Dictation ~ Charlotte Mason Style

November 16th, 2007

My 6 year old and I are just beginning to dip our big toes into dictation.  Dictation is a process whereby you write out a sentence for your child.  You give them a few minutes to review it for several days, possibly even a week.  Then you read the sentence back to them and ask them to write it out exactly the way they remember it without looking at the original text.

This accomplishes a few crucial things in one activity.  Spelling, grammar, attention to detail and focus all come into play.  I think the biggest thing I like about the process is the mind training that happens.  Your child has to train their mind to focus and think on something even if they don’t want to or like to.  That is a good life skill and discipleship skill to have.

Jackson and I have started on 3 and 4 word sentences.  He loves the game aspect of it.  As I find out what motivates him and how he enjoys learning, I get to play to that.  He loves to challenge himself with new things so this is fun for him.

 These are seriously good times people!  Can you tell I am enjoying every minute?

Entry Filed under: Homeschool