Dictation

Dictation is a useful teaching tool, because it gives practice in interpreting sounds and transforming them into words. When the students do the dictating, it adds the element of pronunciation practice.

Dictation pairs

I have taken some corny jokes, and replaced about half the words with blanks. On another sheet, I have blanks where the first sheet has words, and words where the first sheet has blanks. I divide the students into pairs, and each one dictates to the other the words that he has that his partner doesn't have. I do not allow peeking. This is a speaking and listening exercise. Click on the links below to download some dictation pairs.

Baby

Dictation pronunciation practice

I have written pairs of words that differ by only one vowel, or have other minor differences in pronunciation. I have cut a hole in a manila envelope, so that only one pair shows at a time. I give the envelope to each student in turn, and he reads the words two or three times so that his classmates can write them down. I have found this to be useful as a pronunciation and listening exercise.

Click on the link below to download pronunciation pairs.

Pronunciation pairs

Old fashioned French Dictée

Teachers of French to French students use the dictée a lot. The teacher reads a paragraph through at normal speed once, then reads it slowly in small segments, repeating each segment two or three times, then reads it a normal speed once again. Students write down what they hear. It tests listening, comprehension, spelling, and grammar. I don't use it very often. It is a humbling experience. You think your students understand everything you say, but after a dictee, you realize that those smiles and nods have more to do with politeness than with comprehension.