D is for Dictation
One of the things that I appreciate most about Charlotte Mason’s approach is the way she unravels what I call “nests” of skills. She isolates specific skills and goals and aims at them purposely. One of the areas where this is most pronounced is what traditional education has dubbed Language Arts.
Many schools and curriculums have this broad category in which is tossed a tangle of various and sometimes vague pursuits. Charlotte Mason teases out this knot and gives us specifics with unique ways of achieving them: Reading (in younger years), literature (for all), handwriting and spelling via Copy-Work (in younger years), Composition via both oral and written narrations, Grammar (beginning in Form 2), and a continued study of spelling plus sentence analysis via Studied Dictation.
In separating and identifying she allows for 3 things: purposeful pursuit, short lessons, and the ability to place these individual lessons throughout the day’s schedule as a way of separating readings. As she reminds us - “A change is as good as break!” And so, a subject that was once a bulk of time dedicated to a nebulas cloud – becomes identifiable, approachable and even an asset to the arc of a day.
In this list, Studied Dictation is one of the pieces of terminology that may not be readily recognizable.
Essentially Studied Dictation is a study of structure; the structure of the words themselves but also their function and use in a well-crafted sentence, along with the punctuations that make them most readable and effective. These are the elements that make the communication of ideas (writing) a craft. In this slim time slot of the day there are layers of unspoken understanding that come and later materialize.
As with all of Ms. Mason’s applications, there is a high emphasis on attention and perfect (as possible to that particular born person) execution. The student has one chance to study the word, sentence, or passage - to study as long as need be, and then one chance to write it as it is read back. It sounds deceptively simple, but rest assured effort is there – it is merely and ingeniously placed on the shoulders of the student.
Another theme within Ms. Mason’s philosophy is the power of the inspiring idea. As utilitarian as the goals of Studied Dictation may seem, even here we find the power and force of ideas. In our family, many passages have been brought to life by the methodical study, and the slow reading-back-for-writing of texts used for Studied Dictation. In looking at these passages slowly, in weighing their rhythms and intentions – we heard them in a way that we hadn’t before. We not only gained tools – but understood why they were needed. Brilliant!
Sara Timothy 2023
Author’s Note: Does this sound too idealistic? Does Studied Dictation not appear as blushed in your day? Most days it doesn’t at our house either! This is one of Ms. Mason’s practices that often happens frank and fast. The rosiness of which I speak lies in the long term results I have seen over years. Studied Dictation truly is one of those approaches that acts like a tiny hammer whose results come only with repetitive blows. There is an element of faith needed here. Trust. Also, don’t be tempted to make a session into a sermonette on the idea contained in the chosen passage. Choose it, set them to it, follow the procedure and move on. Ideas have to have time to settle, skills need space to mature. Your part is diligence. I am becoming frustrated with some of the idealism set up as a goal in conversations around Charlotte Mason. I want you to know that everyday isn’t “magical” and isn’t supposed to be. The bulk of gardening is necessary work and waiting. But the net results of gardens are beautiful and ideal. This is a good analogy for what we as are doing. Be inspired - not discouraged.
Check out some of the links below for more specifics about how to do Studied Dictation at your house.
For Further Reading in the Volumes:
Topical CM Series (amblesideonline.org)
For Further Learning:
Spelling by Dictation (charlottemasonpoetry.org)
A Dictation Lesson | Charlotte Mason Help
Language Arts - AmblesideOnline - Charlotte Mason Curriculum
Spelling Other Than By Dictation • Sage Parnassus
Episode 227: Writing–Transcription & Dictation – A Delectable Education Podcast
How to Do Dictation - Simply Charlotte Mason
Resources:
Spelling Wisdom Homeschool Spelling Curriculum
DIY Dictation - Modern Miss Mason on Instagram
Thank you for linking these articles at the bottom of the piece. I’ve read many before over the past two years but they are timely re-reads for me.
I love that you mention the slow and careful review of the passages as active family time. I can tell you from experience that if you throw Spelling Wisdom at a tween boy as you walk away to prepare lunch, you may not (ahem, definitely will not) get the last results from the exercise. I’m hoping to reduce the dictation moaning and groaning with a lot more intentionality on my part.