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Hello everyone! I wanted to know how the progression of Dithor works. My dds are moving into Bigger this school year and one will be starting Dithor at the beginning and the other I am hoping around January. So my question is how long should they do Dithor 2/3 before they are ready to move onto Dithor 4/5? Do certain levels of Dithor correspond to certain guides? Thanks

Generally dc do DITHOR 2/3 five days a week for at least one year, to lay a firm foundation and to have full exposure to all of the genres, story elements, and Godly character traits. Then, after the first year, depending on dc's age and growth, there is much flexibility so you can choose pacing according to dc's needs. For example, if a student had been through all of the genres and lessons in Level 2/3, but was still somewhat of a struggling reader, he would benefit from another trip through Level 2/3, 5 days a week. If the student had been through all of Level 2/3, was in third grade, and was a good reader, I'd probably do DITHOR Level 2/3, for 3 days a week which results in dc getting through 4-5 genres that year. If the student had been through all of Level 2/3 and was a fourth grader, and a good reader, I'd have him do Level 4/5 for 3 days a week. Certain levels of DITHOR do not correspond with certain guides. It is more of a continuum of skills and levels, that dc move through at their own pace. We have loved DITHOR through the years, and our dc have learned so much while still retaining their passion for reading. I think you'll love it too! HTH!
In Christ,
Julie

I'm curious here Julie, what your plan will be for Riley next year. I'm still on the fence about what to do for my two. We will have completed level 2/3 this year, all of the genres. They are both good readers and their fluency is pretty good as well though my ds could probably still use a bit more work in the fluency area. Both of them read mostly level 4/5 books this year. We'll be doing Preparing in the fall which schedules DITHR just 3 days a week. I've been debating as to whether to use the level 2/3 book again or start the 4/5 book. Which would you do?

Gina, please pardon me for asking this question here. It seemed to go with the current discussion. I think you will love DITHR. We have been doing it this year with Bigger and it's been really fun! My dc have really grown in their ability to think deeply about the material they are reading and have developed a love for reading!

Riley will do Level 2/3 one more time, with Level 3 Book Pack choices. While he is a strong reader, his writing skills still need to improve before moving on to Student Book 4/5, and he could do with one more year of solid instruction in beginning story elements too. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks Julie! I just recently received the 4/5 student book so I'll try to look through it and decide which one would fit best for my dc.