{"id":8106,"date":"2022-09-12T09:00:36","date_gmt":"2022-09-12T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/?p=8106"},"modified":"2022-09-12T10:10:07","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T15:10:07","slug":"spelling-dictation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/spelling-dictation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Do Spelling Dictation"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Is Spelling Dictation?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

Dictation is a great tool for teaching spelling because it allows children to use their spelling skills in a \u201creal world\u201d application. Simply put, you say a phrase or sentence containing their spelling words, and students repeat it and write it down.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Because it is such a beneficial tool, spelling dictation is included in every lesson of All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a>.<\/p>\r\n \r\n \"boy\r\n\r\n

How Can Dictation Improve Your Child\u2019s Spelling?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

One of the main problems with typical spelling instruction is that kids learn the words on a list but often forget how to spell the words the next week\u2014and that\u2019s discouraging. But one of the best ways to help new knowledge \u201cstick\u201d is to use it in a meaningful way, such as by writing sentences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

But when you\u2019re first learning how to spell, writing decent original sentences can be hard! For kids who haven\u2019t reached automaticity<\/a> yet, it\u2019s almost impossible to focus on all aspects of writing a sentence\u2014spelling, mechanics, creativity, word choice, and grammar\u2014at one time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

By dictating<\/span> a sentence to your child, you\u2019re separating the creative process from the spelling process, creating a stepping stone between \u201cwriting words on a list\u201d and \u201cwriting original sentences.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\"chart\r\n\r\n

Five Simple Steps for Dictation<\/h2>\r\n
    \r\n

  1. Step 1: Dictate a sentence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Depending on your child\u2019s level, you\u2019ll dictate two to five phrases or sentences each day, using only words that your child has already learned to spell. (If you are using the All About Spelling<\/cite> program, dictation sentences are provided in your teacher\u2019s manual.) Let your student know that he needs to focus his attention since you will only be saying the sentence once.<\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n

  2. Step 2: Your child repeats the sentence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Repeating the sentence will help your child retain it in short term memory<\/a> long enough to write it down. (If your child has a hard time repeating the sentence, see Troubleshooting section<\/a> below.)<\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n

  3. Step 3: Your child writes the sentence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Don\u2019t correct your child as he writes out the sentence, even if you see him start to make a spelling mistake. In fact, it\u2019s best to look away while he\u2019s writing! This will allow him to concentrate on what he\u2019s doing without feeling like he\u2019s being monitored or judged, and it allows him to \u201cown\u201d the process of spelling. There will be time for correcting spelling after the next step.<\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n

  4. Step 4: Your child proofreads the sentence she just wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    In this step, your child reads her writing aloud or to herself. This is a good time for your student to practice self-correction. She should check herself by asking these questions: Am I satisfied that I spelled everything correctly? Did I use capital letters and punctuation properly?<\/span><\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n

  5. Step 5: Finally, check the sentence before dictating the next one.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    If you identify a misspelled word, swing into action with the steps listed in this article on how to correct spelling mistakes<\/a>. This is important teaching time! Is there a specific rule or generalization that you need to review now or in tomorrow\u2019s lesson?<\/p><\/li>\r\n <\/ol>\r\n<\/a>\r\n

    Dictation is a wonderful tool to use for spelling, but you might have some questions at first. Check out the solutions to some common problems in the troubleshooting section below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Troubleshooting for Spelling Dictation<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
    \r\n
    \r\n
    \r\n<\/path><\/svg>\r\nMy child can\u2019t repeat the sentence I dictated.<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
    \r\nIn this case, it may be helpful to do some exercises to strengthen your child\u2019s working memory<\/a>. At this stage, instead of doing spelling dictation\u2014which will only be frustrating for both of you\u2014work on oral dictation<\/span> for a while.\r\n

    \r\nHere\u2019s how oral dictation works.\r\n
      \r\n
    1. Say a short sentence and have your student repeat it back to you.<\/li>\r\n
    2. As your student grows in ability, gradually increase the number of words in the sentences.<\/li>\r\n
    3. When oral dictation becomes easier for her, go back to the spelling dictation exercises.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n\r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n<\/path><\/svg>\r\nMy child forgets the sentence before she is done writing it.<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\nIf your child was able to repeat the sentence back to you but then forgets it before she\u2019s done writing, it may be because she is working so hard to spell the words correctly. As spelling becomes more automatic, it will be easier for her to remember the sentence long enough to write it.\r\n

      \r\nIn the meantime, break up the sentences into phrases. Encourage your student to repeat the phrase in her head (or out loud) several times as she\u2019s writing. Gradually lengthen the phrases until she\u2019s able to remember entire sentences long enough to write them.\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n\r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n<\/path><\/svg>\r\nMy child writes down the wrong word.<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\nSometimes this happens because of short-term memory issues, but other times it is because the child is creative and embellishes the sentence. Children who are easily distracted often substitute words, too.\r\n

      \r\nIf your child is changing the words in the sentence, try saying something like this:\r\n
      \r\n
      \"I\u2019ve noticed that you change some of the words in the sentences that I dictate. Today I want you to write the sentence without changing any of the words. In fact, let\u2019s make it a challenge. If you can write TWO sentences correctly today, the dictation section will be over. Sound good?\"<\/blockquote>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n\r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n<\/path><\/svg>\r\nMy child is overwhelmed by the amount of dictation.<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\nTry doing just one or two sentences per day (whatever feels like a good number without being overwhelming) and spread the lesson out over more days. Or try this suggestion from one of our readers.\r\n

      \r\n
      To determine the number of sentences my son writes each day, I let him roll a die. He delights in the hope that he\u2019ll roll a \u201c1\u201d but doesn\u2019t fuss if he has the bad luck to roll a higher number! This has completely settled the issue of \"how many sentences do I have to write?\" to the satisfaction of both mom and son. \u2013 Laurie H.<\/blockquote>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n\r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n<\/path><\/svg>\r\nMy child doesn\u2019t like dictation exercises.<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\nSome children like to write on a hand-held whiteboard, making it very easy to make changes. Other children prefer paper and pencil. Maybe another outside-the-box method<\/a> will keep your child engaged. Find out what works best for your child and makes her happiest.\r\n

      \r\nIn addition to trying to make dictation time as engaging as possible, be sure to       be as encouraging as possible<\/a>. Celebrate your child\u2019s achievements, even the small ones! After your child writes a sentence correctly, make a big deal of it! With your encouragement, she will eventually work up to writing more (and longer) sentences.\r\n \r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n\r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n<\/path><\/svg>\r\nMy child looks to me for approval after each word.<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\nLet your child know that you won\u2019t be looking at the sentence until she is completely done writing and reviewing it.\r\n

      \r\nAlso, be aware that most kids are very good at reading body language. You may not even realize you\u2019re doing it, but if you subconsciously change your facial expression or lean forward a bit in response to a misspelled word, your child will notice your subtle body movements and will learn to rely on your cues instead of on her own ability to proofread. The best practice is just to look down at your teacher\u2019s manual or out the window as your student writes from dictation. Resist the urge to look at her paper until she proofreads the sentence and says, \u201cDone!\u201d\r\n \r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n\r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n
      \r\n<\/path><\/svg>\r\nMy child doesn\u2019t know which ending punctuation to use.<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\nLet your child know that you won\u2019t be looking at the sentence until she is completely done writing and reviewing it.\r\n

      \r\nTo give your child practice with choosing the correct ending punctuation, turn it into a game. Write a question mark, a period, and an exclamation point on a piece of paper. Read sentences and have her point to the correct punctuation. Show how you make it clear through your intonation. Then switch roles.\r\n \r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n\r\n

      It\u2019s Okay If Your Child Isn\u2019t Perfect at This<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

      The goal is to keep improving. Remind your child that he\u2019s doing something that can be difficult at first, reassure him that you know he\u2019ll get it, and reiterate that some things just take work. Your goal isn\u2019t perfection; it\u2019s simply to help your child expand what he can do, bit by bit and step by step.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

      For more great tips on teaching spelling, download my free \u201cSix Ways We Make Spelling Easy<\/a>\u201d e-book.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

      \"Six<\/a><\/span>