Bigger-spelling or dictation???

[jacynamommy]

My almost 9 year old (3rd grade) is getting ready to begin Bigger. In Beyond, he did spelling list 1. I questioned part way through the year whether I should move him up to list 2, as he almost always already knew how to spell the spelling words in list 1. I decided to just stick with what we were doing since in our state we don't have formal evaluation testing. We got our box of books today (which was super exciting, I might add), and I was looking through the spelling list again. I think he already knows how to spell most all those words. I actually verbally quizzed him on a few of the harder ones, and to my surprise he got most of them right. He did miss a couple, but only a few harder ones toward the end of the units. So I'm not sure what to do. Should I stick with the spelling list since we haven't formally done those words? Or do I skip ahead to the harder spelling lists toward the end and then move on to dictation? Or do I just skip over the spelling altogether and do the dictation? Looking at it, I think he could easily do it. Please, please, please offer me some advice! Thanks so much!

[creekmama]

I'm in the same boat, Meredith. My 8yo son is in unit 8 of Bigger. He is a pretty good speller, but I decided to stick with spelling for now because I don't think he's quite ready for dictation. I'm looking forward to reading the responses you get from other moms.

[jacynamommy]

Kelley,
I just noticed when looking through the intro stuff in the Bigger guide that Carrie suggests going with dictation if your child can already spell most of the spelling words on the list. I'm wondering if that's what I should do??? Curious for more responses, as well. Thanks!

[luv2homeschool]

I think you should go ahead with dictation. Level 1 is pretty easy with nice short sentences. I started with son with spelling List 2 in Bigger and it was too easy for him, but I wanted to build his confidence. About halfway through the year, we switched to dictation level 1. I *meant* to do it over the summer, but didn't, so we picked up where we left off for Preparing. He actually enjoys it!

[Robin Ruth]

My daughter is 9 (4th grade) and we just started Bigger. This is our first year with HOD. We started the dictations from the Bigger manual last year. She never missed one. I was considering moving her up in a higher dictation when we started this year, but then she got one wrong- LOL! She has since been doing well. I am not a veteran HOD'er, but I think you will know if it's not working out. Go ahead and try dictation. If it's too difficult, you will know.

[jacynamommy]

Thanks ladies, I appreciate the input!