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Hi,
As I mentioned in an earlier post I've just decided to purchase Bigger Hearts and I'm now trying to decide which resources I want to go with it. I was looking at the Drawn into program and wondering how much time this program will take. I was considering buying the book list and just letting my 4th grader read books off the list as his complete reading program. BUT I don't want him to miss out on any important learning. I've read the info in the catalog and online but I'm just curious as to what those who have used it think about it. Would you continue to use it or would you feel like just reading and possibly narrating back to me would be enough?
Thanks!

DITHOR covers so much more than just narrating! I'm just using level 2/3 right now but here's some of what's in there: They learn to evaluate the characters for godly traits (or lack thereof) and sometimes are instructed to detail what would have been a more biblical response. They do story maps, setting responses, character trait study, personal response, illustrations, literary terminology, compare biblical characters to the story characters and explain how they think one's choices would differ from the other in the same/similar situation, ....and much, much more! I have a child that devours books and this program has helped her slow down and digest them more. It only takes about 20 minutes a lesson, but we're also in a less independent level. I'm thinking 4/5 would take about the same even though it would be a higher level since there is more independence.

You COULD wait if you wanted, but this is a wonderful program! It's not dry and textbook-y at all like many Lit. programs...it's very fun and enjoyable! All the while, the kids are learning so much! I always planned to do a formal Lit program starting in middle school, but the way this program works, it is a wonderful fit even for my 2nd grader! We only do it 2-3 times per week so we'll only cover a few genre per year...we'll just do the other genres in the following year/years with the higher reading level books. Then we'll start back from the beginning again with the 4/5 level. I think many moms are taking two years to do all 9 genres.

HTH!

One of the reasons I didn't want to do the program is because my ds doesn't "devour" books. He used to love books but these days he only does reading because I make him. So I wanted to take a more laid back approach and try to get him to fall in love with the books. But basically you think it would be okay to just get the list and let him read books off the list. Or, I was also thinking maybe I could just let him read some of the books in the extension pack. (he'll be in 4th grade)

Thanks for your help

Maybe DITHOR is what he needs to fall in love with books! Reading with a purpose seems to be important for boys especially (and really when they don't enjoy reading)...DITHOR would give him purpose with books that allow for enjoyment! The activities make the books interactive and help bring them to life. They don't feel like your typical assignments and there are fun projects to do at the end of each genre. They bring about a greater understanding of what is being read, therefore interest level tends to peak along with the heightened understanding. My dd does activities that allows her to put herself in the shoes of the characters and she loves it! Also, there's not always a written activity to do...many times there are discussions and reading aloud practice as well....my dd's favorite part is the discussions b/c it brings me into the book with her. Reading aloud gives great practice for clear, articulate speech as well as allowing you a window into your child's reading skills to see if they are reading each word or paraphrasing or skipping words, if they are pronouncing them correctly, etc. So, if you decide to just let him read the books (you could read the books from the Level 4/5 book packs, or chose from the Sample Book List you buy) be sure you have him narrate some, discuss some with you, and practice a bit reading aloud. You don't have to do all that with every reading session. You don't HAVE to do DITHOR yet, but by 6th grade, I'd start it if you haven't already! I think you'll love it whenever you decide to do it! You know your child best!

familygirl wrote:Hi,
As I mentioned in an earlier post I've just decided to purchase Bigger Hearts and I'm now trying to decide which resources I want to go with it. I was looking at the Drawn into program and wondering how much time this program will take. I was considering buying the book list and just letting my 4th grader read books off the list as his complete reading program. BUT I don't want him to miss out on any important learning. I've read the info in the catalog and online but I'm just curious as to what those who have used it think about it. Would you continue to use it or would you feel like just reading and possibly narrating back to me would be enough?
Thanks!

First, let me say I agree with all that Tamara has said. DITHOR will help your ds fall in love with reading once again! I used DITHOR tutoring dc prior to homeschooling my own dc, and they all fell in love with books again over time spent together in DITHOR. Since you are beginning Bigger Hearts this year for the first time, why not just start with that for awhile and just add some low key reading/oral narration of your own for the first 3 months or so? That would give you time to get into a smooth rhythm with Bigger Hearts. Then, about 3 months in or so, you could start DITHOR just 3 days a week, choosing only 1 wonderful book for each genre, reading it slowly over the duration of the genre study. Then, you'd get through around 3-4 genres or so next year, and some great books. You can start with the genres you think he enjoys the most. For our boys, that would be Adventure, Mystery, and Humor - but whatever your ds likes best - start there. If you do all of the DITHOR plans for each genre - the kick-offs, the discussions, the projects at the end of each genre, etc. - I know your ds will love that time spent in DITHOR!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks for the input. I think I will take it slow. I'm still not certain how this is all going to run Once I get into a good grove I'll see if we need to add more. I mainly wanted to be sure he was reading and comprehending. Maybe I'll have more money in the fall and I can add the DITTHR then, but for now, I'm all spent!
Thanks again to all who offered suggestions and advice, it was greatly appreciated!

familygirl,

I'm late to the thread, but I agree with the ladies that DITHR is something you'll want to add in by next year for sure. You are somewhat covered in Bigger Hearts for literature study (with the mini-literature study that is built into the Storytime part of Bigger Hearts). However, this will not be included once you get to Preparing Hearts, so it's good to plan ahead for that for next year as a priority.

If you do get a chance to begin DITHR partway through this upcoming year, it would be a good transition into the following year. You'll know best what your finances and your time will allow.

Blessings,
Carrie

Thanks, I was kind of going back and forth with that decision. It's hard to know what to do until I actually "see" the program at work. It's good to know the literature will be covered well without DITHR. I think we'll have plenty to keep us busy, if not I'll definitly add DITHR