I have no idea what it is this year… my kiddos are REALLY struggling with writing a simple sentence that includes a capital, spaces, and a period.

{Nearly all of them are doing well with being neat, though, (AND THAT IS NEW) so maybe I should focus on that!}

Anyway, I was thinking about that today as I was copying a set of these to use again tomorrow.

I really like using simple sentences that include things we are working on (phonics/sight words/vocabulary) to assess their writing. It should be easy to get 30 points. 6 sentences, 5 points each. Students receive a point for:

• Using a capital ONLY in the proper place.
• Having spaces.
• Correct ending punctuation.
• Correct spelling.
• Neatly written / correctly formed letters.

We’ve practiced this. A lot.   They TOTALLY KNOW the expectation.   I give reminders. {At least 5 with EACH AND EVERY sentence.}   Nonetheless, I still have those few kiddos who simply can. not. do. it.   *shrug*  

Anyway, here is the dictation sentence page. This version is VERY simple. I want them to focus on the 5 goals and nothing else and have PLENTY of room.  

UPDATE: SPELLING TEST ALTERNATIVE

I originally wrote this post and offered this freebie in 2012! I now use the same idea as an alternative to the traditional spelling test.  

I LOVE IT! It provides so much more data than a simple spelling test. I read these sentences to the kiddos.

They always cover our phonics and sight words for the week. Basically, our “spelling words” but it is more about the sounds and demonstrating language standards skills. The kids write them on the stationery with built-in rubrics.

This makes grading a breeze and provides all the data I need to know what language lessons the kiddos need.  

These pages are part of my Reading Foundations with Phonics series. You can read more about it here.