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Does anyone use this for 6th graders. I would like to in the fall and am wondering if the 4-5 boy interest book pack would be appropriate for a strong reader. He doesn't love to read, but reads very well. So, in the interest of creating more of a love for reading would keeping the material at a lower level be wise, or is this his main reading instruction for the Preparing program and would he need books that are at an instructional level, rather than an independent level?

Thanks,
Rebecca

Also, I am planning on using the R&S 4 because it sounds like it is difficult enough and is scheduled.. a great plus. But could someone chime in here if it is easy enough to implement R&S 5 without the scheduled plans. Would that be a more appropriate level coming off of Abeka English 5. (He is not a good speller (nor am I ) grammer is fine in testing but not so much in usage, but excellent in creative writing as far as ideas and getting them on paper goes.

Hi there Rebecca,
I am using the level 4/5 for my 6th grader, per Carrie's recommendation. My son is also a very strong reader, but the work load and reading have been a great fit for my son along with everything else. He is able to complete all of the work independently and really enjoys the books he has read thus far. I will "probably" continue with 4/5 half way into CTC and then go up a level.

Although I can't advise you regarding your swith from Abeka to Rod and Staff I will say that your son will be right on track with where he needs to be with Rod and Staff in 8th grade, if you begin with level 4 in 6th grade. We use level 4 and it's a cinch! My son and I both like it becasue it is quite gentle and doable and he is making good progress with learning new concepts. We can also "catch up" easily by doubling up here and there, when we need too.

Welcome. I hope you and your son enjoy the journey!

Hi! Thank you! I love to hear from those actually doing what i am going to attempt! lol So are you using 4/5 book package and 4/5 DITHOR? or the 4/5 books with the 6-7-8-DITHOR student book? I will go ahead and use the R&S 4 that takes a load off of my mind. Do you use an additional writing program or is something scheduled or inclusive enough in the rest of the program? thanks! I will be schooling 4 next year. Two with preparing an dtwo with Little Hearts (K and 1st) with a 3 yr old and an 18 month old. So easier is better. I can't wait to get started!! I just want to make sure all of our basis are covered, but don't want to overkill anything. Overkill has caused me to quit HS twice. I can't do that to my family again. I am trusting the Lord and am at incredible peace since finding HOD... Thanks for your advice!
Rebecca

deltagal wrote:Hi there Rebecca,
I am using the level 4/5 for my 6th grader, per Carrie's recommendation. My son is also a very strong reader, but the work load and reading have been a great fit for my son along with everything else. He is able to complete all of the work independently and really enjoys the books he has read thus far. I will "probably" continue with 4/5 half way into CTC and then go up a level.

Although I can't advise you regarding your swith from Abeka to Rod and Staff I will say that your son will be right on track with where he needs to be with Rod and Staff in 8th grade, if you begin with level 4 in 6th grade. We use level 4 and it's a cinch! My son and I both like it becasue it is quite gentle and doable and he is making good progress with learning new concepts. We can also "catch up" easily by doubling up here and there, when we need too.

Welcome. I hope you and your son enjoy the journey!

We're doing 4/5 books with the 4/5 Dithor Book. We do not incorporate anything else for additional writing other than what is already scheduled in Preparing. Over the course of a week your son will have several dictation lessons, copywork, a written poetry exercise, a written narration, Rod and Staff assignments, science notebooking and DITHOR. Not to mention all the language development that's happening from oral narrations, reading, read alouds and discussion. It's plentiful and balanced, definitely not overhwhelming. You will swoon at the end of several weeks at all the "work" your son has done with ease and grace. Now, a bit of advice....since you've revealed your propensity to overkill (which alot of us have) remind yourself that everytime you feel the need, urge to "enhance" you will take it to the Lord in prayer. You will still have the urge. HOD is beautiful and so thoughtfully done - you and your family will be blessed beyond measure. Enjoy!

Florence,
thankyou thankyou. Your advice is wonderful and I find this board such a blessing.

Hi Rebecca,

This will be my first year using DITHOR also and I plan on also doing 4/5 student book with my 4th & 6th grader. My 6th grader is also a strong reader, but hasn't used any formal reading curriculum (except for reading the pathway readers which she has read all the levels including 8th grade, but even those we haven't done formally). They will be using books according to their reading level, but both be filling in the worksheets from the workbook. Our grammar and writing will be what is scheduled in the guides they are using.

Rebecca,
I just want to encourage you that many, many moms using DITHOR with 6th. graders are doing Level 4/5 along with the Level 4/5 DITHOR book packs - especially if the dc are new to DITHOR at this age. You are going to be doing exactly what I've done this year - PHFHG and LHFHG (along with a little one - though you do have a few more dc than I do). It was a year filled with joy and great growth both academically and spiritually for our dc because of HOD. I pray the same for you and your dc. Florence has given some wise advice. I think what you are doing with your dc using HOD is enough - there is no need to add more unless you are truly led by the Lord to do so - and if you ever did add something, I'd do it on the remaining fifth day. I see no need for you to add even 1 tiny little thing to what you've planned. Remember, the best plan is the one that gets done and keeps you homeschooling. That's the beauty of HOD - it can do that all for us if we just don't overcomplicate things. I can't wait to hear about your year - I feel the Lord will bless your dedication to homeschooling with Him at the center of your day.

In Christ,
Julie

I want to echo Rebecca's thanks for all of your input. I too am looking to begin DITHOR with a 12, 11 & 8 year old. This discussion has been a huge help!