DITHOR book placement question

[countrymom]

For financial reasons we are ordering our HOD curriculum ahead and I am trying to figure out what to do about DITHOR. We are currently on chapter 19 of TRL so this is a little far out and I don't know what to do about the book pack (I know I would want the 2/3 student workbook). What does the average student who has just completed the emerging reader set go into, or is there such a thing as an average student? I was thinking to error on the side of hard and could always fill in with library books if needed. I would like to get one full book pack. Should I get the 3 level packet and hope for the best, mix 3/4????? Any words of wisdom would be appreciated

[pjdobro]

I don't know if I have any words of wisdom , but I do know that pretty much every child is different on how they take off on reading. I just looked at the level of the emerging readers and they go up to around a 3.4 or so which is about the same level as the level 2 book pack. The level 3 book pack is up another level or so. If it turns out that your dc is still just getting the hang of the emerging readers when you finish them, then the level 2 would be most appropriate. I would probably do a quick search of your library website and see which books they tend to carry. That could help you decide which level you would be more likely to be able to get locally if you needed. I think I would learn toward getting at least the level 3 book pack if it were me just because I would be thinking to try to move up a little in level after the emerging readers. I really like the level 4, boy book pack. Those are some great books! So if you have a boy that takes off reading that would be a good pack to have. I just read Sign of the Beaver for fun yesterday and really enjoyed it. I don't know if that is helpful at all. I love books and have a hard time picking just a few myself.

[my3sons]

I'm excited for you to begin reading instruction with DITHOR! It has taught my dc so much over the years. We have enjoyed the book selections and look forward to the kickoffs and final unit projects too. Usually when dc finish the ERS, they go into Level 2 books. This would be the next level up in reading. When it comes to DITHOR, I like to start with books my dc can read pretty easily, as the reading instruction in DITHOR (i.e. story elements, Godly character trait lessons/connections, discussion questions, genre study, etc.) and the writing instruction (in the Student Workbook) increase the skills of learning by enough that it's nice if the reading itself isn't difficult. We like the reading level we start in to be quite easy for our dc, for these reasons. However, DITHOR is about the most flexible reading program ever, so have fun with deciding how you'd most like to start it!

In Christ,
Julie

[Carrie]

I'd also recommend the Level 2 Book Pack after the Emerging Reader's Set, even if it happens to be on the easier side. Since the skills of DITHR are new, it helps if the reading level of the material is not too tough (especially at first).

Blessings,
Carrie