For this dictation, all you need are 6-10 short sentences–perhaps a summary of a song. Students can work individually, in small groups, or as a class to write the sentences. (For the dictation, use sentences that are a little shorter than those you might use when dictating sentences yourself–students do this activity on their own.) Here’s how it works:

1. Write 6-10 short sentences on the board.
2. Have half of your students turn their desks or chairs so that they can’t see the sentences on the board.
3. The remaining students find a partner and, facing the board, dictate about half the sentences to their partner.
4. Then students switch roles.
5. After the dictation, all students face the board and check their work.