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8smiths,
we were in a similar situation.Ds can read well but had never done a literature program. some of the advice we received was to start with the 2/3 level worktext but with the higher reading books to learn the program and not miss any of those foundations. Then the following year complete the 2/3 student book, or if we finished to move onto the 4/5 level. Many have mentioned doing half the genres one year and half the next which I like the sound of. DC get experience, learn the foundations and gain some maturity in writing within the same program with no rush. Hope this helps.

Welcome to HOD, our first use was last year and still we love it.

Ang,

Since your daughter is 10.5, I'm thinking that you could start with the 4/5 student book. If you've glanced through it and think that the writing required would be within what she's comfortable with, I think it would actually be more age appropriate. (If you have a 7 or 8 yo just starting DITHOR like faroutback, the 2/3 student book is going to be much more age appropriate for him. The student can read books at their level though.)

I don't think you'll miss anything by not using the 2/3 student book. I know that the same story elements are studied as you move up in levels, just deeper. I'm sure that someone who has used DITHOR more than me will jump in and help you out, too.

Kathleen

I'm late to the thread here, but I think you've come to a great decision already 8smiths! For the rest of you who may have dc this age and trying to choose which level to begin with, I think it makes sense to use 2/3 for these situations...
1. your child is young (i.e around ages 7-9 years old)
2. your child is a fourth grader, has not done DITHOR previously, and could use a year to ease into it
3. your child is a fourth or fifth grader and would be overly challenged because they have had no experience with the parts of the stories (i.e. setting, character, plot, etc.)
4. your child does not enjoy writing and would be overly challenged by the writing required in 4/5 as compared to 2/3
5. your child is a fourth or fifth grader that is reluctant to read and needs a year of having confidence boosted

In all of these situations, I would look at the online DITHOR plans and Student Book samples to better make your decision. I would also plan to move onto Level 4/5 the next year, as 1 year in 2/3 will be enough paired with an older age to prepare dc for 4/5.

The great thing about this is you can still choose whatever level of books fits best. If you are doing DITHOR 2/3 with a fourth or fifth grader, you can still choose a Level 4/5 book pack. I think DITHOR works great used in any of these capacities. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie