Spelling Made Fun (with Visual Patterns) Teachers Guide Book 2 Middle

CONTENTS

Levels 4-5 Introduction

4

Adminstration of the Programme000000000000000000000000 7

Level 4 Spelling Programme / WORD LISTS

9

Mnemonics & Spelling Tips

17

Dictation Sentences

23

Photocopiable Template for Dictation Sentences

34

Record of Spelling Template

35

Photocopiable Spelling Practice Sheet

36

Level 5 Spelling Programme / WORD LISTS

37

Mnemonics & Spelling Tips

45

Dictation Sentences

47

Photocopiable Template for Dictation Sentences

58

Record of Spelling Template

59

Photocopiable Spelling Practice Sheet

60

Photocopiable Template for Challenging Words

61

Notes

62

3

Introduction I am a Learning support teacher with over twenty five years experience in that field and am currently working in a shared capacity between two schools in a rural setting in Donegal.

There are three mainstream classes in my base school and they have been using the spelling programme in the school in all classes for the last two years. I am also a founder member of the Dyslexia Association in Letterkenny and was instrumental in setting up a workshop there twenty years ago. I have been the co-ordinator of the workshop for most of those years.

I have always had a passion for teaching spelling and this was inspired by Charles Cripps after hearing him speak at a Learning Support conference over 20 years ago, back then referred to as a remedial conference. He believed that handwriting and spelling are strongly linked and children who do joined-up handwriting, cursive writing, rather than un-joined printing do better at spelling.By learning to write letters in patterns rather than learning individual letters children become familiar with letter sequences and this assists them greatly with their spelling when they start to develop their writing for example a vowel is often followed by the letter n, eg an, un, in, etc and these letter strings make up parts of words.

He believed that children’s first introduction to writing should be cursive and not print as it is the more natural progression from early scribbles. In our school cursive writing is introduced at Junior Infant level.

This spelling programme devised is comprehensive and intended for use in mainstream primary from senior infants to sixth class. While the spelling programme is primarily aimed at mainstream in primary school it is also very suitable for use in secondary with children still experiencing spelling difficulties and with children with dyslexia or other learning difficulties provided it is pitched at the appropriate level. It can really help children overcome the challenges they face with regular spelling programmes currently in use in schools. The visual patterns in the programme greatly reduce the memory load required to retain spelling. There is a gradual structured progression with lots of opportunities for writing and application of the spelling.

Lots of repetition and practice.

There are 3,288 words and corresponding dictation sentences that incorporate the words in the programme. The 3,288 words chosen in the spelling programme are high frequency words that children are most likely to use in their writing. It starts off with basic words and simple phrases and gradually increases in difficulty. Each level builds on the previous level. There is lots of repetition and practice at spelling the same words in the dictation sentences so that the children become proficient in spelling and writing. I have included the commonly misspelt words that create difficulty for children in their writing regularly in the dictation so that the children become familiar with spelling them and use them confidently in their independent writing. I believe that dictation provides the most valuable application of spelling. The dictation sentences used are relevant and meaningful to the children’s everyday life.

While the spelling programme is primarily visual and the emphasis is visual, sound patterns are also a feature of the programme. Words were selected to correspond with the recommended phonics for particular class levels but rather than concentrating on the sound within the word the visual aspect should be brought to the foreground. Spelling is primarily visual and children who over rely on sounds make poor spellers. There is also a language component to the programme. Many of the spellings included may well be new to their vocabulary.

4

By including the words in dictation they are learning their meaning and how to use them in the correct context.

It is very simple to administer and parents would have no difficulty in using the programme at home. Spelling is a written exercise so it is important for parents to note that when their children are learning their spelling at home that they write down their attempts at spelling words and not call out the letters to a parent who might be engaged in another task and listening in the background. Children should be encouraged to correct any errors in a word themselves and use the Look ,Say,Trace, Cover , Write, Check technique to learn spellings .

The approach used by parents at home should be positive and encouraging. Any effort to spell any part of a word should be praised. Children who are confident and are praised for their efforts tend to achieve better. Negative comments are not helpful to children in their efforts to learn spelling. Every failure is a learning opportunity.

I was prompted to write the programme after a six week teaching period in mainstream, teaching 4th, 5th and 6th classes. During that time I noted that many children were spending lengthy periods spelling difficult lists of words, many of them with no visual similarities. I noted that while they had relative success in the spelling test many of the words were not functional words in their vocabulary and therefore I never saw them appear in their written expression. Learned for success in a Friday test and forgotten by Monday.

In September 2013 the programme was piloted in our school, 1st to 6th classes. The 6th class started on level 6. In September 2014 6th class pupils started working on level 7. In January 2014 the Senior Infant class commenced the level 1 programme.

In May 2014 The Drumcondra Spelling Tests and SWST (Single Word Spelling tests) were administered to all pupils from 1st to 6th. Significant improvements were noted particularly in pupils who had been underperforming, when compared with results from the previous year.

Throughout the year the teachers were remarking on the improvement in written work in their classes. The pupils were enjoying the programme and were applying their spelling.

All the children in our school are on the spelling programme. Every morning the first lesson on the timetable in each class is dictation and spelling. Dictation and spelling is no longer seen as something threatening even by the weaker spellers. The children are very eager to do their dictation in the morning. They are very motivated by the programme. They are enjoying it and this is reflected in their writing. Parents have reported at parent/teacher meetings that they have seen the improvement.

I use the programme in the Learning Support class with all the children and it provides a continuity with their classwork spellings. I have always taught spelling using this approach but success is much more achievable with children coming to learning support as the same approach is being used in the mainstream classes. I have noted that the children are much more eager to write, are enjoying spelling and actually request that I do the dictation with them as they are experiencing success and are highly motivated by the programme. They love the challenge of trying to find the pattern in the word lists and even when reading they are always pointing out visual cues they see in words.

5

This programme as one parent said “has taken the struggle out of spelling for the weaker speller”.

Included in this manual in addition to the spelling lists and dictation sentences are some spelling tips, rules and mnemonics, many of them made up by children I have taught over the years.

Learning to spell in the English Language is not an easy task for any of us! I hope that this spelling programme will enable teachers and parents to make the teaching and learning of spelling a fun as well as purposeful experience. I hope that the useful hints and mnemonics suggested will provide the children with useful tools they can use to help them become confident and independent spellers.

I would like to thank all my teaching colleagues in Drumoghill school Susan, Noreen, Maelíosa and Darren who are using the programme and who have given me positive feedback on the programme almost on a daily basis. They are very positive about the benefits of the spelling programme and have contributed their thoughts on the spelling in the manual. They, together with the other staff members Anne and Bríd have encouraged me to publish it. The pupils in Drumoghill school are very proud of their spelling programme and are happy to share it with other schools so they too can experience the success in written expression that the pupils in Drumoghill school have achieved through using the programme. Special thanks to my husband Leo who is my inspiration and my children Ruairí and Ciara who have always supported me in everything I do.

Testimonials

Noreen Graham (Infant Teacher) “I introduced Level 1 of this spelling programme with my senior Infant class in the second term, January 2014. Using the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check method the children are enjoying learning their spellings and pointing out the word patterns in their lists. The dictation sentences provided are very effective as the children are steadily growing in confidence with their independent writing. I find the programme a fantastic help in my classroom as it teaches the high frequency words and the cvc words that are relevant for Infant’s written expression. Before using this spelling programme all the spelling taught was phonic based and the children were constantly asking how to spell words when they were doing their independent sentences whereas now they have a learned bank of written vocabulary very relevant to their written expression.In addition the spelling practice sheets are an excellent resource for the children to practise and reinforce their spelling at home.”

6

from Teachers

Darren Hunter ( 1st,2nd,3rd class teacher) “Having used this spelling and dictation programme levels 2,3 and 4 since September 2014 , the last 6 months , I have found it to be hugely beneficial and a great asset in the classroom . Often spellings are taught in isolation but with this programme the dictation provides an age appropriate , child friendly context to see how the new words can be used in a sentence which is extremely valuable . There is a clear ,natural progression from one list to the next and the dictation sentences allow the children to revise previously learned spellings as well as make attempts at new spellings. I have noticed a vast improvement in each pupils ‘ general spelling ability in their independent writing since incorporating this programme. I would highly recommend it. “

Administration of the Programme This spelling programme is very teacher/parent and child friendly and easy to administer. Each child needs a spelling copy and highlighters and I suggest that all children from First Class upwards use a notebook to make their own personal dictionary .Every letter of the alphabet should be assigned at least 2 pages.

There are 7 levels. Level 1 has 18 lists with 12 spellings in each list. Levels 2 to 7 have 32 lists of words with 16 spellings in each list. Each list has corresponding dictation sentences which incorporate as many of the words as possible from the corresponding lists. The target words are highlighted in the dictation.

The programme should start in September and the 32 weeks should bring the children right through to the end of the school year. Level 1 is designed for use at the Senior Infant level to commence at the beginning of the second term provided that the pupils can write the initial sound of most words. Children struggling with initial sounds and letter formation should be delayed until they have mastered them. The first introduction to spelling we want for children is that it should be fun and provide the experience of success.

The children should be introduced to the full list on Monday. This is their word bank for the week. There are visual patterns in almost every list and they are not highlighted except at level 1, as children will remember the pattern better if they highlight it themselves. It is recommended that the children learn at least 4 spellings a night, however if there are 5 words with a similar pattern it is hoped that the children will learn the extra spelling easily.

The children’s attention should be drawn to the visual patterns in words with less emphasis on sounds. Their attention should be drawn to letter strings. Teachers should instruct the children to look closely at words to see if they can see any patterns, any little words within the bigger word, any cues that will make it easier for them to memorise the words. The important thing is to focus on the lists for however long is necessary to ensure all children see the visual cues. Spelling needs to be taught. In my experience even the struggling child can find the pattern and then begin to use this strategy to help them with other words they encounter even when reading.

An easy way to remember difficult spellings is to think of a word for each letter of the tricky word. This term is called mnemonics eg FAMILY father and mother I love you. They are a great source of enjoyment and the more bizarre they are the greater the chance of the child retaining them. In time children start to make up their own mnemonics and they certainly add a fun element.

The LOOK,SAY,TRACE,COVER, WRITE, CHECK technique is recommended. By encouraging the pupils to say aloud each word as they write and also trace over the letters before they write they are using a multi–sensory approach. This multi –sensory approach using the motor, auditory, visual and tactile techniques increases the probability of the child retaining the spelling. It also ensures all learning styles are covered. The children are encouraged to use this technique at home on their practice spelling sheets which are included in this manual.

Each spelling list has corresponding dictation. The dictation sentences can be used in whichever way suits the teacher best eg 2 sentences per day and maybe on a Friday dictating sentences 7

they had already called earlier in the week. The dictation sentences should be recorded in their dictionary copy. It is up to the teacher whether they want to test children on all 16 spellings on a Friday in the form of a written test. I have included a spelling test record template for this purpose in the manual. By using the dictation during the week the teacher is in fact testing the pupil’s knowledge of the words. Children, especially the weaker pupils see dictation as less threatening than a “Friday Test.” By including the words in dictation they are being reinforced in the context of a sentence and children are more likely to remember them and better still use them in their own writing. It is definitely more effective than learning spelling for a “Friday Test “that are forgotten by Monday and never used again!

Children are encouraged to write any word that they misspell in dictation into their dictionary.

The dictionary becomes their record of personal errors. In this way they build up their own personal writing bank which they can refer to when they are writing independently. The advantage of their own dictionary also is that they are revising words already learned. Every time they go to their dictionary to put in a new word they will see the word they put in above this.

Any attempt at spelling any part of the word should be praised. Attention should be drawn to the letters correctly positioned in the word rather than using any negative language like, that’s wrong. It is important to note also that it tends to be the children who have errors in their spelling who usually spend the longest time learning them.

I sincerely hope you enjoy using this programme, good luck!

Testimonials from Pupils

Jamie 4th Class “I really like our spelling programme. Words from previous lists keep coming up so we can learn them better. The dictation really helps because when we do it we have a clearer understanding of the words and then know how to use them again in our writing “.

Shay 5th Class (Dyslexic) “I think the spelling programme is good because the same spellings keep coming up and you get to learn them. It’s a good thing because you learn new words to use in your writing and my spelling came on very well.”

Aoife 4th Class “I think it has helped me because it has patterns to help you remember the words and make them easier to learn.“

8

LEVEL 4 Spelling Programme WORD LISTS This level is recommended for third class pupils assuming they have completed the previous levels. Level 4 builds on and incorporates levels 1, 2 and 3 words in the dictation sentences.

For this programme to be effective children need to experience success and therefore need to be put on the appropriate level for their ability so this may necessitate some pupils working on level 3 or even level 2.

Refer to page 7 on how to administer the programme .

LIST 1 are

LIST 2 young

LIST 3 sure

LIST 4 twelve

care

younger

measure

twenty

careful

youngest

treasure

dance

careless

body

pleasure

France

square

nobody

afraid

chance

scare

anybody

raid

distance

share

somebody

laid

since

spare

everybody

paid

prince

stare

don’t

cycle

princess

idea

won’t

bicycle

pie

leave

couldn’t

cycling

pier

sneak

wouldn’t

cyclist

happier

squeak

haven’t

listen

magpie

beast

aren’t

often

pierce

real

isn’t

fasten

piece

heal

didn’t

soften

niece

9

LIST 5

LIST 6

LIST 7

LIST 8

tie

field

football

January

die

yield

carpet

February

soldier

shield

target

Library

dies

thief

handbag

second

diesel

grief

homework

secondary

ladies

brief

raincoat

primary

bodies

chief

goldfish

Mary

mischief

cowboy

April

believe

priest

butter

during

lied

fierce

shutter

hurt

tied

married

litter

burst

cried

carried

letter

bury

fried

hurried

better

jury

tried

worried

matter

injury

dried

twig

winner

surname

spied

twist

dinner

survive

lie

10

LIST 9

LIST 10

LIST 11

LIST 12

guard

October

little

sword

guess

December

cattle

word

guessed

lunch

battle

wriggle

guest

lunchbox

rattle

giggle

league

bunch

kettle

wiggle

guitar

punch

nettle

goggles

disguise

crunch

settle

snuggle

guy

munch

wrap

struggle

August

pinch

write

juggle

member

bench

writing

knew

remember

trench

written

knee

November

French

wrote

kneel

September

drench

wren

knife

March

branch

wrist

knives

market

ranch

wreck

knock

Martin

inch

answer

knuckle

11

LIST 13

LIST 14

LIST 15

LIST 16

happen

bottle

turn

edge

happened

cuddle

return

ledge

happiest

bible

turnip

sledge

funniest

tumble

turkey

hedge

apple

jumble

turf

badge

purple

mumble

disturb

judge

simple

grumble

burger

fudge

exam

tremble

burn

budge

example

gamble

burglar

budget

trample

scramble

surface

smudge

candle

wobble

surgeon

grudge

handle

gobble

surgery

dodge

middle

pebble

murmur

lodge

saddle

scribble

murder

lodger

paddle

single

further

bridge

puddle

tangle

purse

fridge

12

LIST 17

LIST 18

LIST 19

LIST 20

able

lying

used

world

cable

dying

amuse

worm

table

tying

amusements

worth

stable

trying

refuse

worn

vegetable

crying

museum

climb

comfort

frying

excuse

climber

comfortable

spying

useful

climbed

jungle

flying

useless

limb

gargle

tries

actor

lamb

bundle

countries

tractor

comb

marble

ponies

fact

bomb

tickle

stories

factory

tomb

such

carries

doctor

numb

much

worries

visit

thumb

animal

else

visited

crumb

banana

journey

hospital

plumber

13

LIST 21

LIST 22

LIST 23

LIST 24

does

soup

angel

moment

goes

group

danger

pavement

toes

double

anger

government

potatoes

trouble

stranger

cement

tomatoes

couple

range

celery

shoes

court

canoe

course

arrange

parcel

poem

gent

fringe

cinema

poet

urgent

hinge

circle

pear

gentle

ginger

circus

wear

intelligent

finger

decide

swear

gently

singer

excited

beard

giant

imagine

cent

heart

cell

engine

centre

hearse

cellar

engineer

rent

rehearse

excellent

passenger

innocent

orange

14

celebrate

LIST 25

LIST 26

LIST 27

LIST 28

wealth

finish

stone

parish

wealthy

finished

shone

partner

health

furnish

honest

separate

healthy

won

skipping

depart

death

wonder

dripping

parade

breath

wonderful

planning

perhaps

deaf

became

trotting

perfume

ready

camel

stopping

person

steady

camera

owe

personality

thread

soccer

power

perform

threaten

really

tower

Perfect

eaten

realise

shower

insect

beaten

organise

slower

inspect

meadow

sugar

towel

subject

gym

garden

vowel

object

energy

gardener

trowel

select

15

LIST 29

LIST 30

LIST 31

LIST 32

saw

loud

captain

view

law

cloud

Britain

interview

claw

cloudy

curtain

chew

awful

proud

fountain

screw

lawn

aloud

chieftain

scrap

yawn

round

Paul

scrape

prawn

surround

fault

straight

crawl

mound

Autumn

strap

trawler

wound

sauce

strike

shawl

couch

saucer

stroke

hawk

pouch

applaud

herd

awkward

voucher

auto

shepherd

straw

mouth

automatic

nerve

drawer

south

author

serve

withdraw

trousers

launch

servant

awe

mountain

laundry

nervous

16

LEVEL 4 Mnemonics & Spelling Tips List 1 ARE , CAREFUL We ARE always CAREFUL List 2 YOUNG YOU look so YOUng. List 3 CYCLE Can You Cook Large Eggs?

CYCLING *When the ING comes to stay the E goes away.

OFTEN, LISTEN I OFTEN LISTEN to the news at TEN. List 4 TWENTY There is WENT in TWENTY PIECE,PIE,PIER,MAGPIE “Can I have a PIECE of PIE to throw at the MAGPIES on the PIER”? asked PIERCE. SINCE, PRINCE, PRINCESS It is a long time SINCE I saw the PRINCE and PRINCESS.

17

List 5 SOLDIER , DIE A SOLDIER will often DIE in battle.

BELIEVE, LIE Never BELIEVE a LIE Plural rule ladies, bodies. Change the “y” to “i” and add es. cried, fried, tried, dried, spied (LIST 5) married, carried, hurried, worried (LIST 6) RULE: If a word ends in a consonant plus “Y” eg cry, change the “y” to “i” before adding any ending, except when adding “ing” you leave the y eg CRIED, CRYING. List 6 “i” before “e” except after c. thief, field etc List 8 FEBRUARY FIVE ENGLISH BOXERS RAN UP A ROUGH YARD We all Say “BR “in FEBRUARY LIBRARY There is a BRA in LIBRARY DURING DO U RING the bell DURING class 18

List 9 Silent u guard, guy, guest etc List 11 Silent W Write, wrap, wrote, wren, answer, etc List 12 Silent K Knife, knee, kneel, knock, List 16 dge says “j” edge, ledge hedge etc List 17 VEGETABLE Eat your vegetable at the table Eat your VEG at the TABLE VEG + E= TABLE List 18 Reminder of the “y” rule again When a word ends in a consonant plus “y” change the “y” to “i” and then add the ending except when adding –ing you leave the y. trying, flying, spying, crying 19

JOURNEY OUR JOURNEY to Dublin for OUR TOUR took FOUR HOURS List 19 HOSPITAL Never SPIT in the HOSPITAL ACTOR, TRACTOR, FACTORY The ACTOR drives his TRACTOR to the FACTORY List 20 Silent b Lamb, limb, comb, tomb etc LAMB LOOK AT MY BOOK VISIT , VISITOR V + is + it= VISIT V+is+it+or = VISITOR List 20 CLIMBED I CLIMBED into BED List 21 Does Dad Often Eats Steak 20

List 22/ List 23 Soft G When “g” is followed by “e”, “i” or “y” it makes a “j” sound. giant, gent, germ, gentle.

List 24 Soft C When “c “ is followed by an “i” ,”e” or “y” it makes a “s” sound. cinema, circle, cent, excited cellar etc List 25 GYM Get Your Membership List 26 GARDEN There is a DEN in my GARDEN CAMERA, CAMEL I CAME with my CAMERA OWE , SHOWER WE OWE you money for the SHOWER

21

List 27 SKIPPING,DRIPPING etc In 1-1-1 words, that is words that have one syllable , one , vowel and one consonant at the end , you must double the last consonant before adding the ending.

List 29 Aw words List 30 Ou as in Ouch words List 31 Au words List 28 Separate There is A RAT in SEPARATE List 31 Laundry I can DRY my clothes at the LAUNDRY.

22

LEVEL 4 Dictation Sentences Dictation 1 1. I will sneak into the spare room and scare my uncle.

2. I will share my idea with my teacher.

3. He is so careless he leaves all his things on the floor.

4. Take care of your cut so it can heal soon.

5. I always meet my friends at the village square on Saturday.

6. Be careful not to stare at the beast or he might attack you.

Dictation 2 1. My youngest sister won’t share her sweets with anybody.

2. My young cousin didn’t take care of his good clothes.

3. I couldn’t wait to go on the school tour with everybody from third class.

4. There aren’t any sweets left to share.

5. Nobody will share their toys with my younger brother because he won’t look after them.

6. I haven’t an idea where your uncle lives.

Dictation 3 1. I often go cycling with my friends.

2. I’m sure going cycling with you will be a pleasure.

3. In class we listen to each other and share ideas.

4. I’m afraid I paid too much for that bicycle.

5. I will measure how far we cycle in the car later.

6. There was a raid in the village and all the treasure was stolen.

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Dictation 4 1. If I get a chance I hope to go with my niece to France for twenty days.

2. It is a long time since the prince and princess came to visit Ireland.

3. My daughter is much happier since I allowed her to pierce her ears.

4. I ate a piece of cottage pie for my lunch.

5. Did you ever hear the saying ,one magpie for sorrow?

6. I saw twelve cyclists in the distance cycling towards the pier.

Dictation 5 1. The ladies love to dress up like a princess.

2. I tried to tie up my hair with a bow after I had dried it but it didn’t look right.

3. I believe a soldier died last night while on duty.

4. I love fried eggs and toast for breakfast on Saturday mornings.

5. My parents cried when they heard their niece had died.

6. The soldiers found lots of dead bodies on the road side while on duty.

Dictation 6 1. The priest who married my niece was born in west Donegal.

2. I was worried my son would get up to mischief when I was away on holidays in France.

3. The farmer hurried to feed his cows in the field before the rain started.

4. I carried my piece of cake to school carefully in my briefcase.

5. The thief got away from the police.

6. I twisted my ankle on a twig that was sticking out of the soil.

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Dictation 7 1. I tried to get all my homework done before football training.

2. It is better to post that letter first thing in the morning if you want it to arrive on time.

3. It wouldn’t matter if butter got on the carpet as it is worn anyway.

4. The children picked up all the litter around the house before dinner.

5. I will pull down the shutter on the window because I’m afraid a thief might break in.

6. I believe if I reach this target I am the winner.

Dictation 8 1. I started a new secondary school last January.

2. During my primary school years we went on so many tours to such interesting places.

3. I had to write my surname on a form for secondary school.

4. February is the second month of the year.

5. Mary hurt her arm while working in the library.

6. The young soldier didn’t survive the injury he got while in battle.

Dictation 9 1. Martin is starting primary school in September.

2. The jury found Martin guilty of the crime last November and he was sent to prison.

3. The guy who taught us guitar in primary school couldn’t remember my name.

4. Mark is a member of the swimming club in ____________since early August.

5. We are having guests for tea.

6. I guessed it was my brother even when he was wearing a disguise. * In sentence 4 put in your local swimming club.

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Dictation 10 1. I bought a lovely bunch of flowers to surprise my daughter on her birthday in October.

2. I am studying French at secondary school.

3. The soldier dug a trench.

4. I sat on the bark bench to eat my lunch .

5. In December the weather is always freezing.

6. The French guy tried to punch the guard with his lunchbox.

Dictation 11 1. I hope I will settle well into my new secondary school in September.

2. The people cried when they heard that the soldier died in battle.

3. I am writing the answer to my sums in my homework copy.

4. I wrote a little note to my French penpal to tell her I broke my wrist.

5. I will boil up the kettle to make tea to have with biscuits for my guests.

6. I will wrap up the rattle and hide it from the baby as the noise is annoying.

Dictation 12 1. I wrote the wrong word in my answer.

2. I knew I would giggle when I got the wrong answer.

3. The soldier uses a sword in battle.

4. I can snuggle down for the night when I have written my essay.

5. It is a struggle to stay under water without goggles.

6. I put the knives and forks on the table for our guests.

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Dictation 13 1. What happened to you in the middle of your music exam?

2. Remember if you light a candle to put it out before you go to bed.

3. The teacher showed us some simple examples of how to do our sums on the whiteboard.

4. It is important to use a saddle on a horse for safety.

5. I love to splash in the puddles.

6. The happiest day of my life was the day we got married.

Dictation 14 1. I twisted my ankle when I tumbled of my horse during a riding lesson.

2. My little sister likes to scribble on our kitchen walls.

3. I bought the funniest purple jumper at the school jumble sale yesterday.

4. I bought a single ticket for the flight to London.

5. The teacher sometimes reads to us from the bible during the day.

6. My mum gives my baby sister a bottle and a cuddle before she goes to sleep.

Dictation 15 1. I was so annoyed when I couldn’t remember where I left my return ticket for the bus.

2. I eat turnips with my turkey for my Christmas dinner.

3. It is important not to disturb the surgeon during surgery.

4. Be careful not to burn the burger on the barbeque.

5. We burn turf on our fire during the winter months.

6. A burglar stole my purse from the kitchen table.

27

Dictation 16 1. The surgeon sat on the edge of the bed when talking to the sick lady.

2. The lodger left his bottle of coke in the fridge overnight.

3. My dirty hands left a large smudge on my clean page.

4. We play dodge ball during our break.

5. The gardener planted a pretty hedge on the bridge over the canal.

6. We always seem to have less money after the budget.

Dictation 17 1. My favourite vegetable is turnip.

2. I giggle and laugh so much when you tickle me.

3. I can’t afford a marble fireplace for our sitting room yet.

4. I brought bananas for the animals in the jungle.

5. If I gargle honey when I have a sore throat it makes me feel better.

6. I have such a soft comfortable bed.

Dictation 18 1. The air hostess is trying to make the flight journey as comfortable as she can for everyone on board.

2. The lady started crying when she heard from the surgeon that her husband was dying.

3. I am planning to visit many countries in Europe on inter rail next summer.

4. I always feel much more comfortable on a journey when I am lying down.

5. I enjoy listening to the childrens’ stories.

6. Is there anyone else coming to the stable to see the ponies?

28

Dictation 19 1. I visited my dying neighbour in hospital during the week.

2. It would be useful to visit the museum for information when doing your project on the jungle.

3. We used to always go once a year to the amusements when we were younger.

4. The teacher refused to believe the excuse I gave her for not doing my project.

5. The farmer brings his wife home from work in the factory on his tractor every evening.

6. I must visit my doctor this week to get something for my cough.

Dictation 20 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The plumber cut his thumb while mending our broken sink.

It is well worth the climb to the top of the hill just to see the view below.

I was worn out after my trip around the world.

The worm wriggles in the soil.

I left out crumbs for the birds as the soil was frozen.

I love to see the baby lambs in the fields in the spring time.

Dictation 21 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

My mother goes to the market to buy her potatoes.

My teacher likes us to learn our poems off by heart.

I had to buy new shoes because my old ones felt very tight around my toes.

Tomatoes are often eaten as vegetables.

It is important to wear a life jacket when in a canoe.

The poet rubbed his beard while he thought of ideas for his poem.

29

Dictation 22 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

I add potatoes to my vegetable soup to make it thicker.

The teacher sorted us into groups to do a project.

The intelligent student got excellent marks in her exams.

The intelligent young student got double points for his course work.

The gentle giant helped the young couple who were in trouble.

There was a large crowd in the court room to hear all the statements in the murder case.

Dictation 23 The fire engine was called to put out the forest fire.

I cut my finger badly when it got caught in the hinge of the door.

I must arrange to visit my dentist soon.

I would imagine that repairing a car engine is easy if you have trained as an engineer.

5. The passenger sitting next to me on the train was a lady with long, ginger hair and a fringe.

6. Oranges are my favourite fruit.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Dictation 24 1. It was such an exciting moment in my life when I was on a flight for the first time.

2. The government have to decide where to make cuts in spending for the budget.

3. To celebrate my birthday I went to the cinema with my friends and family members.

4. I always get excited when the circus is coming to town.

5. My naughty daughter always has an innocent look of an angel on her face.

6. I will wrap up the parcel in silver paper and put a ribbon in the centre.

30

Dictation 25 1. I have eaten a healthy breakfast as I’ll need energy for the gym later.

2. I ran at a steady pace once around the meadow and was still out of breath.

3. My wealthy uncle lives in a large apartment in the centre of New York.

4. I believe that there is a life after death.

5. If a bully ever tries to threaten you in the yard you must make sure to tell your teacher.

6. The starter said ready, steady go and the race was off.

Dictation 26 1. It really was a wonderful feeling to cross the finish line in the race.

2. I didn’t realise that it would take so much time to organise the garden party.

3. Too much sugar in the diet is not good for your health.

4. I often wonder what it would be like to live in the jungle.

5. I plan to celebrate in style when my exams are finished.

6. It was so exciting when our soccer team won the final.

Dictation 27 1. A few minutes after the shower the sun shone again.

2. I used a towel to dry my dripping hair.

3. That young child is so honest he would never tell lies.

4. We are planning on stopping by to view the clock tower in Derry on our way to Belfast.

5. The fit man uses a lot of energy skipping in the gym.

6. I owe money to the teacher for swimming and music lessons for this term.

31

Dictation 28 1. I couldn’t believe the crowds of people who came out to watch the parade.

2. My parents helped me to select what subjects to study for my final exams.

3. It’s tough for the children of couples who separate to get used to their new lives.

4. Perhaps I will buy perfume for my partner to celebrate our first year together.

5. My daughter has the perfect personality to perform on stage.

6. A fly is an insect.

Dictation 29 1. The hawk carried straw with his claws to build his nest.

2. I keep all my important things locked in my drawer.

3. The old lady wore a shawl over her shoulders to keep her warm during the winter nights.

4. Babies learn to crawl before they walk.

5. I would be interested in studying law when I go to college.

6. I saw a lot of programmes on TV about the awful things that happened to Jews during the Second World War. Dictation 30 1. The woman was so proud when she saw her daughter perform in the theatre.

2. I bought a pair of brown, heavy trousers with my voucher.

3. The weather tomorrow in Ireland is expected to be cool and cloudy.

4. I climbed the mountain surrounded by family and friends.

5. I lay on the couch all night watching films.

6. We plan to holiday in the south of the country next year.

32

Dictation 31

1. I am so proud of my cousin Paul who is the captain of the soccer team.

2. I visited Britain last Autumn.

3. We will applaud the author of the poem when we meet him in the library.

4. It is not my fault that the laundry got coloured in the wash.

5. My father has a fountain in his front garden.

6. I will help by taking the dirty cups and saucers to the sink.

Dictation 32 1. I was so nervous in my interview I went straight home after as I didn’t want discuss it.

2. There is a great view of the surrounding countryside from our kitchen window.

3. The workers are going on strike because they have not been paid what they are owed.

4. My grandfather died in hospital shortly after having a stroke.

5. The herd of cattle are grazing in the meadow.

6. The young child got a scrape on his finger from the screw.

33

Level 4 Photocopiable Template for

Name:

Dictation Sentences ..........................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

34

Dictation

.......................................

Level 4 Record of Spellings Name: _______________________ Class: _________ Date: _____________

How do you think you did in your spelling today?

LIST ____ 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

SCORE _____ 16 35

Practise Spelling these words each night

MON

TUES

WED

Name:_______________________________ List :____ Date:_____

THURS

Level 4

LOOK, COVER, WRITE, CHECK

36

LEVEL 5 Spelling Programme WORD LISTS This level is recommended for fourth class pupils assuming they have completed the previous levels. Level 5 builds on and incorporates levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 words in the dictation sentences.

For this programme to be effective children need to experience success and therefore need to be put on the appropriate level for their ability so this may necessitate some pupils working on level 2 or even level 3.

Refer to page 7 on how to administer the programme .

LIST 1 owl

LIST 2 bare

LIST 3 high

LIST 4 waving

howl

prepare

higher

saving

bowl

dare

highest

shaving

growl

rare

thigh

living

prowl

area

sigh

giving

fowl

pair

sighed

diving

site

repair

interfere

driving

spite

stairs

severe

arriving

invite

upstairs

sincere

surviving

polite

downstairs

sincerely

shaking

retire

unfair

relate

stocking

compete

bait

translate

smoking

athlete

wait

shade

smiling

complete

waiter

lemonade

dining

concrete

waitress

brigade

hoping

delete

waist

invade

voting

37

LIST 5

LIST 6

LIST 7

LIST 8

scar

journey

pear

delight

scarf

kidney

peach

delighted

scare

chimney

peace

delightful

scared

turkey

peas

lightning

scarce

valley

appear

lighthouse

easy

trolley

disappear

nightmare

greasy

artist

event

frighten

easier

blister

convent

frightened

easiest

wrist

invent

tight

easily

consist

silent

sight

ease

exist

talent

bright

disease

insist

plenty

might

grease

mistake

absent

accident

obey

instant

consent

resident

disobey

distant

prevent

dentist

grey

distance

present

president

38

LIST 9

LIST 10

LIST 11

LIST 12

taste

due

somewhere

river

waste

sue

nowhere

shiver

plaster

blue

everywhere

silver

plastic

clue

grandfather

driver

elastic

glue

grandmother

anger

also

true

newspaper

danger

always

statue

afternoon

stranger

already

value

airport

hunger

altogether

continue

carpet

longer

although

queue

target

stronger

almost

tissue

understand

faster

though

Tuesday

understood

writer

plough

rescue

football

shorter

bough

avenue

snowball

order

dough

argue

outfit

border

doughnut

argument

birthday

recorder

39

LIST 13

LIST 14

LIST 15

LIST 16

smaller

thunder

inside

nothing

taller

leader

outside

everything

winner

cleaner

beside

anything

dinner

winter

belong

something

runner

reporter

between

armchair

jogger

snooker

beyond

wheelchair

summer

whisker

begin

fireplace

hammer

whimper

beginning

friendship

swimmer

whisper

begun

sunshine

monster

temper

began

workshop

supper

tempt

behave

playground

pepper

attempt

forgive

background

robber

temple

forget

footpath

rubber

whiteboard

forgot

carrot

bigger

scoreboard

forgotten

butterfly

paper

cardboard

forward

crossword

40

LIST 17

LIST 18

LIST 19

LIST 20

wander

proper

prefer

halves

wandered

property

refer

calves

handful

properly

referee

lives

command

propose

fern

wives

sandwich

suppose

ferry

knives

thousand

supper

quite

drives

sandy

opera

suit

loaves

sandals

copper

suitable

leaves

desert

super

unsuitable

shelves

deserted

superb

tracksuit

elves

dessert

supermarket

suite

ourselves

concert

supervise

ensuite

themselves

certain

baptise

neck

yourselves

certainly

degree

necklace

thieves

villain

coffee

deck

believes

bargain

toffee

wreck

roofs

41

LIST 21

LIST 22

LIST 23

LIST 24

radio

ghost

wilt

helpful

studio

hostel

kilt

painful

study

poster

tilt

cheerful

student

postage

spilt

hateful

silence

frost

quilt

joyful

sentence

lost

felt

harmful

audience

ties

smelt

useful

science

counties

insult

hopeful

experience

cities

consult

mouthful

we’ll

tries

result

forgetful

they’ll

countries

difficult

powerful

we’re

parties

adult

grateful

you’re

cherries

admire

boastful

It’s

berries

advise

faithful

they’ve

lorries

adore

thankful

I’ve

carries

adopt

beautiful

42

LIST 25

LIST 26

LIST 27

LIST 28

tidying

squash

refill

unkind

copying

squeak

revise

unfair

carrying

squeal

retire

unless

marrying

squeeze

record

unlucky

worrying

squirrel

replace

unhappy

hurrying

swimming

repay

unwell

applying

stopping

repeat

unborn

supplying

dropping

reply

unlock

oar

skipping

rebuild

unable

roar

dripping

return

undress

roared

tripping

recover

untrue

groaned

slipping

reward

unselfish

moaned

shopping

remind

token

quiz

planning

remarry

woken

quick

dragging

reverse

spoken

quit

trotting

removal

broken

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LIST 29

LIST 30

LIST 31

LIST 32

nasty

enter

manage

marriage

tasty

entry

manager

carriage

dusty

entertain

damage

college

rusty

energy

voyage

picture

empty

petrol

average

future

silly

control

engage

nature

hilly

computer

engaged

capture

jolly

ribbon

savage

mixture

holly

rubbish

courage

adventure

merry

childish

encourage

station

cherry

Irish

passage

relation

strawberry

British

message

operation

raspberry

selfish

cabbage

mention

grasp

foolish

luggage

action

tyre

polish

package

fraction

type

punish

shortage

question

44

LEVEL 5 Mnemonics & Spelling Tips List 4 WAVING, SAVING etc • When the –ing comes to stay the e goes away.

List 8 TIGHT, BRIGHT, MIGHT, SIGHT IGHT pattern I’ve Got Hot Toast List 9 ALSO, ALWAYS, ALREADY, ALTOGETHER etc

• The one L rule for all when it comes at the beginning of a word.

List 17 DESERT, DESSERT I love 2 DESSERTS List 20 Halves, Calves, Lives, Knives etc PLURAL RULE • Some nouns ending in f or fe, change the f to v and add es to make the plural.

45

List 22 cities, parties etc PLURAL RULE • Nouns ending in a vowel and then “y” in The singular like key just add s in the plural . All other words ending in a consonant and then “y”, like city, change the “y “ to “i ” and then add es.

List 24 Helpful, painful, joyful etc When full is at the end of a word (suffix), drop one “l”.

BEAUTIFUL Big Elephants Always Understand That It’s Foolish Untying Laces.

List 25 copying, marrying etc Keep the “y” when adding –ing.

List 26 Swimming, stopping, dragging etc 1-1-1

words

When a word has one syllable,one vowel and one consonant at the end we must double the last letter before adding a vowel suffix.

46

LEVEL 5 Dictation Sentences Dictation 1 1. I plan to retire when I have completed twenty years service.

2. The athlete intends to compete in the Dublin City Marathon to raise money for charity.

3. If you make a mistake when typing on the computer you can delete it immediately.

4. The dog will growl if he doesn’t get his bowl of food when he is hungry.

5. The business man plans to invite all his clients to the opening night of his new hotel.

6. My neighbour needs to get planning permission to build on his site.

Dictation 2 1. The waiter will help the chef prepare dinner for their guests.

2. Lots of trees are bare in the autumn.

3. I bought a pair of trousers on Saturday in the upstairs department of H&M. 4. However, I had to wear a belt on my trousers as they were too wide around the waist.

5. The plumber is coming later to repair the leak in the downstairs toilet.

6. I enjoyed doing the lesson on area in my maths book last term.

Dictation 3 1. I hope the weather doesn’t interfere with our plans to climb the highest mountain in Ireland tomorrow.

2. I sighed when I heard there was severe weather alerts for the following day.

3. The fire brigade didn’t delay getting to the scene of the accident.

4. We have to translate sentences into Irish for our homework.

5. I enjoy having a drink of lemonade in the shade after finishing my workout in the gym.

6. I gave all my students sincere good wishes before their exams.

47

Dictation 4 1. My parents are arriving home from London on the eight o’ clock flight.

2. I am saving as much as I can each month to buy presents for my family at Christmas.

3. Smoking is a serious risk to your health.

4. The government is hoping to save money in the budget.

5. The passengers were shaking with fear after surviving the plane crash on arriving at the airport 6. The supporters were waving and smiling at the athletes as they competed in the road race.

Dictation 5 I am easily scared.

Disease is widespread in third world countries due to food being scarce.

Children should obey their parents and teachers.

Greasy food is unhealthy and full of calories and should be avoided if you are on a diet.

5. It is easier to study subjects you enjoy and find interesting.

6. The easiest way to travel to Dublin is by car.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Dictation 6 1. The man getting a kidney transplant had a difficult and worrying journey to hospital.

2. The artist was very upset when she broke her wrist as she knew she would be unemployed for at least 6 weeks.

3. I put my shopping in the wrong trolley but luckily realised my mistake before I reached the checkout.

4. My sister was in a lot of pain when she had a blister on her toe.

5. In Ireland it is a tradition to have turkey and ham for Christmas dinner.

6. I don’t believe that either ghosts or monsters exist.

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Dictation 7 1. I spent a thousand euro on presents for my family at Christmas.

2. Peas are my favourite vegetables.

3. I stood waving goodbye to my visitors at the door until they disappeared out of sight.

4. The tuck shop is an annual event in our school to raise money for a charity of our choice.

5. That young girl has plenty of musical talent.

6. I enjoy relaxing at home by the fire on a winter’s night in the peace and quiet while the wind is howling outside.

Dictation 8 I was delighted when I got invited to meet the president.

I was so frightened when I heard the thunder and saw the lightning.

The thought of going to the dentist is frightening.

I had a nightmare last night that my parents were involved in a serious accident.

5. The president might appear on The Late Late Show tonight.

6. The residents in our area set up a neighbourhood watch to try to prevent robberies.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Dictation 9 It is important to put plastic bottles in the blue waste bin.

Although my arm is in plaster, I can still manage to write.

I love the taste of sugar in doughnuts.

I love to sit in my uncle’s tractor and watch him ploughing the fields.

My mother is still in hospital since having a car accident though the doctors say she is improving.

6. I used an elastic band to keep my notes altogether.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

49

Dictation 10 1. While standing in a queue in the post office last Tuesday I noticed the couple beside me having an argument, 2. Sue blew her nose into the blue tissue.

3. When there is a fire the rescue team appear in a fire brigade.

4. The children seldom argue with each other.

5. We will continue on our journey after we eat our doughnuts.

6. When buying a car it is sometimes difficult to know the true value.

Dictation 11 1. I searched everywhere for the missing animal but it was nowhere to be seen.

2. My grandmother and grandfather spend every afternoon at home by the fire reading newspapers.

3. As a birthday present my grandmother has promised to buy me a new outfit.

4. I couldn’t understand my maths, although my teacher had tried to explain them to me.

5. My mother changes the carpet in our dining room every two years.

6. The children enjoyed throwing snowballs at the target.

Dictation 12 1. The singer looked beautiful in her shiny, silver dress.

2. The teacher always reminds us to remember never to speak to strangers.

3. Since I became a member of the local swimming club I have gotten stronger and can swim for longer.

4. The driver put the lives of his passengers in danger when he drove over the speed limit.

5. I often order a take –away from the Chinese restaurant at the weekend.

6. We are learning how to play the recorder in our music class this term.

50

Dictation 13 1. I usually put salt and pepper on the table when we have guests for dinner.

2. The winner of the talent show will appear in the local paper during the week.

3. I had a nightmare that a robber broke into our neighbour’s house while they were on their summer holidays.

4. The teacher bought all her pupils a rubber, copy and pencil for their first day at school.

5. Every evening on my way home from work I meet several joggers on the road.

6. I intend to dress up as a monster for Hallowe’en.

Dictation 14 1. The scores in the snooker match were recorded on a scoreboard for all the supporters to view.

2. The cleaner lost her temper when she saw all the stains on the floor minutes after polishing it.

3. The athlete will attempt to beat his personal record in his next race.

4. We went to visit a Jewish temple during our holidays.

5. We could hear our cat whimper during the storm as she was frightened.

6. I store lots of personal items in a cardboard box under my bed.

Dictation 15 1. I began to study for my exams in the beginning of the school term.

2. If we don’t behave during class our teacher keeps us inside at break time as a punishment.

3. I had to divide my chocolate bar between my friends so we all had an equal share.

4. I spend ages every evening learning my spellings but by morning I have usually forgotten them all.

5. On a clear summer’s day you can see far beyond the horizon.

6. My little cousin is so shy she stayed behind the curtains while our visitors came to tea.

51

Dictation 16 1. Your friendship means everything to me.

2. I could hear a noise behind the armchair in the living room and realised later it was a butterfly.

3. I love sitting in my armchair by the fireplace eating carrot soup on a winter’s day.

4. There is a footpath all around the playground.

5. I feel so sorry for the young boy in the wheelchair who seems to have nothing to do all day.

6. Have you anything suitable I could wear to my cousin’s wedding?

Dictation 17 1. What a surprise it was to discover a handful of sweets hidden in the cupboard.

2. Over a thousand people attended the concert last night.

3. I wandered through the deserted streets of the city at midnight.

4. I always order apple pie as a dessert when I am in a restaurant.

5. I am certain you will enjoy your chicken sandwich later.

6. The journey through the desert will certainly be something I will always remember.

Dictation 18 I always look out for bargains when doing my shopping in the local supermarket.

I enjoy a cup of coffee after supper.

We had a superb night at the opera.

It is a difficult time for selling property.

We always try to behave properly when another teacher comes in to supervise our class.

6. I suppose I will study at college so I will pass my degree course.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

52

Dictation 19 1. I prefer to travel to Europe by ferry than by plane as I find the delays at the airports annoying.

2. The referee wears a tracksuit when on the pitch.

3. My parents have just bought a leather suite for our sitting room but I think it is unsuitable.

4. We have an ensuite off our bedroom.

5. I treated myself to a diamond necklace for Christmas.

6. The groom wore a white suit on his wedding day.

Dictation 20 1. All the footballers’ wives treated themselves to diamonds while on tour to New York with the soccer team.

2. Doctors are saving lives in our hospitals every day.

3. Two halves make one whole.

4. In autumn the leaves change colour.

5. I always put the knives and forks away carefully in the drawer after drying them.

6. My friend believes that if you don’t get enough sleep at night you will be a wreck the next day.

Dictation 21 I usually study while listening to music on the radio.

We’re planning to go a concert in the theatre during the Christmas holidays.

There was a large audience in attendance at the opera.

I find it difficult sometimes to put words in a suitable sentence.

The student finds it easier to study in silence in the studio than in the kitchen.

6. It’s always a great experience to enter a project in the science competition.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

53

Dictation 22 1. Students usually stay in hostels when on their travels through countries in Europe.

2. My daughter often has nightmares when she watches a film about ghosts.

3. My mum tries to include berries in our diet as they are healthy.

4. My little sister was so excited when she saw the poster advertising the circus coming to town.

5. There are thirty two counties in Ireland.

6. Lorries can cause long traffic delays if they drive through cities at rush hour.

Dictation 23 It is difficult for Irish couples to adopt children from other countries.

My mum was annoyed when I spilt paint on my new quilt cover.

I felt so proud of myself when I got the highest result in my maths exam.

I need to consult a doctor to advise me about the rash that has just appeared on my skin.

5. I admire people who give up their time to help others.

6. It is such an insult if an adult calls you names.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Dictation 24 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Lucy is always a very faithful friend.

The lonely lady was thankful for my company.

The runner had great difficulty training as his injury was so painful.

Most of the children in my class are usually in a cheerful mood.

I am so grateful to my parents for buying me a beautiful outfit for the concert.

My friend was really boastful when she got a new I phone as a birthday present.

54

Dictation 25 I spent weeks applying for jobs after I quit my job in the supermarket.

I am hopeful our class will do well in the credit union quiz this year.

My mother moaned and groaned during the night with her toothache.

My little brother is always worrying on Thursday nights about his spelling test on Friday mornings.

5. I got a backache from carrying my heavy school bag.

6. She tries copying the sentences from her neighbour when the teacher is not looking.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Dictation 26 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The water was dripping from his swimsuit.

I kept tripping over a log in the back garden while playing with my friends.

There’s a squeak every time I try to open the car door.

We’re planning to go for swimming lessons next term.

We always do our shopping in the supermarket every Saturday.

I saw a squirrel skipping across the road while travelling to school this morning.

Dictation 27 1. The bridge was knocked down in a traffic accident but we will try to rebuild it.

2. I am learning to drive so I will try to reverse the car into the garage.

3. If John’s wife dies I don’t think he would ever remarry.

4. I asked the teacher to repeat the question as I couldn’t hear her properly with the noise going on outside.

5. The students will revise their history for their exam at the end of term.

6. If Jane retires we will need someone to replace her.

55

Dictation 28 1. The rugby player was unlucky to have broken his leg during the match.

2. I was unable to go back to sleep after I was woken by the noise of the thunder storm.

3. I always undress before I take a shower.

4. Ruth is very worried about the health of her unborn baby.

5. I will not get paid unless I complete the work.

6. The principal has spoken to the new pupil as he seems very unhappy at school.

Dictation 29 1. The bully made nasty, silly comments to Ben during break time.

2. I will return to England by ferry on Monday night as there are usually lots of empty seats.

3. The cherry on top of the birthday cake was so tasty I could have eaten another one.

4. Christmas is the season to be merry and jolly.

5. It is so difficult to unlock the rusty old gate.

6. I spent hours polishing the dusty cupboards at the weekend.

Dictation 30 1. I paid my entry fee for the race by credit card on the computer earlier today.

2. I use up lots of energy doing a workout in the gym.

3. My friends can entertain themselves when they come to visit.

4. People spend lots of money on petrol and diesel while travelling long distances to work.

5. My car lost control on the ice and caused a serious accident on the motorway.

6. I have both British and Irish passports.

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Dictation 31 I am about average height and weight for my age.

The forgetful student left all his luggage at the station.

My cousin got engaged to the manager in her local supermarket.

We had my favourite dinner of cabbage and bacon yesterday.

The captain will encourage his team to attend training every night to give themselves the best chance of winning the final.

6. I will cycle through this long narrow passage.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Dictation 32 1. The future looks bright for the young law student who is attending college in Cork.

2. I have tried to capture the action in this picture.

3. Did I mention that my relation had a serious heart operation during the week?

4. We got a flat tyre on the way to the station.

5. The priest will celebrate the marriage of the young couple with their family, friends and relations.

6. We have a wonderful adventure playground for the young children of the parish.

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Level 5 Photocopiable Template for

Name:

Dictation Sentences ..........................................................................

1

2

3

4

5

6

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Dictation

.......................................

Level 5 Record of Spellings Name: _______________________ Class: _________ Date: _____________

How do you think you did in your spelling today?

LIST ____ 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

SCORE _____ 16 59

Practise Spelling these words each night

MON

TUES

WED

Name:_______________________________ List :____ Date:_____

THURS

Level 5

LOOK, COVER, WRITE, CHECK

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Photocopiable Template for Challenging Words

Fold

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Fold

Photocopiable template which can be used to spell words that are challenging.

1.

Copy the word

2.

Write the word as many times as you can in 1 minute

3.

Fold back columns 1 and 2 and then write the word

4.

Close your eyes and write the word from memory

5.

Write a sentence with the word in it.

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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