Bigger w/ extensions for 4th grader, use DITHOR 2/3 or 4/5?

[jjcmehl]

I don't know if I'm misunderstanding, but I purchased Bigger for my soon to be 3rd Grade son and 4th Grade daughter (she will use extensions). I will use DITHOR 2/3 for my son. Do I use DITHOR 2/3 or DITHOR 4/5 for my daughter?

[my3sons]

Hi Christine, and welcome to the HOD Board! We are doing Bigger a second time now with our second son, and still loving it. I know you will enjoy it as much as we do! Since your 4th. grade dd has probably not done DITHOR before, you can really choose to do either Level 2/3 or Level 4/5 of the DITHOR plans. Whatever level you choose for the plans, you can use any level of books. So, for example, you could do Level 2/3 of the plans with the Level 4/5 Girl Interest book pack. I guess I'd probably start them both in Level 2/3 of the plans, but use harder books for your older dd than for your ds. Have you seen the book packs for DITHOR? We've really enjoyed those. Here are the links for those:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional.php
http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional4-5.php

At the start of DITHOR, I'd always rather start easier than harder, if that helps any. The reading level range for each of the book packs is listed at the top of the packs. Of course, you can always use any books you want to, if you have the time and inclination to choose them yourself. We've gone to just using the book packs, as the selections are excellent and it's easier for me than taking the time to come up with my own. Keep asking questions until you get the details decided, but you've already got a great placement.

In Christ,
Julie

P.S. Since I just started Bigger Hearts a month ago or so, I put a post on the board about getting ready for it that may be helpful. I'll link it here, in case you may be interested:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5531

[Carrie]

Christine,

My3sons has already given you great advice. When placing your kiddos in DITHR, you'll want to weigh three things. First, weigh how well your child does with written work. DITHR Level 2/3 is two-thirds oral and DITHR Level 4/5 has your child doing a page of written work each day of DITHR.

Second, weigh how independent your child is, as DITHR Level 2/3 is completed daily with the parent. Level 4/5 alternates a day with the parent with a day of independent work.

Third, weigh how much formal literature study your kiddos have had. Level 2/3 is an introductory level of literature study, while 4/5 assumes some prior reading instruction in literary elements.

For third graders, we would always advise using either the Emerging Reader's Set or DITHR Level 2/3, depending on how well your child is reading. For a fourth grader, we would encourage you to choose between Level 2/3 and Level 4/5 based on your answers to the 3 points I mentioned above.

Blessings,
Carrie

[jjcmehl]

Thank you for the guidance and insight! My3sons, thanks for your link on getting Bigger set-up. Carrie, thanks for the three points. I think I will then get DITHOR 4/5 for my DD.