More on dictated stories

Bridge (1989) offers the following guidelines for the dictation process:

1. Students should be able to read back the story, so it shouldn't be too long (Isadora tends to refuse to do this right now, but I read it back to her).
2. If possible, wait until the student's thought is complete, then record exactly what the student says (I have to slow Isadora down to one sentence at a time because she tends to spill it all out in one breath).
3. Say each word as you write it, asking the student to watch (I sound out the words as I write them).
4. As you record, provide some reading instruction appropriate for this student (So I try to correct some of her words, pronunciation, etc. - but not too much! I want it to be fun and if I do much correcting it will change that).
5. Read the story aloud for the student, encouraging students to join in as they are able (Isadora is better able to "read" back one or two word sentences - "The End" is her favorite).
6. Have the student read the selection independently when she or he is able (This may take a while!).