heartofdakota.com

Hi,
I think I am interested in using DITHOR with my 12 yr old dd and 8 yr old ds. They are both strong readers, but like to do it on their own terms. We used a different language arts program for my ds this past year and he actually took a few steps back in his ability because it wasn't challenging him, but I went by "grade level". My dd is easily adaptable to whatever we choose, though she is picky about book choices. We all enjoy doing as much of school together as possible, but we don't love being tied to a busy work, workbook.
First, I am wondering if DITHOR can be the ONLY reading program they use (we have grammar, history and science covered)? Then, are there writing projects suggested as some of the activities? Also, are the student workbook pages in the TM or only available in the grade specific workbooks? And finally, are there lists of other suggested books besides those in the book packs? Like I said, they are quite picky about what they read and I can see them giving me a difficult time with some of the book pack pieces. If I do choose my own books, how do I decide how long to take to read it through?

Thanks so much, in advance, for all of your help!

This was something I had posted on another post. Maybe some of it will help you.
"I was super confused about Dithor too, until I bought the manual and looked through it (just yesterday in depth). I ADORE it. I love how it formats each day of their reading. Some days they just read their chosen books, some days we discuss their book, and some days they do parts of the Student book (these pages are NOT in the Teacher's Manual). At the end of 15 days of reading, they have 3 different options for a "book report" project. One is from the Book Projects to Send Home, one is a character based project, which focuses on the Godly trait for that particular genre, and the other is a group project. The group project is if you have more than 1 child reading the same book.

As far as books, you can purchase a "Sample Book List" for $5 from HOD. It was helpful and I'm glad I did. It gives my kids some wholesome choices.

In the front of the Teacher's Manual, it says this:
Methods taught in DITHOR:
Prereading activities
Lessons on 9 key story elements
guided literature discusstions
evaluations of character's actions in light of the Bible...
creative projects
exposure to a variety of literary styles

The 20 days of instruction in each genre unit utilize the following format:
a kickoff, or introduction to the genre
15 days of lessons (reading & student book/discussion)
5 days to work on one of 3 project options (which I listed above)


I can't wait to begin using this program. And to think I almost decided not to buy it.

Amy did a great job answering your questions. Like she said the workbook pages are in the student book, not the teacher's guide. The sample book list will give you lots of ideas to choose from so it is well worthwhile. You could still choose your own books, but I like that I know if it is in the sample book list, it will be an ok choice for my dc to read without me pre-reading it. Carrie has done all the work for me there. The book list also is going to show you the level and genre as well taking that work out of the picture too. Once you've chosen a book, you will just divide the number of pages by 15 days and see how that works out. If that seems like it will be way too few of pages each day for your dc then you might want to use that book for 10 days and pick another shorter book for 5 days. This is just my OCD nature, but I like to have things divide out nicely into chapters so I typically try to find a book whose chapters work out to be about the right length and number for 15 days or choose a book or two that works out that way. I hate stopping in the middle of a chapter but if it is a book with long chapters, then I try to find more natural divisions when dividing the reading. We have had a few books that were that way, but I try hard to avoid them. I hope I didn't make that sound complicated, it isn't at all.

As far as writing, there will be some writing in the workbook, but not long essays or anything like that. DITHR definitely can be your only reading program, but if you are looking for a writing program also, you'll probably want to add something else. Carrie recommends for those not using the other HOD guides and just DITHR to use Igniting Your Writing. Here is a link to the language arts recommendations to go with DITHR: http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into ... ations.php

In case you hadn't seen it yet, here is a link to some of the sample pages for DITHR as well:

Teacher's guide intro: http://www.heartofdakota.com/pdf/drawn- ... -intro.pdf
Teacher's guide first week: http://www.heartofdakota.com/pdf/d1.pdf
Student book 2/3: http://www.heartofdakota.com/pdf/d2.pdf
Student book 4/5: http://www.heartofdakota.com/pdf/d3.pdf
Student book 6/7/8: http://www.heartofdakota.com/pdf/student-6-7-8.pdf

If you have questions about what you'll need for each level, click on the light bulb on this page: http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-packages.php and it will show what you need for the program.

Thank you for your responses! They are very helpful! One other question though: Is the Sample Book List for all levels or is there a different list for each level grouping? (A list for 2/3, another for 4/5 etc?)
Thanks again!

The Sample Book List gives books for all levels

Thank you everyone so very much!

Everyone did such a good job of answering your questions, that I'll just add that we LOVE DITHOR! We've done it for many, many years, and we still look forward to it each school year. It is an in-depth literature study that teaches all the reading skills dc need in a way that keeps the love of reading going. When I ask my dc what their all-time favorite books are, they always say DITHOR books. I think it's because we slow it down and savor them, rather than rush through them (as they do with their free reading books). We have great discussions, we do neat projects, we read from a variety of genres - it's just such a good way to teach all of those important reading skills our dc need to learn once they've learned how to read well. Enjoy DITHOR - it's such a blessing to our home - I hope it is to yours too!

In Christ,
Julie