Another DITHOR Placement Question

[flydena]

I think I assumed that I should put my children into DITHOR by their grade level/reading level, not beginning with DITHOR 2/3 first, then following with 4/5 and then 6/7/8. After reading a couple other posts, I'm wondering if I'm wrong?

We have never used DITHOR. My children are 10 and 13 (going into 5th & 8th grades). My 5th grader is a good reader, my 8th is not so much. We have never done a "formal" reading program, and unfortunately, I didn't realize the importance of having my children read aloud to me until this year...so they have not done it much. I have had them read chapter books. They have also on occassion done book reports of some kind, and we have at times done comprehension type worksheets, but nothing quite like DITHOR.

I purchased the 4/5 level for my daughter, assuming this is the level she should be placed in. She reads at about a 4.9 reading level. (I just tested her today...lol).

I also purchased the 6/7/8 level for my son, assuming he should be placed at his grade level. He reads at about a 6.0 reading level....though honestly I'm not sure how accurate that is, as one test he took he placed 4.8, another 5.3, another 6.1 and another all the way up to 7.9....so I just took the average of all those....I'm not sure why he's testing all over the place, my daughter was near the same every time!

So, any thoughts on where to place my kiddos would be appreciated. I don't want to put them in the wrong book, especially if they NEED more reading aloud, and I think they both probably do. Suggestions? Ideas?


Thanks so much!
Dena

[Kathleen]

I think I'd put them both in the 4/5 student book, and use those plans in the teacher guide.

Then you can pick books that are close to their reading level that interest them. For your son, I think I'd either go with the 4/5 boy pack or the 5/6 boy pack. The books don't have to be right at the top of his reading level to be enjoyable and learned from - especially if reading aloud is a skill you're working on. I think I'd look at the 4/5 girl pack for your daughter. Or, you can always use the library for books. I have to say though that I have LOVED Carrie's choices. They're great books, and ones that are worthy of spending time with and learning from in DITHOR.

Kathleen

[pjdobro]

I agree with Kathleen. I think I would place them both in the 4/5 book to begin. This will give you time to get used to the program and will have them reading to you a couple of times each week which will help you work on those reading aloud skills. I second the 4/5 book pack for your dd. My dd has read several of those books this year and really enjoyed them. For your ds I would go with the 4/5 or 5/6 pack depending on whichever books more suit his interest. Some of the level 4/5 might seem a bit young to him so I would let him look them over and see what appeals to him. We read several of the books from both of these packs this year and they were really interesting especially Sign of the Beaver and Cabin on Trouble Creek. You could choose your own, but Carrie has done a great job picking out some great books!