Spelling Bigger

[AmandaNicole]

Okay, So... from my previous posts, I am new to HOD, and new to Charlotte Mason. I think the spelling in bigger is too easy for my 2nd grader. He is going through 2 weeks at a time. I have started the dictation, but I really don't know how to do it. I have read the appendix, but he gets it in one try, so we move on to next one right? I think I may need to add in an additional spelling curriculum. I could totally be doing this wrong, He needs help spelling bigger words. So... any advice.
Thanks,
mandy

[Carrie]

Mandy,

I'm so glad that you're getting a chance to use Bigger! We're using it with our third little guy right now too. As far as studied dictation goes, just make sure he studies the whole passage first. Then, have him hand you the guide to dictate the passage to him one phrase at a time. He should repeat the phrase, then write it. He is do this from a single reading if possible, so work toward no repeating... meaning you just say it once. Then, you can dictate the words below the dictation passage too. He is to check the passage himself, against the correct model, making sure all spelling/capitalization/punctuation is perfect. If all is done perfectly, the next day he moves onto a new passage.

For good spellers, it isn't uncommon to have almost all passages done perfectly all year long! Yet, the skills of grammar, capitalization, punctuation, usage, listening, proofreading, and capturing and holding the correct image in one's mind to reproduce on paper are being practiced. These are the true skills we are working on, and they go way beyond learning to memorize a list of words.

There are many terrific dictation threads on the board. I don't have time to link them right now, but perhaps some of the ladies will be along to link them for you. Otherwise, try the search feature and type in "dictation" in the meantime. I would just stay the course with the dictation in Bigger.

Blessings,
Carrie