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I have been reading all the testimonies about DITHOR and I think I will give it a try. I will get it for August when we start our new school year. I have a few questions though. If I understand it correctly, it is not specific to any set of books. And it is kind of like the storytime questions in Bigger. Am I correct so far?

Also, since my 9 year old is a strong reader, I should get level4/5 for him and for my 7 year old twins, levels2/3. What are the sample book ideas list and the projects book?. Are they also a part of the program? I am really trying to keep things simple with my 3 youngest since my 12 year old has a very teacher-intensive schedule coming up.

Finally, for those that don't use DITHOR(is anyone using something different?), what are you using? I have never really used a reading program before although my 12 year old did CLE reading 6 this year and he will be doing Lightning literature 7 and CLE reading 7 next year. Do the younger kids need one at this stage or will lots of reading and discussion suffice with no formal program.

Melanie, Sierra Leone is in West Africa. They had like a decade of civil war until recently but after 15 years , I went back 4 years ago with all 4 kids. We spent nearly 9 months there, and it was an extended history, geography and cultural lesson(or shock ) for them. My eldest is dying to go back, so maybe next Christmas(2009), the two of us will go for a couple of weeks. My other 3 are not so keen . , but they will go back as long as "we don't have to spend 9 months there again".

Elmeryl( with ds 12, 9, 7, 7)

http://www.heartofdakota.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=839

here's a current thread on the suggested book list.

The project book is just a great bunch of ideas to do as projects after reading you do them the 4th week of DITHOR. You do not have to do them but I did like 4-5 of them.
here is the thread about project books
http://www.heartofdakota.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=746

edited for content

Elm in NJ wrote: Question 1: If I understand it correctly, it is not specific to any set of books. And it is kind of like the storytime questions in Bigger. Am I correct so far?

Question 2: Also, since my 9 year old is a strong reader, I should get level4/5 for him and for my 7 year old twins, levels2/3.

Question 3: What are the sample book ideas list and the projects book?. Are they also a part of the program?

Question 4; Do the younger kids need one at this stage or will lots of reading and discussion suffice with no formal program.
Elmeryl( with ds 12, 9, 7, 7)

Question 1:
Yes, you're exactly right! Any book can be used with DITHOR, although the book packs suggestions are great! Bite-sized lessons like DITHOR are part of Bigger... in the guide, but they are not meant to replace DITHOR if your dc are ready for DITHOR.

Question 3:
The Sample Book Ideas list is so wonderful! It lists book ideas according to genre and reading level alphabetically. Mine is tattered from its use. Definitely worth the $5!

Here's a thread about the Book Project Books:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=746

Question 4:
I think your younger children could either do DITHOR this year or wait one year. It is typically for ages 7-15 years old. We started with our oldest when he was 6 years old, just because he was an early reader. Doing it 3 days a week has worked great for us. It is a wonderful program, and a great way to unite your family in a reading program (there are "All Together" days planned in the guide once a week, and also the last 5 days of the plans are for a project they can all do together too - very unifying while still allowing them to read different books on their level).

HTH!!! Keep asking away - and I know you'll enjoy DITHOR so much!!!

In Christ,
Julie