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We finished our first year of HOD with Bigger and loved it! Now I can't wait to order Preparing for next year!! I do have a question as I am looking through the catalog. The section #7 Basic Package (page 44) of read-alouds says highly recommended unless you need to economize - which I do. If I can get the books scheduled at the library I will, but our small town library often doesn't have much. If I can't get all these books, how much will the kids be missing out on? Is there a list of suggestions like there was in Bigger?
Then there is the Deluxe Package also, which is for the Independent History Study (correct??). I actually have 4 of these books already, but what about the rest? Same question, how much will they be missing out on?

Thanks everyone! Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Kirsten

As far as the storytime books there isn't a list of suggestions like I have heard that there is in Bigger. The storytime books do connect to the History and they are very good and add to the understanding of the time period. My ds especially loved Aesop's Fables, The Viking Quest book, Fountain of Life, Triumph for Flavius and Twenty and Ten. Although I have to say there wasn't a book he didn't like in Preparing or CTC. I would get as many as you can find at the library. The deluxe package is important for the independent history portion. This is a pretty big part of the program. It also is the first step towards dc being able to do all the history reading independently in CTC.

Kirsten,
I have to say that my daughter's favorite box was the Independent Study box. She really enjoyed every book! I think you get the basics down without the Deluxe but exponentially increase the enjoyment of learning with those extras. In terms of Storytime, I would suggest that you take your list to the library and see what they can and can't get for you. I'm afraid many might be hard to find, though. The Viking story (hard to find) and Twenty and Ten (easier to find) were among our favorites as well .
Amy

Thank you all for your responses. Looks like I will have to try my best to get these books. Once I order my guide and can see which books are scheduled when, I may have to buy them a couple at a time. I will check half.com, thanks for that suggestion!!
I appreciate all the help.
Thanks,