Generalising spellings into free writing can be challenging for many children. Using spelling words in dictation sentences can be a good strategy to help this process. Dictation is where the teacher/parent develops a sentence that includes the child’s spelling words. These sentences may include the child’s current spelling words and previously learned words. It is best to avoid too many new words that the child has not yet learned. You could also be supporting the development of punctuation by adding questions, proper nouns, commas, and direct speech depending on the child’s level (e.g. Did it rain in Spain?). This page provides examples of dictation sentences for children working at the CVC (consonant vowel consonant), VCC, CCVC and CVCC level. The punctuation focus is on proper nouns. The sentences also include some high frequency words such as ‘the’, ‘is’ and ‘to’
CVC dictation sentences
The jam is not on the mat.
The red hen ran to Jan.
A bad bug bit Sam on the leg.
The man sat in the mud.
The pet sat on the rug.
The cat ran to the mat.
The fox bit Ted on the leg.
I did not let Tim dig in the mud.
The vet fed Bob the rat.
The kid sat in the van.
CVC, VCC, CCVC and CVCC dictation sentences
Tim and Jan went to the vet.
The cat is soft.
The fat hen is on the step.
The ant is on the log.
The elf is in the hat.
The frog is at the pond.
Max and Tom swim in the pond.
Jan got Ben a gift.
Sam met Meg at the bus stop.
Mum must get Ted a red flag.