A question about reading levels for DITHOR

inHistiming · Post by **inHistiming** » Thu May 15, 2008 11:17 am

I am going to be using Bigger...with my 8 and 10 yo's...and the extension pack for my 10 yo. Both will also be using DITHOR. I am trying to figure out which level I need to use for my son for DITHOR. I think the level 2 book pack would be great for my dd. My son is an avid reader...he loves the Hank the Cowdog series, any type of science book, and most recently The Dangerous Book for Boys . I am not sure if the level 3 book pack would be the right choice for a 5th grade boy who loves to read. I think the ones the student reads aloud are supposed to be a little less difficult than the ones being read aloud to him. Should I choose some higher level books from the suggested book list for him to use with DITHOR? This is the last thing I have to figure out before we can start Bigger and DITHOR, and I want to make sure I find the right balance. Any suggestions about how I should handle this? I'm not sure if it even matters that much...I guess I'm just wondering what level books I should go with. We ended up having him do an oral reading assessment today (however accurate that is) and he was at 9.9 grade level in reading. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

inHistiming · Post by **inHistiming** » Fri May 16, 2008 7:02 am

I'm just bumping this up...any advice?

Kathleen · Post by **Kathleen** » Fri May 16, 2008 3:05 pm

I don't know if I can really give you any advice here or not...but if it were my child, I think I'd pick books that were at his reading level...and a little under. I really don't know how to tell you to do that (I'll let you give out the advice in a couple of years after you've figured it out

). I think going with the book list is a good idea. Unless............Carrie puts together some more book packs.

But that would have to be soon to help you out, huh.

Kathleen

Post by **Carrie** » Sat May 17, 2008 9:10 pm

inHisTiming,

Sorry I'm chiming in late here! I'm needing to seize every writing opportunity we have in between conventions, so I have to pop in and out of the boards when I get a chance!

The Level 3 book pack will definitely be too young for your strong reader! I would either use the book list or just head to the Book Shop on our website and scroll down through the genres and select books you think he'd like for the year. Either way you could put together your own book pack and have it ready to go. Here's that link (The reading levels are listed under each book):
http://www.heartofdakota.com/book-shop.php

Blessings,
Carrie

inHistiming · Post by **inHistiming** » Sun May 18, 2008 6:58 am

Thanks, Carrie. Any suggestions for what level I should start with? I'm not sure..and should I change the books in the extension pack, too?

Post by **Carrie** » Mon May 19, 2008 7:59 am

inHisTiming,

The books in the Extension Pack are very meaty. They are already at a higher reading level and require a strong reader, so there is absolutely no need to adjust those!

As far as reading level for books for DITHR, I would choose off the 6/7/8 section of the Sample Book Ideas List or choose the high-end reading level books in each section of our Book Shop.

My oldest son is a very strong, voracious reader, yet he has really enjoyed the selections that we have in our Book Shop and on our book list. So, those titles will be very appropriate for your own son! They are by no means simple and are very rich in their content.

Happy choosing!

Blessings,
Carrie

inHistiming · Post by **inHistiming** » Tue May 20, 2008 7:11 am

Thanks, Carrie! I knew he would enjoy the titles...I think I would enjoy them! I was mainly concerned about what to use for DITHOR, and you've given me direction for that. I appreciate the input.