Organizing For Word Study (Words Their Way) EDC424

Tips for Preparing Word Sorts Decide on developmentally appropriate features and common error patterns Contrast at least two groups – later exceptions or even three groups Start with easy contrasts > then harder ones Cull words from multiple spelling lists to provide contrasts (rather than all same pattern)

Materials and Space Considerations for Word Sorts Brainstorm with a partner Pocket Charts for peer interactive practice Handouts / Worksheets for cutting, gluing, writing Whiteboards for independent practice Laminated classification folders Labeled envelopes or baggies for storage (can self check with answers on back if desired) Word study journals in box near word study center Game boards and pieces to extend practice Stopwatch for speed sorts

Key resources can be found in the Appendix to Words Their Way Appendix B: Soundboards for sorting labels Appendix C: Pictures for Sorts & Games (consonants, short vowels, long vowels) Appendix D: Sample word sorts by spelling stage (important for grade level lesson plans) Appendix E: Sight Words and Patterned Words for Word Sorts (including homophones, compound words, open and closed syllables, prefixes/suffixes, roots) Appendix F: Games and Templates for Sorts

Setting Up Schedules for Word Sorts

Two schedules for Students

Offset Weekly Plan for Differentiating Word Sort Instruction

Expectations for Word Study Notebooks

Try it out: Word Sorts First, sort by SOUND of G. Soft G Hard G bag cage badge judge drug edge flag huge leg lodge page slug stage twig

Try it out: Word Sorts bag badge cage drug edge flag huge judge leg Now, sort by [visual] pattern. Work with a partner to discover the different patterns & reflect (compare & declare) bag badge cage drug edge flag huge judge leg lodge page slug stage twig

Homework: Running Records Website