Students will have a weekly spelling test, consisting of 15 words based on a specific phonics pattern or skill. For some students, these words may come easily, while others may need to put in extra effort—and that’s okay! Throughout the week, students will have multiple opportunities to practice their words in class. However, this in-class practice is not a substitute for reviewing at home with an adult or older sibling.

A key part of the weekly test will include a dictation component. Students will be asked to write two sentences that I read aloud, each containing two or three of their spelling words. In this section, they will be assessed not only on correct spelling but also on their use of conventions such as capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.

We’ll be learning a lot about grammar and conventions this year, and the dictation portion will help reinforce these important writing skills in a meaningful way.