Discover 12 Benefits of the Use of Dictation
How many times have you talked to your child and observed that he or she doesn’t understand what you’re saying or doesn’t pay attention? Well, there are some interesting tools that you can use to change that unwanted situation. One of them is the use of dictation, which we’ll talk about below.
Although it may seem surprising, dictations are very simple exercises with numerous benefits. Sometimes you don’t have to look for complex formulas to reach your little ones and optimize communication.
Use of dictation
When you hear the work dictation, you may imagine boring and routine exercises that little ones must complete. However, it can also mean a positive and pleasant moment if you know how to take advantage of its benefits and enhance its qualities.
For example, think of fun dictations that allow your little ones to laugh and encourage their sense of humor. Below, we’ll explain what children will learn with this educational tool.
By the way, you know what a dictation is, don’t you? Well, remember, you’ll choose a text and read it aloud while the child writes down what he or she hears. It’s that simple. And, at the same time, it’s tremendously beneficial for little ones, both in class and at home.
Benefits of using dictation
Now that you know what dictation is, we’ll talk about the benefits one by one, revealing all this tool provides for our children. Take note.
Improves logical thinking
Children recognize and reproduce words that, together, make sense and are coherent as phrases. Hence, the use of dictation enhances their logical understanding through the understanding of the semantic structure of the text.
Stimulates creativity
The use of dictation stimulates children’s creative abilities since, by using words, children improve their vocabulary. This then expands their capacity to better express their emotions, feelings, ideas, etc.
Improves concentration
Dictation is especially beneficial when it comes to children who have attention deficit disorders, or who are very anxious or hyperactive. This is because this work requires concentration and attention on the part of the child, who must abstain from external entertainment.
Promotes memory
Short-term memory is also greatly encouraged, as the child has to remember complete sentences that they’ll later write in their notebook.
It also helps in the sense that, by expanding vocabulary, the child learns new words that will already be part of their consciousness for later use in the medium and long term.
Promotes teamwork, another benefit of the use of dictation
Indeed, dictation enhances teamwork if used between classmates. In other words, one of the children can dictate to the others, so that they must cooperate and work together. This, in addition, strengthens the bonds of companionship.
Improves reading comprehension
A child with proper reading comprehension also improves their ability to understand others. Thus, every time they study or read a book for mere pleasure, they’ll understand everything better and have greater ease in assimilating concepts.
Vocabulary growth
Dictations allow children to increase their vocabulary. Thus, they improve their expression, have more confidence when speaking, have greater ease in communicating, expressing themselves, and in engaging in conversation with others.
Improves imagination, another benefit of dictation
The more imaginative the text or the more terms it includes that the child can learn, the greater it encourages their imagination and the greater their ability to imagine much further and expand their vocabulary and possibilities of dreaming.
Ease of reading
Reading will be a vital element in the child’s future life. They’ll always have to read – at work, in class, for pleasure, etc. Therefore, with dictations, we facilitate the present and future development of the child.
Improves self-correction skills
Children learn to correct themselves. In this way, they learn that to err is part of life. What’s more, they learn to repair their mistakes without this affecting their confidence and self-esteem.
Improves listening comprehension
It also improves listening comprehension. So, when you listen to other people talking to you, you’ll better understand what’s being said.
Reading is encouraged
Reading is often a fantastic habit for children. Throughout their lives, they’ll have to read, whether in class, at work, or for pleasure. Thus, through dictation, they’ll achieve a greater and better understanding of the world around them and expand their horizons, culture, and knowledge.
In short, if you get your children or students to practice daily, you’ll be able to take full advantage of these 12 benefits of using dictation and many more. Good luck and enjoy!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Cassany, D. (2004). El dictado como tarea comunicativa. Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cudinamarca: Tabula Rasa.