Spelling and Dictation Rules

First graders are growing up and ready to meet new challenges! Beginning the fourth week of school, our class will have a weekly spelling list, and dictation sentences! The spelling words and dictation sentences are tested and graded weekly. Spelling and diction will be given on weeks with 4 or more school days.

The Spelling Test will be given in the following manner:

1. The test is given on handwriting paper with one space for each letter in the word.
2. Letters must be formed correctly on the handwriting lines and must be frontwards. Capital letters must not be used unless the word is a proper noun.
3. Each word will be read and then used in a sentence and repeated.
4. The students will have time to write the word. I will observe the students and continue with the next word when all students are ready to continue.

Dictation sentences are tested and graded in the following manner:

1. Students will do the dictation test on handwriting paper,; usually on the back of the spelling test.

2. Students write their name at the top of the page and prepare to write the first sentence by the number 1.

3. I will slowly say a sentence...pause...repeat. I will observe the students and continue with the next dictation sentence when all students are ready to continue. I will continue to repeat the sentence until everyone is done. Students who complete the writing quickly will wait quietly while others finish.

4. Students will prepare to write the next sentence by the number 2.

5. I will slowly say the next sentence...pause...repeat. I will observe the students and continue with the next dictation sentence when all students are ready to continue. I will continue to repeat the sentence until everyone is done. Students who complete the writing quickly will wait quietly while others finish.

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 4 sentences.

7. When all of the sentences are complete I will have students double-check their work by asking the following type of questions. (Students are given time to correct mistakes.)

Reminder questions: “Check your sentences…”

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

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

3. Did you remember to put spaces between your words?

4. Did you use your best handwriting? Are your letters between the lines where they belong?

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

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

Ideas to draw attention to grammar and writing during practice:

1. Use red to circle the capital letters. 2. Use blue to circle the punctuation marks.

All words used for spelling and dictation have been used and practiced in daily Saxon Phonics lessons. The students are very familiar with the rules of spelling that apply to the weekly word lists.

Please contact me if you have questions concerning phonics and dictation.