Bringing Word Study to Intermediate Classrooms Janet W. Bloodgood And Linda C. Pacifici

Positives Focuses on meaning of words by drawing students’ attention to spelling patterns and word roots. Connections to phonics, reading and writing ESL concept and vocabulary development Adds diversity to instruction Teachers and students enjoyed the hands on, interactive activities

Negatives Teachers see word study as supplemental rather than essential learning. Not enough time in the day for spelling instruction Some teachers have limited knowledge about the structure of their native language and the developmental nature of its spelling system. Parents might not feel comfortable with this approach because they are familiar with the traditional approach.

Conclusions Anecdotal teacher comments said that students developed an interest in word origins and became excited. Students applied logic and critical thinking skills to spelling as well as to vocabulary and syntax. Teachers needed a gradual introduction to word study and time to build their confidence, knowledge base and implementation stategies.

Four Units of Word Study Root of the Day Homophones for Within Word Pattern Homographs for Syllable Juncture Word Endings for derivational Constancy

Word Study Activities Root of the Day Word Sorts Homophone Rummy Homograph Think Sheet Homograph Concentration -ar,-er and-or Think Sheet

Root of the Day Spectus/spectare Latin: to watch, Retrospective look at Retrospective looking back on past events: Inspection: to look into Inspect: to look into Retrospect: to look back

Word Sort Short i i-con-e Igh y stick time flight wild try blimp guide i con-con y stick time flight wild try blimp guide knight find fly miss stripe sigh child sky

Homophone Rummy Played like rummy with pairs or triplets of matching homophones. Examples: ate and eight, to, too, and two

Homograph Think Sheet sùbject subjéct Homographs subject invalid increase extract desert record content refuse combat rebel Noun Verb Adjective Directions: Sort in column and put an accent over the vowel that is emphasized. sùbject subjéct

Homograph Concentration Cards with sentences containing homograph with same grammatical context. Example: The subject of my talk is economic policy. The British ambassador is a loyal subject of the queen. Players take turns turning over two cards till they find two examples of homographs. If cards don’t match they are turned back over. Game continues till all cards are turned over. Player who turns over the most cards wins.

-ar, -er and -or Think Sheet doctor labor pastor circular danger dancer uglier soldier sailor stellar faster solar preacher robber favor honor humor actor dreamer lower Nouns Adjectives Agent Concrete Comparative Scientific doctor dancer favor faster happier Solar stellar Abstract Misc