Word Study Strategies for the ELA Classroom September 2008 You’ve got my WORD on it! Word Study Strategies for the ELA Classroom September 2008

What is Word Study? Direct teaching of word parts: Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes Approximately 10 minutes every other day/class Direct instruction to help students connect prior knowledge to, organize and internalize word parts and newly learned words

Why Word Study? We need to “provide students with a strong, conceptual understanding of words parts so students will be able to generalize meaning(s), pronunciation(s) and usage of the word part to many other words.” Students with an awareness of word parts create a richer personal vocabulary, allowing them to be stronger readers and writers.

Why Word Study? Direct teaching of word study is “critical to learning and cannot be underrated.” “there is a strong relationship between word study and learning words in context.” And also, Many of our teachers still feel confused about how word study works, where or why it fits, and when to teach it.

Where can I find Word Study materials? Word Study on FCPS Teach Pre-tests and post-tests in Exam View on CD copies in buildings Word Study lists by grade and unit Word Study List - Grade 9, Unit 1 Templates, teaching ideas and strategies Four Square Strategy Word Study Article

Let’s move “on-WORD” to a few practical strategies Word Walls Four Squares Ratings Games Word Part “Logs” Word Swat Word Webs

Getting Started Introduce students to word part (prefix, suffix, root) Provide some background on the word, meaning and definition Create list of words containing the specific part – provide students with a few to jog their memory Create longer list as a class Have students rate/rank/select one or two words that most clearly demonstrate the meaning of the word part For example: Phil/Philo – meaning loving, fond of Students select Philanthropist – lover of humanity – as their key word Review and revisit word part as you encounter it in class

Class Word Walls Put word parts (roots, suffixes or prefixes) on cards around room or on bulletin boards Add words containing the studied part as students learn the word part, practice words containing the word part, add to the wall as they encounter new words containing the word part Let kids use their own handwriting – sense of ownership and community – use sentence strips, index cards, recycled paper, etc Color code or group word parts together, for example, all suffixes in one area, prefixes in another, or color code parts of speech

Individual Word Walls Offer credit for Put word parts (roots, suffixes or prefixes) in journals, spiral notebooks or three-ring binders - whatever you require Students add the studied word parts and related word lists on pages designated as such in their journals or note taking systems. Offer credit for most words found longest word found most obscure word word used the most in writing words from other content areas Consider checking students’ word wall activities during warm-ups, while taking attendance, during writing conferences or as students complete group work

Four Squares Standard Four Square Model: Can be completed on: Vocabulary Word and Definition 2-3 verbal examples of the word Can be completed on: half sheets index cards foldables (think little books) Recycled Paper 2-3 verbal non-examples of the word Reminding picture or Mnemonic One Page Four Square Model

Ratings Games Works as a pre-test for students Provides more time for student practice with words parts Sets up differentiation immediately for students Word part: Phil/Philo Totally Know It Kinda Know It Never Heard of it Philosophy Philanthropist Bibliophile Tally Scores, complete activity with most checks Use the word in a sentence that demonstrates your understanding Find a definition for the word, write a sentence Use the LINCS chart for each of the words

Word Logs Students are introduced to word parts and create a word list as a class In their “Word Worlds” – other classes, pop culture, tv, movies, at home, with friends, etc, students listen for words using their studied word part(s) Students add these new words to their word logs and share during word study time in class New Word Definition Where you heard it Context (sentence/usage) Philharmonic Devoted to or appreciative of music World News tonight The Boston Philharmonic will be performing this weekend.

Word Swat WARNING: Must have good, strong, meaningful control of class before attempting!! CAUTION! Divide students into 4 teams in rows facing the board, each team gets one flyswatter – first person in row charged with appropriate use of the flyswatter Write words or word parts on the board or tape to wall – DO NOT use overhead screen or Smart boards! Review point earning procedures, safety rules and expectations with students Ask cloze exercises to students using words or word parts Student with flyswatter gently swats word/word part that completes the cloze activity Students then rotate to end of the line and next person takes a turn

Word Webs Using Inspiration software or the old school pen and paper, allow students to create webs/diagrams or organizational sketches that link the meanings to other ideas Connections could be: Word families Position of where the word part falls Other content areas (science, social studies, math, foreign languages, etc) Word Web

Looking “To-WORD” the future… Share these strategies with your departments Share these strategies PARTICULARLY with content teachers – they have a ton of vocab/word study to do! Develop some strategies and their use in your department meetings or PLCs – power in unity Please share YOUR strategies with US so we can share your expertise with others Questions? Comments? Feedback is welcome!