Ever see an activity that looks like much fun but have no idea where to start? That’s how I felt about running dictation but once I learned how to use it in my classroom, there was no turning back.
Let’s talk more about running dictation! I’ve been working to answer all the questions I’ve had about running dictation and how I’ve used it in my classroom!
Do you already know how to incorporate running dictation and would love to see some running dictation resources? Check out these running dictation resources.
Check this Q&A to see my answers!
Q: What is running dictation?
A: Running dictation is an activity that involves students working in pairs or groups to communicate messages to each other. Each student has a different job while participating in the activity.
Q: What are the benefits of using running dictation?
A: You get to hit all of the skills. Students will be reading, writing, listening, and speaking!
Q: What are student jobs?
A: Runner – This student runs (walks briskly) to the sentences in the designated location. Usually the hallway for my students!
Writer – This student listens to the message from the runner. They will record what they heard and try to record the correct phrase.
Artist – This student listens to the runner and reads what the writer records. They will illustrate the sentence/phrase being communicated.
Translator – This student will translate the message recorded by the writer in the language instructed by the teacher. It is usually English for my classes.
Q: What materials do I need?
A: At a bare minimum, you’ll need the dictation strips and tape (or something to post strips to the wall). You can have students record and draw on their own sheet of paper OR you can print out a template for them to use.
I usually print out a template so that everything is easy to see and find. It also helps create sort of an expectation or routine for the future when we do running dictation.
Q: How do I set up running dictation?
A: Write/Prep your strips! Post your strips in the hallway or around the classroom. Mix them up if they are numbered. Divide students into groups. Assign jobs to students.
Q: How many students can do the activity together?
A: Students can work in pairs or in groups of 3-4. It really depends on the jobs you want to assign and if they fit with the skills being assessed.
Q: Can I tailor a running dictation to a current unit or lesson?
A: Absolutely!
Review a story – You can pull sentences from a story you’ve been working on or create sentences using a high frequency verb or new verb you’re targeting in a lesson. Students will benefit from seeing those verbs associated vocabulary in context.
Review a holiday – Recap what students learned about holidays with facts.
Review vocabulary – This activity can also be great too review vocabulary and definitions.
Q: How do I decide sentence length?
A: This is really going to depend on your students. For lower level students, I would definitely keep the sentences short and sweet. Pack them with familiar verbs structures and vocabulary.
Q: How many sentences are included?
This also depends on your students. I typically to 10-15. Most sets that I create have 15 sentences! You could have a quick running dictation activity with 5 sentences as a bellringer activity and review.
Q: How can I differentiate running dictation?
Sequence – Works will with a story set! Have students put the sentences in the order they are found in the story.
Fill in the Blank – Provide students with sentences that are missing a key element in the sentence.
Riddles – Provide students with a description that matches a person from a story or a vocabulary word. Students will complete the running dictation as usual but with the added step of writing the answer to the riddle to each strip.
Illustrations – Have students match illustrations or create illustrations that match sentence strips.
Cierto/Falso – Provide students with sentences and have them decide at the end of recording them all if they are true or false. This will work great with a story review or review of a holiday.
Q&A – Use comprehension questions from a current story or unit on your running dictation strips. Have students run and report the comprehension questions to their partner or group. Then, students can answer questions based on what they remember from the story.
I’d love to know if you have more questions about running dictation and hear about what you’ve done differently that works.
Want to try out a running dictation activity? Grab the freebie below!
If you liked this post…
If you liked this blog post, you may be interested in these:
- Running Dictation in the World Language Classroom
- 4 Ways to Differentiate Running Dictation
- Women’s History Month Running Dictation
