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I'm getting Preparing with the extension package for my two upcoming 5th graders. I'm also going to be homeschooling a friend's daughter who will be homeschooled for the first time this year. She has been recommended to repeat 3rd grade. I want to make sure I get everything I need, but not too much. All these packages are confusing me! Should I buy the economy package, the basic, the deluxe AND the extension? Also, can I use these books for DITHOR? Thank you so much for your help. This will be my first year using HOD, and only second year homeschooling, and I have a little one on the way who will come in the middle of our school year. Feeling a little overwhelmed!

Yes, you buy all of the packages. . Books for DITHR are different. They are ones that they read aloud to you.
What are you using for the younger one?

Ok, thank you! I'm planning on using Preparing for her as well (just not with the extension). She is the same age as my daughter (both turning 9 in June). But I got my daughter caught up with my son this year (he'll be 11 in Sep). Do you think that is a good plan?

So my two will do the independent reading with the deluxe package and the extension...is that a lot? Also, should I get two of the extension packs?

I don't know if I would make your 9yo do the extensions. I would definitely have her do grade-appropriate math and language arts, but the readings are also age/maturity based. I don't know personally about the extension books in Preparing, but I have read other times that Carrie and Julie don't recommend them unless the child is outside the age range for the guide. Your 9yo is right in the middle of the age range, so the books may not be appropriate for her. Maybe someone who has used them will chime in with how long they take, etc.

I will say that my 9yo read some of the extensions. In general, I have read every book first before I let her look at it. And you know what your child can handle and not handle. I will say - the Usborne book is a bit graphic! People are getting their heads chopped off and such! So if you are okay with your dd seeing that, then she could read it. But if not, then I would hold off. For me - I haven't had to much trouble with any of the books this year at all. Also - some are longer than others. That was also a deciding factor for dd.

I did get her the extension pack for next year as well and I think she will read about 1/2 of the extension books because she will like them. But I don't require them. As the levels go up, I may stop doing this though because the topics get so much more mature.

Daneale

Good point. I never thought about the extension packs that way. Another question...do i need separate deluxe packs for each child since it's independent? The Draw and Write through History definitely looks like I'll need one for each?

You don't actually write in any of the independent history books. The draw and write through history book is done on separate paper.

That's good to know. Thanks.