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Hi There,

I'm working with my 9 yo, soon to be 10 in the Bigger guide using the dictation. He easily masters the assignment each day on the day assigned. So, we've been doing dictation for 2 weeks at 3 days a week and today we finished #6. Should I move him up to the next level of dictation or just move him up when he finishes this level? Your thoughts.

Florence,

The first half of the passages in Bigger Hearts are fairly simple, allowing kiddos to get a feel for dictation and to be successful! Since your son will be turning 10 soon, I would recommend bumping him up to the passages that are halfway through those provided in the Appendix of Bigger. That way, he'll still feel successful, but the passages won't be beneath his skill level. Typically kiddos should be moving forward with dictation each day, not needing to repeat a passage more than once or twice a week. If a child is needing to repeat passages 2 or 3 times routinely, then the level of dictation is probably too difficult.

When your son finishes the dictation passages in the Appendix of Bigger, you'll need to get the Preparing Hearts guide to go up to the next level of dictation, or you can do studied dication using your own passages to finish out the year. It's up to you.

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie wrote:Florence,

The first half of the passages in Bigger Hearts are fairly simple, allowing kiddos to get a feel for dictation and to be successful! Since your son will be turning 10 soon, I would recommend bumping him up to the passages that are halfway through those provided in the Appendix of Bigger. That way, he'll still feel successful, but the passages won't be beneath his skill level. Typically kiddos should be moving forward with dictation each day, not needing to repeat a passage more than once or twice a week. If a child is needing to repeat passages 2 or 3 times routinely, then the level of dictation is probably too difficult.

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie,

This was great advice. We jumped ahead halfway and he's dong great this week. It was just the little bit of extra challenge he needed. He's still getting them quickly, but it takes a little more "work." Thanks for the advice.