spelling/dictation placement 3rd gr.

[renee]

Hello. I have a question. My son is a good speller. Did Abeka k-2nd grade spelling and I never had to go over the words with him for the test. Currently using Spelling Workout 4th grade level. I know dictation is something completely different than traditional style spelling programs. He is in Bigger right now. The Spelling Word list in Bigger is too easy for him (I think it is second grade level words). So I would like to move him on to dictation. Should I just start with the first level of dictation or is that second grade level? The words do look easy for him but that is not the point of dictation, right? Anyone have some advice for me? Thanks so much.

Renee

[my3sons]

The levels in dictation are not symbolizing grade levels. I would start him in Level 2 dictation. Make sure to read through the directions for dictation carefully in the Appendix. Dictation is more about writing everything properly - punctuation, capitalization, grammar, etc. It is more difficult than one would first think when looking at the passages. Perfection is the way to move on in dictation, and it's harder than it looks. One forgotten comma, one forgotten capital letter, one misspelled word - and the passage must be done again the next day. I think you'll be pleased with the difficulty dictation provides.

In Christ,
Julie