another question spelling/dictation

[GinainMD]

I'm wondering about the spelling and/or dictation component of Bigger. My two older dds will be using Bigger in 2011-2012 for their 3rd and 4th grade years. Would I use spelling or dictation? Are they both included in the Bigger guide? We have been doing the spelling in Beyond this year and we generally use list two unless there is something, ie a particular spelling pattern, in list one that I feel they need to learn or review. They both do really well with spelling. DD1 usually has to work on one word per week and dd2 2-3 words per week. Meaning words that don't spell correctly the first time. Thanks!

[3sweeties]

Hi Gina!

I would start with the spelling list (maybe towards the end?) in Bigger for a week or two and if your girls are getting all the words correct and it seems really easy for them, then start up Dictation. I had my DS do all of the spelling in Bigger b/c we used it primarily or his 2nd grade year. Dictation is a very different way to do spelling and I could see it being frustrating for a child who has not yet mastered basic spelling words. The spelling list and dictation passages are both in the back of Bigger. HTH a little!

[twoxcell]

Bigger has the 2nd spelling list from Beyond, and the 1st dictation list. If you have already done list 2 just start right out with dictation.

[my3sons]

If dc are doing all of the spelling plans with List 2 with ease (including Day 3's plans, which have dc writing 3 words in sentences - important preparation for dictation ), then they should be ready to move on to Level 2 Dictation next. Oh, and dc doing the poetry copywork well in Beyond each day, striving to write the entire poem by the end of the week is also good (and I believe needed) preparation for being ready for dictation. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie