How to Teach 'DICTATIONS' (With Inverted Commas) in Form Four

DICTATIONS (WITH INVERTED COMMAS) In Form Four 

Source: Pediaa.com

Review: Previously in Unit 5:3, we discussed about how to interactively teach the sub topic, ‘Reading Extensively’ in Form Three. In that sub topic, we discussed how the students can read various texts extensively and comprehend the content.

In this Unit 5:4, we will learn how to teach the sub topic, ‘Dictations’ in Form Four. In this sub topic, we will practically focus on how to guide students listen and write what is read from various texts given.

                                                                    

THE FOLLOWING IS THE COMPREHENSIVE TEACHING GUIDE ON THE SUB TOPIC:

A: INFORMATION OF THE TOPIC:

1. Topic: LISTENING FOR INFORMATION

2. Sub Topic: Dictations.

3. Periods per sub topic: 10
4: Class: Form Four.

B: HOW TO TEACH THE TOPIC:

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The aim of the sub topic is to make students able to write down correctly what is read. The focus is how to write down the information with inverted commas.

ACTIVITIES & GAMES TO FACILITATE A LESSON:

Activity 1: BRAINSTORMING, DEFINITION, AND INTENTION OF TEACHING DICTATION WITH ‘INVERTED COMMAS’.

Although this sub topic can be seen as simple to the Form Four students, but it is not because it is not just dictation; it is a dictation with inverted commas. It also has a big implication in their learning outcomes. So the teacher should follow all the steps applied when conducting a dictation with the main aim on the use of inverted commas. This is not just a dictation, but a dictation with the careful use of inverted commas in the speech.

By definition, inverted commas (single ‘…..’ or double “……”) are the quotation marks that are used in writing to single out the quotations or original words said by someone.

The purpose of teaching students how to realise Quotation marks or inverted commas is to help them identify direct speech (Speaker’s original words as referred in a speech) in a speech.

Activity 2: STAGES OF DICTATION.

As an old method of teaching writing from a spoken text, dictation has common stages to be followed regardless of the level of the students. What differentiates one dictation with another is the level of simplicity or complexity of the language, but the stages are the same. The following are the common stages of dictation:

Activity 3: DICTATION ACTIVITIES AND GAMES.

Dictation activities in this sub topic should involve the reading of text to the students. This text should contain quotations in which inverted commas are applied.

Common phrases used before or after the quotation has been introduced:

Said as in “I am a student”, Juma said or Juma said, “I am a student”.

Declared as in “We will fight to the end”, he declared or He declared, “We will fight to the end”.

Complained as in “Why are you treating me like this”, Asha complained.

Replied as in “Yes, I’m coming with you”, she replied.

Told as in “I will inform you”, teacher told us.

Asked as in “Why are you late”, he asked.

Ordered as in “Collect these rubbish quickly”, teacher ordered us as class.

The following is an example of a text with quotation marks in it. A teacher may read this text as a dictation to the students and see if they can write it correctly by observing and placing quotation marks as they write.

TEXT

Laura came back home and told her mother, "Today I am late because I have a lot of home works to finish". But her mother became very angry. She told her, "Why can't you finish your school works right here at home?". "No, mother", Laura replied and continued, "Mother, when I'm at home I don't have enough time to finish my home works!"

Laura's mother was angry. She told Laura, "I hate this behaviour. Next time don't repeat the same mistake". "It's all right, mother", said Laura. To make her mother comfortable, Laura told her mother, "I will make sure I finish my works earlier or I will have to finish them right here at home"

Extra Activity:
Students can be given the writing task. A teacher can prepare a text in which there are quotations but without the use of inverted commas. This task will improve students' ability to identify sentences with quotations and those with no quotations. This will also make them easily realise direct speech even in a speech.

Source: https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/inverted-commas-ks2-spag-test-practice/

6: CONNECTION: Beyond the Sub Topic. Dictation helps students with their communication and listening skills. It also helps students to exercise taking notes while listening. It also helps students to be able to construct sentences and ideas together. This is why, the use of inverted commas in speech and writing becomes confusing to those who have not mastered the use of these marks.

Also the lesson emphasise on the accuracy, understanding of the meaning of the passage, concentration, and communication skills in general.

7: NOTE: Inverted commas or quotation marks are punctuations that are used to mark the speaker’s original words in speech or writing. When listening to the oral text, quotation marks are identified by the speaker by using special words like said, told as mentioned earlier. When writing, the writer should be consistent. He or she should choose to use single (‘…’ or double marks (“…”), mixing them together it can be confusing to the readers.

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