How can dictation and having students read it back benefit emergent readers?

The benefit of dictation followed by having students read it back primarily lies in how it helps students observe conventions of writing. When emergent readers listen to dictation, they are actively engaged in the process of decoding spoken language and translating it into written form. This practice encourages them to pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, which are essential components of writing conventions.

As students read back what has been dictated, they reinforce their understanding of how language functions both in speech and writing. This practice helps them internalize patterns and rules of language, promoting better writing skills as they become more familiar with how sentences are formed and how ideas are structured in written communication. Thus, engaging with dictation and subsequent reading provides a holistic approach to literacy that supports their development as readers and writers.