Bigger Hearts...spelling vs dictation

[threegreatkids]

How do I determine the best choice for dd 8...Spelling List 2 or the easiest dictation list? Do I try dictation and if it is a bust go back to the spelling lists? She is not a natural speller (but not a terrible speller) and has not liked (or benefited from) any spelling program we have tried so far.

[my3sons]

I think I'd give the spelling a whirl. Doing the CM style lessons in the LA box of the HOD plans helped my ds learn to visualize words better and taught him to get in the habit of asking "Does it look right?". This was super helpful for him as he went into dictation. If you start with the spelling, and she seems to be whizzing right through it and taking on the strategies as her own, then you could stop the spelling and start the dictation.

In Christ,
Julie

[threegreatkids]

Good idea, Julie! It's probably better (on the whole) to jump ahead if it's too easy than to backtrack if it's too hard. Thanks-