Chloe Tabor, a fifth-grade teacher, shared this idea years ago. Chloe likes giving the Sourcebook Sentence Dictation Test, but her struggling spellers are often intimidated by its difficulty. It is more challenging than the Cloze Story Word Test. She makes this modification.

As with the Cloze Story Word Test, students in Chloe’s class do not have access to the test words prior to the Sentence Dictation Test. She uses this format for administering the dictation:

1. Read all four sentences aloud to students before giving them paper to write on. Treat the sentences as a paragraph with all one thought.
2. Next, give students paper and pencil and have them write their names.
3. Read the first sentence to students, slowly, two times.
4. Signal students to write the sentence.
5. When you think students are close to finishing, slowly repeat the sentence again.
6. After a brief pause for students to complete the sentence, ask students to put their pencils down to listen to the second sentence.
7. Continue the same way for the second sentence and the remaining two.
8. At the end of the dictation, read the four sentences one last time as students follow along and check their work.

At this point, Chloe uses a different method with students for whom the dictation is too difficult. She posts the sentences a proofreading activity and has these students use the posted sentences as a reference to fix their errors. They have the opportunity to fix every error before relinquishing their paper. In fact, Chloe often encourages them to work cooperatively toward an error-free set of sentences. They enjoy the challenge of finding their errors together, like Dictation Detectives!

Over the years, Chloe has tried different methods for posting the sentences. At first, she wrote the sentences on the board as the challenged students observed her. She discussed spelling, punctuation, and various elements of language as she wrote. Students often predicted the spellings of selected words. Sometimes Chloe preferred to use an overhead projector for this activity. Now she uses a commercial white board. She favors a format that enables students to watch and interact with her as she writes.

Students who are initially distressed by the Sentence Dictation Test find this modification comforting. They have a chance for success! The recurring practice sharpens their listening skills as well as their ability to take dictation, spell, and improve their punctuation and capitalization in context. Over time, Chloe observes these students gain confidence. The results show that her modification works!

Look for Chloe’s idea, as well as other ideas for giving and using the Sentence Dictation, in your Sourcebook Teaching Notes in the section Sentence Dictation Test.