Dictated Sentences - 5 Steps for Using Them Effectively

Dictated sentences may seem "old school" but we're here to tell you - they BELONG in your primary classroom.  Dictation is the process of writing down what someone else says, and in a classroom that means you are giving your students the opportunity to concentrate on the critical elements of constructing a sentence.  Otherwise, students have to think creatively (come up with a sentence) and critically (write it correctly), and many just aren't quite ready for that.

There are SO many benefits to using dictated sentences in your classroom, but that's another discussion.  Today, we just want to get YOU prepared to use dictated sentences effectively in your classroom.

You can use dictated sentences daily, weekly, monthly, or any number of other ways - make it work for you and your students.  Just like all other routines you establish in your classroom, you have to positively practice it.  Set the students up for success, and make the process predictable.  

We typically use dictated sentences weekly.  However, with some of our reading groups we practice dictated sentences more often.  That's the beauty of dictated sentences - they're quick and flexible.  Here's the routine we use and have seen a lot of success with:

1. Listen to the sentence.  The teacher says the sentence and students listen.

2. Say the sentence with me.  Students repeat the sentence with the teacher and mimic the inflection and expression used when saying the sentence.

3. Say the sentence and count the words.  Students slow down and say the sentence again, this time counting each word on their fingers as it is said.

4. Write the sentence.  Students silently repeat the sentence as often as needed to record the sentence accurately.

5. Check your work.  Students self-assess using the 5 Star Sentence rubric we use in our classroom.  (Click here for a free version to use in your classroom.)

The best part?  You can do this with students virtually or in person.  When we went virtual in March 2020, we made sure to continue this routine with our students daily (if you don't use it, you lose it, right?).  Kaysin is the 1st grade virtual teacher for 2020-2021, and she uses dictated sentences frequently (at least weekly), and Robyn still establishes the routine in her  traditional 1st grade classroom.

If you are looking for an easy way to begin incorporating dictated sentences in your classroom, click on the picture above.  We have recorded 50 sentences for you to send to your students.  We've planned out sentences, crafted recording sheets, and made the ultimate no prep guide for you.  

How do you think you'll start using dictated sentences in your classroom?  We'd love to hear from you!

-Kaysin & Robyn