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Carrie, how do you know if a dictation level is too easy?

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:23 pm
by 4froggies
We are using CTC and doing Level 4, which I thought would be just challenging enough without frustrating her. :wink: However, she has not had to repeat any passages yet. (we've done the first 4). Does this mean I should move her up a level, or is it expected that they not make mistakes very often if they are on the right level? Thanks! By the way, we are getting into our groove I think with our schedule and are enjoying LHFHG and CTC so much! :D

Re: Carrie, how do you know if a dictation level is too easy?

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:47 pm
by Daisy
Wow, those commas didn't faze your kiddos, eh? Well, if my daughter got 4 dictation passages in a row perfectly correct, I'd jump further into list 4 and try again. Personally, I'd keep moving her up until it took her at least twice to pass the dictation passage. Guess I just want her to have to work for it. ;-)

Funny, my daughter struggled a bit with the first level 4 dictation because of the comma placements (and probably my getting used to reading them out loud to her) but the next one she nailed. Dictation is new for us. If she reaches a point where she is getting them all right on the first try, I'll skip ahead a bit and see if we can't find a bit more challenge for her.

Re: Carrie, how do you know if a dictation level is too easy?

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:22 pm
by Carrie
Here's a couple of past threads that will help:
viewtopic.php?f=31&t=1795

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=270

Typically, the opening passages of each level of dictation are meant to be on the lighter side, almost as a gentle lead-in or review of the previous level. So, often kiddos don't repeat any passages in the first few weeks to a month of dictation unless they are new to the skill of studied dictation. Then, it is a whole different story! :D

Generally, the goal is for kiddos to be steadily moving forward in dictation by not repeating a passage more than once or twice a week. Kiddos who are natural spellers (and also strong in grammar, mechanics, and usage) will likely repeat few passages, as they have the natural skill of capturing the correctly written word in their minds. While you can easily hop ahead if you desire, I'd lean toward giving it more time first to see how your daughter does as the passages get harder within the next month or so. :D

My own son missed very few of the passages in Preparing Hearts last year, as he's a natural speller. However, we just continued on with the passages, as we decided that it was good to allow his areas of strength to shine. He also writes very well for his age, so we knew he was carrying over his dictation to his daily work.

Even as an adult, I appreciate have some areas I really work on and others that are naturally easy for me. :lol: Your opinion may vary however, and yours is the one that counts!

Blessings,
Carrie

Re: Carrie, how do you know if a dictation level is too easy?

Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:48 am
by 4froggies
Thanks! I think we'll give it some more time and see.... They funny thing is, spelling was not a strength for a long time, but making a picture of the words in preparation for dictation must come easily to her. I will be interested to see how she does in the next few weeks. :)