contact with. I agree with a pp that it was fine for her to have something a little easier than the actual grade level that she is ready at. (Hope that makes sense) She started the year reading at a 4th grade level but she was still challenged by some of the words in the books. I did use the bookpack that is suggested and it worked out great.

Mary

My son just started DITHOR. He is 7 and doing the level 2 book pack. In his daily free reading time, he loves the Thornton Burgess books and The Magic Tree House books. For our school reading, the book pack is just right. He is reading Amelia Earhart and the reading level challenges him. Also, you don't want it too too challenging as they are answering questions, beginning to analyze, and doing a lot of worksheets alongside. I would try out one of the books from the book pack. I looked briefly at the book list and actually was a little confused as to the levels and what book to pick. Maybe next year when I am comfortable with the program. But for now, I like the book pack.

Thanks krazzymommy, I actually just requested a couple of the books (from the sample book list) on inter-library loan and will try them with DD to see how she does with them. May have her read part of them to me just to see, but I agree, easier books for the activities we are going to be doing in DITHR are probably really good. Tough to decide between level 2 and 3 but you guys have given me some ideas on how to start with it and what to look for.