Questions about HOD/DITHOR

[momofone]

Just needed to pop in and ask! I know you all are going to get tired of me asking sooo many questions!
However, it's necessary for me!

O.k, my situation!
I have Beyond and I know this is where we need to start. However, Jacob (8) really wants to use Pathway Readers for his reading.He usually does fine with the reading plus their little workbook. Now, I feel sure a year ago he would have easily picked several of these emerging readers for reading.
I hate to swap out with something else, since he likes them so much. I also would really like to consider Drawn Into... after some of these readers are finished! Although, I wish some of you could briefly describe a day with "Drawn Into.."

For now, Jacob can easily read those first few emerging readers. Do you think I should make him stop with Pathway and start with some of the later readers on the list?? He doesn't seem to be too happy about reading Pathway and the emerging readers.
We are taking a summer break for now, so things could be different in the fall. However, I'm just trying to get a plan in place!
What do you all think?? Also, please share about your DITHOR experience. I don't have the opportunity to look at this book in my hands, wish I could!
Thanks in advance!
Tina

[Carrie]

Here's a link to a past thread about DITHR that gives a very in-depth look at what using DITHR looks like:
viewtopic.php?t=193

Blessings,
Carrie

[momofone]

Oh, thanks Carrie! I haven't read everything yet, but it looks like where I need to start.
I knew you could point me in the right direction!
You all are just too cool!
Thanks!
Tina

[my3sons]

Hi Tina! I think your ds would love the emerging readers. They are just a great selection of books! You can easily start at any place. I'm not sure how the Pathway readers work, but could you read a Pathway reader until a story was done, and then have your ds read a whole Emerging Reader's set book, alternating the 2? The questions in the back of the Beyond guide are super for building comprehension too, and there are usually about 3 of them, just the right amount of discussion time for that age.

Drawn into the Heart of Reading is an awesome program! I've used it for 7 years now (4 tutoring, 3 with my own dc), and I'm still loving it. Whenever your ds finishes the last emerging reader's set book, he'll probably be ready for DITHOR. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[momofone]

Thanks Jule!
I hadn't thought about doing the reading that way! That's a good idea.
We will probably read through some of the reader's (hopefully) this summer, if I can get Jacob to stop his summer activities long enough!
It's hard to compete with friends, the dog, swimming and on and on
Anyway, sounds like a great plan for us. I can't wait to get my hands on "Drawn Into".
Just gotta tell ya about this:

One day recently we were purging books from our school room and I held up the "Beyond" book, (just to see what he'd say). He said "no, that one stays".
The few days we did with Beyond were sort of a trial. Bless his heart, he didn't want to stop for summer! I overheard him in Sunday School talking about how we were going to make a shield.
Thanks!!
Tina