Running Dictation: A Routine for Supporting ELLs

Running Dictation is an efficient routine in which pairs of students collaborate to write down a sentence or text that is posted in another location. This routine incorporates collaboration, reading, writing, speaking and listening. You can also use it to support whatever content you’re learning about as well.

I use this routine every two to three weeks to build vocabulary and introduce language-rich sentences, which can often be used as mentor sentences for writing. I find that it works especially well for ELLs.

In this clip, watch as students work together to write the sentence: “The location of Colorado is in the Rocky Mountain region.”

My favorite part of the clip is around the 3:10 mark when a student who speaks limited English works to spell and sound out words and phrases with her partner. Equally important, watch as the partner demonstrates empathy and creates a space for her to succeed.