scared to move away from traditional methods….

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  • July 26, 2009 at 5:09 pm
    hsmomto6
    Member

    I really like the thought of dictation for spelling.  I feel like not only will it help with handwriting and practicing of the mechanics of writing, but also spelling.  However, I feel like I am missing something if I don’t do a workbook approach.  I don’t know why I feel that way but I do!  Please help me overcome this fear!

    Jennifer

    July 26, 2009 at 7:30 pm
    nerakr
    Participant

    I’m unsure about dictation for spelling for another reason–handwriting is the only area my kindergartener struggles with. I know that will change with time. At least he’s curious about how words are spelled. I don’t plan to use a workbook approach to spelling, though. I think some of the moms on this forum use a combination of dictation and other approaches. I’d be interested in what others do, too.

    Karen

    July 26, 2009 at 8:03 pm
    caroline4kids
    Member

    I know how you feel, but I fight the urge to use what I used as a child, namely the text book approach.

    This is my opinion, but I think many will agree that spelling is largely a visual memory feat as opposed to a phonetic skill. I know phonics is important, but the truth remains that there are nearly as many words that defy the rules as follow them.  Learning to visualize a spelling through dictation is something that eventually becomes habit and is used while you read. My son makes mental notes on spellings constantly and has developed a photographic memory through dictation. He visualizes the work quickly and moves on. My kids all have different ways of visualizing depending on their personalities, but they still all learn their words.

    I am a horrible speller even after 12 years of A Beka spelling. Lists just did not translate for me. Maybe some can, but I think dictation means more to a student because it is connected with something meaningful.Smile

    If you have a Ker, I would just stick with copywork and possibly dictations of small words. Handwriting can be hard for those little ones and to push dictation may be overwhelming. My boys start dictation around 3rd grade, before that we do copious amounts of copywork.

    I would recommend reading the 6th volume of Charlottes work either in the original or in the moder language paraphrase. It really, really, helps to hear it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

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