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

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.

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.