How Dictation Became My Go-To Tool for Engaging Emergent Readers and Writers

 

 

 

 

One of the joys of teaching, for me, is adjusting my practice and exploring new ideas and strategies to make learning fun, engaging, and effective. This year, I added a new strategy to my toolbox - Dictation. My kindergarteners are really enjoying this writing experience. Here are some of the benefits I have found.

 

Language Skills:

 

Dictation serves as a guiding light for my students as they navigate the complexities of the written language. Through dictation they are learning to decipher the sounds of words. This serves to pave the way for a deeper understanding of language structure. Lying on their tummies, armed with dry erase boards and markers, the engagement and joy they feel is evident as they take ownership of their learning.

 

Mapping Out Words:

 

Dictation gives my growing writers the opportunity to practice mapping out words. They break down words into manageable chunks, connecting sounds with corresponding letters. There is so much confidence developing as they work on becoming independent writers.

 

Connecting Sounds:

 

As my kindergarteners transcribe the dictated letters, words, and sentences onto the dry erase boards, they refine their phonemic awareness and spelling skills. This will allow them to gradually build their fluency in both reading and writing.

 

Joy:

 

Beyond these practical benefits, dictation has added a great sense of engagement and joy to the reading and writing routine in my classroom.

 

 

Here is the Dictation resource that I have been using in case you would like to add dictation into your literacy practice. These phonics based dictations are print-and-go! They are a quick and powerful tool to start your phonics routine, reading/writing warm-up, and/or small group reading instruction!

 

Here are two of my favorite writing tools!

 

I love using these fun dry erase boards and doodle boards. They are the perfect size for my kindergarteners. We use them vertically when practicing making word lists and horizontally for writing sentences. I love that they are doubled-sided with one side having ruled lines. I also love these super cool dry erase markers! They come with those cute little erasers and their colors are varied and vibrant!

 

.

 

 

 

Happy teaching!

 

TP

 

@tanyaparisauthor

 

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is appreciated.