TIPS FOR STUDYING DICTATIONS

1. Remember that practice makes perfect. Only practice (and repetition in writing words) can help improve your spelling. There’s no easy way to do this. Some people have better visual memories than others. But most people need to practise, practise and PRACTISE!

2. Try to visualise the difficult words in your mind as you read the dictation to yourself. Close your eyes, imagine the word written, then open them and compare with the dictation. Count the letters the word has.

3. Don't try to study a dictation at the last minute. Try to do this over several days. Also remember that comprehension is important, as it forms part of the unit test. Try to understand what the dictation is about. Don't write mechanically. Get someone to dictate the most complicated words to you. Read the dictation aloud to yourself.

Remember I'll be thinking of you the day before a dictation.

Good Luck!