WORDS THEIR WAY Word Study Program

Resources Words Their Way - Second Edition Series. Francine Johnson, Donald R. Bear, Marcia Invernizzi, and Shane Templeton Alphabetic Spellers Word Pattern Spellers Syllables and Affixes Spellers Derivational Relations Spellers

Why Use Words Their Way? Traditional spelling programs based on memorization of words – students tend to forget after the test. Often times traditional spelling programs are disconnected – words have no association. Words Their Way focuses on patterns in spelling, not just on rote memorization. Students learn to apply these patterns to other words.

So, how will studying word patterns help my students? Understanding patterns in words will help students identify other words in reading. This will help to increase their fluency. Increased fluency = increased comprehension. Applies to all levels of spellers/readers.

How Do I Know Where To Start My Students? Administer the Spelling Inventory. Use the Spelling Inventory Feature Guide while scoring test. Where a student is less than 80% proficient is where they start. Exception is if student misses any in Emergent or Letter Name – Alphabetic stage, they begin there.

I’ve Tested and Grouped My Students…Now What?? Begin Word Sorts - Introduce Closed Sort to start off – is teacher directed – based on header cards provided for the sort student is working on. - Decide when you will have students work on words.

Do Students Just Sit and Sort Words? You should meet with student groups as often as possible – small group support. You will want to meet with lower groups several times during word study. All groups need support in beginning – then become more independent. Good time to meet – guided reading time. Meeting only needs to take few minutes.

How In the World Do I Have Time to Do This? Once you get started it requires little extra work. Can be done during guided reading/Daily Five time – simply replaces old spelling programs. Students become familiar with the routines – become independent. Testing does not need to be every Friday – usually done around every 7-10 days.

Testing Can test students in small groups during guided reading – or round robin style all at once. If students do not master a list, (usually 80% or higher), they do that list again. If a student consistently does not master list, examine words he is missing – can add them on to next study if necessary.

Sequence of Program Students complete sorts and list assessments. At end of section – administer assessment for that area of study. If mastered, student moves on to next section was deficient in on Spelling Inventory.

Types of Sorts Closed Sort Open Sort Independent Sort Speed Sort SAW/ABC Order Sort No Peeking/Blind Sort Word Hunt Buddy Sort Word Master

Benefits ESL program also available – beginning patterns would work well if can’t purchase. Beneficial to all students – provides differentiation. Helps to provide balanced literacy in classroom. Allows students to become familiar with word patterns and therefore able to recognize greater amount of words. Can be tied into vocabulary studies as well.

Adaptations Can use Word Study Notebooks Can use center materials – magnetic letters, stamps, scrabble pieces, etc.