Copywork and Dictation

[momsfamily4]

Hey! Could you please help me? I have noticed that several of you use copywork and dictation in your schooling. I have been reading alot about these concepts and thinking of using them myself. Can you tell me how you do this? Most of the books I have read say give a piece of literature on Monday, review it throughout the week and dictate it at the end of the week. Is that what you do? Do you also use a formal grammar program with this? We are currently in R & S. Children are 6 & 10. Do you see copywork and dictation as a benefit? Please share your thoughts with me.

Thanks,
Brenda

[Susie in MS]

That is one approach. There are also books that are designed for copy work.
Here are some:
http://www.queenhomeschool.com/bookpage/bookframe.html

LLATL does copy work and dictation much like you discribed.

Is see it as being very beneficial. The child can learn how punctuation, spelling, and practice writing all at the same time. It is gentle and natural.

[Beth in Central TX]

I used the Harp & Laurel Wreath for our copywork and dictation lessons, and I followed the guidelines laid out here by Jessie Wise: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/copywork.php

[Karin]

That is one approach. There are also books that are designed for copy work.
Here are some:
http://www.queenhomeschool.com/bookpage/bookframe.html


This is what we have bought for ds, and he's just starting to do more of it now. We also bought the math facts one for him as we're interested in their idea of learning math facts by copywork, too.

[LindaOz]

All of my school age children do copywork. For my K'er it is copying letters and simple words mainly to teach her letter formation, but she is also learning spelling of simple words as she goes. For my 2nd and 4th graders, copywork allows them to practise good handwriting as well as experience correct spelling and reinforce content. My 6th and 7th graders choose passages they have liked from literature and copy them. Even at this age I still think this helps them continue to internalize good wiritng forms, vocabulary etc.

Dictation, though, we use as a more focussed spelling exercise. My children study a sentence or passage (depending on age), practise any words they feel they need to work on, then I give the passage from dictation. We don't use the same passage we used for copywork. I love this method of spelling, it's so natural.

HTH
Linda:)