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IT’S JUST a SENTENCE

Home » IT’S JUST a SENTENCE
IT’S JUST a SENTENCE

IT’S JUST a SENTENCE

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. Sentence writing in the primary grades can be HARD.

Begin with Dictation

Dictation Sentence Freebie

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.}  

Here is the dictation sentence page that I use. 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.   THIS is a GAME CHANGER. #gamechanger

I LOVE IT! These phonics and sight word driven dictation sentences provide so much more data than a simple spelling test.

7 Key Components for Effective and Engaging Reading Instruction and Building Successful Readers - progress monitoring and assessment

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.

Language Standards and Sentence Writing in the Primary Grades

There are not common core standards that specifically name SPELLING memorization. Traditional spelling tests focus on a skill in isolation.

True mastery comes into play when we apply new knowledge in connection with other knowledge – in real word scenarios. So those Language standards that focus on using grade level appropriate phonic rules, spelling of common irregularly spelled words (sight words), using proper punctuation and capitalization all work together in a very cohesive way.

Giving my students 5 sentences each week that contain our 14 practiced words (10 phonetic – based on the rule of the week – and 4 high-frequency – allow me to assess 7 different standards all at one time!

These sentences provide me with plenty of formative data. I know exactly who needs what help. It helps me ensure that my kiddos are reaching mastery on so many key elements of Language.

Honestly, I cannot recommend this type of assessment more! Ditch those meaningless isolated spelling tests. This move to providing instruction and assessment on cross-content in a real world way has been eye-opening. It has changed the way I introduce and practice skills. It informs by guided lessons in both reading and writing.

Dictation sentences truly are a win-win!

These pages are part of my Reading Foundations with Phonics series. This series provides IN DEPTH guided and independent phonics practice. The included dictation sentences (2 different sets for each rule practiced) are so helpful! You can read more about it here.

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10 Comments

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  • Lori Faas
    · Reply

    January 6, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    LOL! Traci! i just finished my post giving YOU an award! It is fun to share the LOVE. Good luck getting to 100 followers. I woud be amazed if I hit that number. Maybe I should think of a giveaway too! FUN!

    Lori @
    http://bee-the-change.blogspot.com/

  • YearntoLearn
    · Reply

    January 6, 2012 at 4:33 AM

    I struggle with the complete sentences too.
    I have 3rd graders still not putting ending punctuation on spelling test sentences!

    I'd love a giveaway to Cheesecake Factory.

    FYI I'm doing a Starbuck's giveaway that ends tomorrow on my blog.

    Yearn to Learn Blog

  • [email protected]
    · Reply

    January 6, 2012 at 4:57 AM

    @ Lori… LOL too funny.
    THANKS!

  • Kristin
    · Reply

    January 6, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    Congratulations on the award!
    Thanks for sharing – my kids have difficulty with sentences, too.
    I LOVE FONTS!
    A Teeny Tiny Teacher

  • Kim
    · Reply

    January 6, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    I stumbled upon your blog tonight and hit the jackpot! I have been turning this over in my mind all day. You've done the work for me. Now for my kiddos to do it…
    [email protected]

  • Sandy
    · Reply

    January 6, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Congrats on the award and thanks for passing it on to me! I am excited to follow your blog! 🙂

  • Janine
    · Reply

    January 8, 2012 at 12:36 AM

    I am in the same boat with my kiddos! I lecture every single day about writing sentences and still…nothing! Yesterday we had our monthly writing prompt and 23 out of 36 kids wrote ONE LONG SENTENCE, UGHH! I am tired of giving "F"'s every Friday on their sentence tests. I pray that they will get it before 2nd grade, but for now we have to keep on keeping on!

    Faithful in First

  • Kim
    · Reply

    January 8, 2012 at 4:16 PM

    Thanks so much!!! 🙂

    I'm looking forward to reading your blog!

  • Jean Hikida
    · Reply

    February 23, 2020 at 2:46 PM

    Hi Traci,

    I love your dictation sentence stationary. I’m looking for the standard based rubric for the dictation sentences. Are you still selling it?

    Thank you,

    Jean

    • Traci
      · Reply

      Author
      April 27, 2020 at 9:27 PM

      Hi Jean,
      We do dictation sentences with our Reading Foundations with Phonics activities. You can read about them on 7 Keys to Effective & Engaging Reading Instruction.

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Hi! I’m Traci and I’m super glad you’re here. I’m passionate about sharing all the *wisdom* gained over my many years of teaching. I love helping teachers find their joy, develop efficiency and ignite their own teaching strengths. I believe simplicity and fun coupled with effective strategies and engaging and focused lessons are the key to it all. Also… laughter can carry you through just about all things.

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