Just to clarify

[AmyB]

I had a few answer my questions, but I'm still hesitant about what to get. So, just to clarify, if I buy nothing else but the economy pkg. it will still work to supplement a different science program and use Library books that are appropriate with what is being done in Hist. to substitute for all of HOD's history read alouds. I still need to cover grammar and math. I can use the DITHOR book and again, supply my own books from the library that correspond with what is in the DITHOR book. If I have all of this correct - WOOHOO!!!- if I don't someone please help set me straight!!! I really like this material and want to use it, just need to keep the cost down.

[joyfulheart]

which program are you doing?

As far as library, yes you can get alot of them from the library.

And cost-- I'm with ya! I have found alot of the books at half price books for $1-2 dollars per book, others on book swaps, etc...

Yes, you can use the DITHOR teachers manual over and over. I think the student book of DITHOR is consumable though. And you can use library books for the correspond with dithor.

I would TRY to find the history books used. They are a huge part of the program, and really tie in well. Again, I found mine for just a few dollars per book used. And one or two were actually in my library!

What about the english and Math? And depending on the program, maybe phonics too..??

For handwriting, there are some good FREE handwriting sites if you need them, of course you can get some of those cheap too. As a matter of fact, I have a Handwriting without Tears printing book just sitting here, if you;d like it. (free) Again, not sure what program you're doing...

[joyfulheart]

Ok, you're doing Bigger? (did a quick search)

If they're an emerging reader, you can get most of those at the library, and don't need DITHOR. If they are an independent reader, then yes, you will need DITHOR and can choose your own books at the library.

[Melanie]

Hi Amy! I had to go back to find your original post, but you're referring to Preparing...right?

I think the reason you're not getting too many responses is b/c no one (except Carrie) has used this program yet, so we're just not sure what to tell ya.

My first thought was to do as the pp rec. and check a half-price book store or used book store. My next thought was that adding in another science program may work, but not tie into the units as well as what Carrie has planned. I would also weight the cost....many science programs are more expensive than the Preparing science package. You may be able to find other books on a similar topic at your library.

You could do the same for history as for science, just do a search for the topic. Also, R&S is about as economical as you can get for grammar. You are free to use whatever math you want with this guide (as with them all). You can use any books with Drawn that match the genre.

Does that help at all? Hopefully Carrie will be able to help you.

[Tansy]

don't miss out on history! you can cuddle up to the computer and read them aloud here..
http://www.mainlesson.com/displayauthor ... =eggleston

[Carrie]

Amy,

If you're thinking of "Preparing...", you can use the Economy Package and cover your own math and language arts. You can, of course, substitute your own read-alouds, but if you are able to get some of the ones we have scheduled from your library that would be great. One thing you may want to weigh, is the science. However, if you have your own science already purchased, you can use that instead.

You will be able to use the poetry, creative writing lessons, dictation, and Bible from the right side of the plans. From the left side you will be able to use the history read-alouds and all corresponding lessons, and also the written narration lessons, research, vocabulary, timeline, geography, and history activity boxes of the plans. All of the parts I have listed are usable when purchasing only the Economy Package!

Blessings,
Carrie