Newbie with Questions...

[stawnasalas]

I have a few questions before ordering PHFHG for my 4th grader for next fall. The direction guide says that its our choice whether to order the Basic as well as Deluxe Pkgs. I am having a hard time deciding if I should just order the Basic or the Deluxe as well? Is it recommended to do both or would it be ok to order the Basic, or neither? Also for the Drawn Into the Heart of Reading, does level 2/3 mean 2nd and 3rd grade level, 4/5 mean 4th and 5th grade level? I am new to HOD, so dont really have a clue as to what some things mean! Thank you in advance!
Stawna

[blessedmomof4]

Hi Stawna,
I just wanted to recommend you post your questions on the main board, where more people will see them. These specific boards are more for posts related to how pwople have used and loved each individual program, but all new posts should start on the main board. That being said, welcome, and I hope Carrie (HOD's author) and Julie (her sister and editor) can pop in to answer your placement questions

[stawnasalas]

Ok thank you!

[my3sons]

I have a few questions before ordering PHFHG for my 4th grader for next fall. The direction guide says that its our choice whether to order the Basic as well as Deluxe Pkgs. I am having a hard time deciding if I should just order the Basic or the Deluxe as well? Is it recommended to do both or would it be ok to order the Basic, or neither? Also for the Drawn Into the Heart of Reading, does level 2/3 mean 2nd and 3rd grade level, 4/5 mean 4th and 5th grade level? I am new to HOD, so dont really have a clue as to what some things mean! Thank you in advance!
Stawna

I can help! The Basic Package is the read-aloud history set that goes along with the Storytime box of plans. We loved these books! These are the skills taught within this box of plans...

Each unit includes the following activities in coordination with the
“Storytime” read-aloud assignments:
*Day 1: personal connections are shared that relate to the story
*Day 2: differences between the characters’ lives and the students' lives are identified based upon the historical time period of the story
*Day 3: the main character’s faith is evaluated for its impact on the character’s life and the story
*Day 4: oral narration is practiced by retelling the story

The Deluxe Package goes along with the "Independent History Study" box of the plans, and the student should read these books independently, as well as complete the skills in the box of plans that go along with the reading independently. These are the skills taught within this box of plans...
Oral narration, copywork, notebook entries, and Biblical connections round
out the independent readings. At this age, notebook entries are limited to
copying, tracing, and drawing from a model. Accuracy and attention to
authentic detail are encouraged. Entries are meant to be factual and to
provide a finished product that gives an overview of the history topics studied
throughout the year. Reminders are given for copywork to be done in
cursive.

We got both packages. I felt like they taught different skills, and were both important to have. So, if you are able, I'd get both packages. If you must choose between them, I'd get the Deluxe Package, as this is an extremely important box for teaching dc the skills to work independently with a portion of their history. This is key training to be ready for CTC the next year.

As far as "Drawn into the Heart of Reading", the levels are meant to be worked through in order, and do loosely correlate with grade levels. If you have a fourth grader that has not had formal literature study (i.e. knows genres and story elements - plot, setting, problem/solution, etc.), then that child should do one year in Level 2/3. If you have a fifth grader, then Level 4/5 will be more appropriate, unless writing is a struggle. DITHOR teaches important reading skills that cannot be learned by simply reading books, so we have found it very important to do through the years. We also have found it incredibly fulfilling to do - it is a great way to teach reading! All the fun of a book club feel, with all of the rigor of an excellent reading program academically! Not to mention it has helped our dc learn moral discernment in reading. Keeping Christ at the center always! Gotta love that! Anyway, I hope that helps answer your questions, but if not, ask more!

In Christ,
Julie