Year 4 · Autumn 2 · Optional extra

Writing by voice

Objective I can dictate a sentence, then read it back and correct what the computer misheard.

Access & inclusion Word in depthGoogle Docs in depthPages in depth ⏱ 30 minutes Optional extra

Suggested 30-minute plan

A shape to adapt — not a script. Reorder, extend or trim to suit your class.

Connect5 min

Recap last week and share today’s goal: “I can dictate a sentence, then read it back and correct what the computer misheard.”. Show a quick example of writing by voice to hook interest and check what pupils already know.
Teach & model8 min

Model the key steps on the board using Dictate and WordVoice typing and Google DocsDictation and Pages. Think aloud, name the buttons and menus, and show one common mistake and how to fix it.
Practise13 min

Pupils work on today’s task — writing by voice — using Dictate and WordVoice typing and Google DocsDictation and Pages. Use the prepared materials: A quiet corner or headset microphones; a short prompt to dictate; the punctuation words on the board (“full stop”, “new line”, “question mark”). Circulate, prompt against the success criteria, and pair finishers with pupils who need support.
Review & reflect4 min

Pupils check their work against the “I can…” objective, save and tidy up, then share one thing that went well and one to improve. Preview next week.

Pre-open the app and any files, give a printed step-by-step, and pair with a confident partner. Keep the focus on the core “I can…”.

Ask pupils to add an extra feature, explain the steps back to the class, or help a partner who is stuck.