1st Grade Dictation Sentences
In this post, you’ll find a list of 90 1st Grade Dictation Sentences that will help your child learn to write through copywork and dictation! These simple sentences are the perfect place to start your child’s writing journey!

Hello, fellow homeschooling mamas! As a mom of five, I know how busy and chaotic our days can get, but I also know how rewarding it is to watch our little ones grow and learn. One of the most delightful parts of our homeschooling journey has been introducing my first graders to the world of writing through dictation and copywork.
Today, I’m excited to share with you 90 sentences that you can use for both dictation and copywork, making your teaching days a little easier and a lot more fun! The best part is that these sentences pair perfectly with our 1st Grade Spelling Words!
Why Dictation and Copywork?
As a passionate reader, I believe that writing is just as important as reading in developing strong literacy skills. Both dictation and copywork offer unique benefits that complement each other beautifully.
Copywork allows children to observe the mechanics of writing firsthand. When I write out a sentence for my kids, they see how letters form words and how words come together to create meaningful thoughts. This practice helps with spelling, punctuation, and handwriting skills. Plus, it gives them a chance to absorb the rhythm and flow of language.
On the other hand, dictation encourages active listening and memory recall. When I dictate a sentence, my little ones must focus intently on what I say and then translate that auditory information into written form. This strengthens their ability to process language and enhances their spelling skills as they learn to visualize words in their minds before writing them down.
In our home, we alternate between dictation and copywork each day. For example, I’ll have my child practice a sentence as copywork one day, writing it down after watching me write it. The next day, we’ll switch it up, and I’ll dictate the same sentence for them to write from memory. This method not only reinforces what they’ve learned but also keeps things fresh and engaging.
90 Sentences for Your 1st Graders
To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of 90 sentences perfect for first graders. These sentences are simple yet meaningful, and they cover a range of topics that will spark your child’s imagination and creativity.
Feel free to mix and match them for copywork and dictation throughout your week! Click the Download button below to get your free printable pdf of the list of 1st grade dictation sentences!
- I am a big dog.
- The cat sat.
- Can you see?
- We can go.
- The pig is in the mud.
- She has a ball.
- He can run fast.
- It is a hot day.
- The fog is thick.
- The rat sat.
- I will tap.
- The sun is up.
- The dog can jump.
- The bug is on the rug.
- My cat is big.
- The van is red.
- I can nap.
- The ball is in the bin.
- Can you fix the box?
- The fox ran up the hill.
- The dog is on the log.
- We had fun at the park.
- The dog will wag its tail.
- I see a big bug.
- The mat is on the floor.
- The top is red.
- The kit is in the bag.
- The nap was fun.
- I see a map.
- I can sit on the mat.
- The pig can dig.
- The cat is in the hall.
- He will hug the dog.
- The sun is in the sky.
- The jet is in the air.
- I got a big hug.
- The map is big.
- The rat is not big.
- The bug can hop.
- The dog sat on the rug.
- She will win.
- The cup is on the mat.
- The lid is on the jug.
- The pin is in the box.
- The cap is red.
- He sees a web.
- The dog can dig.
- The fun is not over.
- I see a big fox.
- I tap the cup.
- The nap is nice.
- The cat can sit.
- The bug is in the tub.
- The rat will run.
- The dog had a nap.
- The sun is hot.
- The ball is big.
- The van can go fast.
- The kit is on the bed.
- The log is wet.
- The map is in the bag.
- The fog is in the air.
- The rug is soft.
- The pig sat on the mat.
- The bug can fly.
- The dog is my pet.
- The cat is not here.
- The sun will set.
- The top is on the box.
- The cap is in the bin.
- The red ball is fun.
- The dog is in the tub.
- The pig is in the pen.
- The rat can run fast.
- The tap is leaking.
- The cat will nap.
- The fog will lift.
- The log is big.
- The rug is red.
- The man is in the van.
- The pig is in the mud.
- I can see the jet.
- The box is in the hall.
- The cat can jump.
- The dog will sit.
- The mat is on the bed.
- The bug is in the rug.
- The rat is not my pet.
- The tap is cold.
- The cat is not on the mat.
As you embark on this exciting journey of teaching your first grader, remember that both dictation and copywork are powerful tools in developing their writing skills. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’re not only helping them become confident writers but also nurturing a love for language that will last a lifetime.
I hope these 90 sentences inspire you and your little ones to explore the wonderful world of writing together. Happy homeschooling, and happy writing!

Always Learning and Always Growing! Happy Homeschooling!