DITHOR for a dyslexic non-reader?

[lmercon]

My 9 yo ds has been diagnosed with severe dyslexia. He basically does not have an independent reading level. I'm using a special reading program for him. We obviously have to do all of Preparing together. I have not done anything with DITHOR because of his reading issues. However, I'm beginning to wonder if I should use DITHOR with him with me reading to him. He will probably not be an independent reader at the level for these kinds of books for at least a year or two. Should I just wait until that point and begin DITHOR then, or should I go ahead and use it now?
Thanks,
Laura

[my3sons]

Hi Laura! I am trying to remember if he did the Emerging Reader Set? If not, that would still be very good to do as it is good prep for DITHOR. If he has done the Emerging Reader's Set, then I think you could get the Level 2 DITHOR Book Pack and go through it half-speed with him. He could then benefit from the instruction in Story Elements, Godly Character Traits, Genre Studies, etc. and gradually take over some of the reading as he is able. I think this would be a wonderful idea, and would be a good way to be teaching him these skills so as his reading blossoms, he already has some of these good reading skills in place. I'm glad you asked this, and I think you have a good idea here! HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[Tracee]

I'm glad you asked this question also. My son is dyslexic, and the creator of the reading program we are using is very clear about not having them read other things. I don't want ds to miss out, so I was planning on doing DITHOR, but I would just do the reading and he would listen. I'd like to hear how that goes.


Tracy

[lmercon]

Thank you both for replying! I have had similar advice concerning reading other materials right now. He has worked through the emerging reader set but was clearly having lots of trouble, which is why I sought answers for his reading issues. I agree that it would be beneficial for him to have these skills of discernment as he grows in his reading ability.
Laura

[Carrie]

Laura,

Thanks so much for coming back to share a bit more information. It helps so much as we're pondering options for you here. I agree that it would be good for your son to have the great discussions and assignments in DITHR that focus on comprehension, moral discernment, higher level thinking, etc. etc. Beyond and Bigger Hearts both have these areas woven at an introductory level throughout the Storytime part of the plans, but by Preparing Hearts we are assuming you are now moving into DITHR for this area of study.

So, with that in mind, I do think you could do DITHR with you reading aloud to your son, however if you are already reading aloud the rest of the Preparing Hearts books, I'm wondering if that will be too much reading aloud for you. So, what I would likely do instead is get books on audio for your son to use along with DITHR, having him listen to a chapter (or half a chapter a day). Then, do the follow-up assignments. You could have him listen to it while you are nearby (i.e. folding laundry, making lunch, etc.), so you can overhear the book too and help better in guiding his responses as needed. I'm not sure how much of an issue his written work is, but you could adjust that as well as needed (being the scribe) if necessary for the Student Book responses.

I know audio books are expensive, but Blackstone Audio gives a 50 % discount to homeschoolers if you call in your order and tell them you are a homeschool teacher. Otherwise, the library is a good source for audio books, if you have access to a library. These are just my thoughts of a way to implement DITHR without lengthening your read-aloud time each day.

On a sidenote, normally I'd recommend having the child follow along in the actual book with the audio tape/CD, but you could hold off on that if you have been told this would be detrimental right now for your little guy.

Blessings,
Carrie

[abrightmom]

Nothing to contribute here but a THANK YOU for the heads up on Blackstone Audio's discount!!! I love that site and have a long wish list. What a blessing!! My sweet husband will be very thankful as well.