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Running Dictation

Text is posted on the wall. Students run to read it, memorise it, then dictate it to their partner.

⏱ 15-20 min⚡ High energy👥 Pairs

• sentences from the lesson

• reading passage

• dialogue

• grammar examples

• A short text printed or written on paper

• Tape to stick it on the wall

• Paper and pens for writers

📋 How to Play

Post a short text (3-5 sentences) on the wall outside or at the back of the classroom.
Students work in pairs — one is the RUNNER, one is the WRITER.
The runner goes to read the text, memorises as much as possible, then runs back.
They dictate what they remember to the writer.
Runners can make as many trips as needed.
First pair to write the complete text correctly wins.
Check accuracy together — spelling and punctuation count.

✓Use text from the current lesson — reading passage, dialogue, or grammar examples.

✓Adjust text length to the level of the class.

✓Remind students they cannot bring the text to their partner — memory only!

✓Swap runner and writer roles halfway for fairness.

→Use vocabulary definitions instead of a text.

→Post multiple short texts around the room — teams must collect all of them.

→Play as a team relay — one sentence each.

Want full 50-minute lesson plans for Ages 7-10?