Dictation Sentences

Dictation Sentences

Dictation sentences are part of the Saxon Phonics and Spelling program.   Each week's sentences can be found on the bottom of the  the weekly spelling list housed in the LION Keeper. 

Dictation sentences are graded as a grammar test. The grammar skills that are graded depend on the grammar rules that have been taught in class. Please refer the Grammar Rules section of the Lion Keeper weekly to see the grammar rules that have been taught.

Dictation Sentences Test Format:

1. Students will do the dictations test on handwriting paper.

2. Students write their name at the top of the paper and write the number 1 on the first line.

3. I will slowly say a sentence...pause...repeat.  I will walk around the room looking at papers to see when all students are done.  I will continue to repeat the sentence until everyone is done.

4. Students will write the number 2 on the next set of lines and spaces.

5. I will slowly say the next sentence...pause...repeat.  I will walk around the room looking at papers to see when all students are done.  I will continue to repeat the sentence until everyone is done.

6. This pattern continues until all of the sentences for the week are completed.  At the beginning of the year we will have 2 sentences, but by the end of the year we will have 5 sentences.

7. When all of the sentences are complete reminders and/or additional work will be given. 

What are reminders?

Reminders are given for the skills that have been taught with our weekly grammar rules.  My rule is I can not grade what I have not taught! As you read through the following reminders remember they are not all said during every dictation test.

Examples of reminders include but are not limited to...

1. What goes at the beginning of a sentence?  (capital letter)

2. What goes at the end of a sentence?  (period, question mark)

3. Did you remember to put a finger space between your words?

4. Did you use your best handwriting?

5. Check your letters, do you have any backwards letters?

6. Check your capitals, do you have capitals where they do not belong?

Students are given time to correct mistakes.  When everyone is done then we go on to additional work.

What is additional work?

Some grammar rules can not be assessed just by writing a sentence.  So for those rules we do additional work.  After all of the sentences are completed and reminders have been given the children will be asked to do some additional work.  Again, my rule is I can not grade what I have not taught! As you read through the following additional work ideas remember they are not all completed during every dictation test.

Examples of additional work include but are not limited to...

1. Use a red crayon circle a capital letter.

2. Use a blue crayon circle a period.

3. Use a green crayon circle a noun.

4. Use an orange crayon circle a verb.

5. Draw a purple line under one word that has two syllables.

6. Draw a brown line under a word that has a long vowel sound.

Other Important Information:

Dictation sentences are graded a grammar test grade. 

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