How to Use Dictation to Improve Listening Skills

Dictation improves listening skills, grammar, spelling and punctuation. During dictation, the child listens, and then writes down what she heard on a piece of paper. It takes some practice for children to become proficient in dictation.

Instructions

1. Start with short sentences with a young child. Choose sentences from a piece of literature such as "The Chronicles of Narnia", by C.S. Lewis. Read the sentence and instruct the child to write down what he hears.

2. Read slowly and clearly. Instruct the child to listen closely as you will not be repeating the passage. This is appropriate for an elementary school-aged child. Perform dictation four times per week for a child this age.

3. Continue increasing the difficulty or length of the passages. Begin speaking in a regular and conversational tone of voice, which is more of a challenge.

References

• Well Trained Mind: Why Do Copywork and Dictation?
• Learn English Free: English Dictation Tests