First Day of Dictation

We have been slowly implementing more and more of a Charlotte Mason approach to education for my eight year old.  Having used Heart of Dakota off and on for years, this isn't the first time that we have ventured into Charlotte Mason's world.  However, some areas just haven't made sense to me.

I attempted dictation with my older daughter when she was younger.  She didn't like it.  In truth, since I didn't understand how it worked and had been taught formal spelling in public school, I didn't use it long.  I also probably started Laura off on a much higher level than I should have.  She was naturally adept at spelling, so I just assumed she would breeze through dictation.  When she didn't, I complicated the whole matter.  I didn't understand that dictation was about so much more than spelling.

I have been using a spelling program with Megan since phonics.  She is also a naturally good speller. However, our lessons seem to take forever.  Charlotte Mason advocates short lessons.  With Megan's ADHD, long lessons give her way too much time to lose focus.  Suddenly, instead of her lesson, she will be doodling or playing with the cat. 

I began reading and researching over Christmas Break about ways I could help my little ADHD girl to do well.  Charlotte Mason has sparked a lot of interest.  I have used some of her methods previously, but skipped others.  As I researched, I found a lot of articles and blogs about how Charlotte Mason's methods and philosophies help ADHD children.  Short lessons and time outside and developing habits all contribute to the success of children that may struggle with traditional methods. 

Since I already have Megan using Heart of Dakota, I realized that I just needed to actually follow more than the science and history plans.  There is a beauty to the way of learning that Heart of Dakota's developer, Carrie Austin, has woven into each program.

My little Meggy is an excellent reader.  She is very artistic.  She has a vivid imagination.  She is intelligent.  If she can benefit from shorter lessons, then I am willing to try. 

I followed the instructions for her first dictation.  I spent some time on Heart of Dakota's message board, gathering further tips.  Megan studied the first passage.  I read out the first sentence.  She said it back to me and then wrote it.  

This all took five minutes.  Instead of two or three workbook pages, we were done quickly.  She liked that we were finished so quickly.

Of course, I purposely started her on an easy level.  My goal is to ease her into dictation.  I want to build her confidence. I want to see her form the habits of visualizing the passage.  I want to build her abilities to add in punctuation.  I want to see her skill level build slowly and methodically. 

I will be slowly implementing other Charlotte Mason inspired changes to our schooling and our lives over the next few weeks.  I look forward to writing about them.