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Hi All,

I will be starting Beyond in the Fall with my daughters who will be in first and second grade. They are completing the Emerging Readers now, so we will be starting DITHOR in the fall also. I already own it, so I've looked it over pretty well and also read some past posts about it. I still have a few questions though...

1. Since both of my daughters will be in the same level, should they each read the same book for the genre or would it be better if they read different books within the same genre? For cost effectiveness and maybe better discussion, I thought it might be better if they read the same book, but not sure.

2. How do I do DITHOR along with storytime? Is it better to be on different genres or the same?

3. I think some days were for them to read aloud and some were for silent reading, is that correct? I like hearing them read to me, so would it be ok for them to read aloud all days, or is there a skill they need to learn by reading silently that they would be missing out on if they always read aloud?

4. I noticed it says some books might only take 5 days of reading and some may take the full 15 days. How do we choose the right amount of books for each genre (without having seen them already) to make sure there is enough reading for the 15 days of reading?

5. Is it best to go at a pace that makes the student book last 2 years (do all 9 genres in 2 years), or get a new book for both years (do all 9 genres twice)? Maybe that just depends on the childs reading abilities and how much the enjoy reading?

6. Since there are several choices for the storytime books with Beyond, can some of those be used for DITHOR?

Ok, I think that's all my questions for now. Thanks for your help.

I only have a few minutes right now, but the FAQ folder for DITHR may be of some help to you until more ladies are along to answer. Here's a link to the folder:
viewforum.php?f=13

Blessings,
Carrie

I think I've gotten my questions answered except I'm still struggling with a few and hope someone can answer them for me.....

3. I think some days were for them to read aloud and some were for silent reading, is that correct? I like hearing them read to me, so would it be ok for them to read aloud all days, or is there a skill they need to learn by reading silently that they would be missing out on if they always read aloud?

4. I noticed it says some books might only take 5 days of reading and some may take the full 15 days. How do we choose the right amount of books for each genre (without having seen them already) to make sure there is enough reading for the 15 days of reading?

6. Since there are several book choices for the storytime with Beyond, can some of those be used with DITHOR?

Also, planning way ahead and wondering, is the level 6/7/8 student book supposed to last for three years just like the level 2/3 and 4/5 each are supposed to last for 2 years?

Thanks for all the help!

April,

Thanks for your patience in waiting to get your questions answered! I've got a few more moments now to get to them!

3. Since your kiddos are on the young side, it is fine and even preferable to have them read aloud to you. At the 2/3 Level of DITHR we are actually assuming your kiddos are doing most of their reading aloud. As they become more confident readers, you'll be able to tell when it's time to let them them move toward reading more silently.

4. Since DITHR works with any books you choose, you can choose your pacing too. You have the option within each genre of having your kiddos read 3 books (at a pace of 5 days each), 2 books (at a pace of 1 for 5 days and 1 for 10 days), or 1 book (at a pace of 1 book for all 15 days). The pacing and number of books can vary from child to child and from unit to unit. If you're not comfortable choosing your own books, you can use our Sample Book Ideas List for ideas, or you can use one of our ready-made book packs instead. Here's a link to the Level 2 and Level 3 Book Packs: http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional.php
You'll notice the number of days noted behind each book for the pacing. Click on the titles to read about each book.

6. Although you could use some of the book choices from Beyond, you may want to check out the DITHR Book Packs first instead, as the reading level is more controlled in the DITHR sets. This makes it a more successful reading experience for newer readers.

By doing DITHR 3 days a week, it will take 2 years to get through each level. The Level 6/7/8 can be used for 3 years, by repeating genres on the third year, or if students prefer they can easily go into a more specific area of interest through literature study using something else in grade 8 (because DITHR will prepare them very well for any future literature study).

I hope that helps!
Blessings,
Carrie

Hi Carrie,

Thank you so much for your help. It has cleared up a lot of my questions. I know how busy you are, so it means a lot that you take so much time to help us all out. God Bless!