1. Words Their Way Instruction

2. Typical Week of Word Study
Monday
Students receive words to cut out and write their initials. (color)
Students will complete a written “open sort”
Teacher introduces words, demonstrates sort in a small group.
Students explain why words are being sorted that way.
Students take their own words back to their seats and independently replicate the sort.
They will then write the sort in their word study notebooks.
Tuesday
Students re-sort words. They will pick 6 words to draw and label.
BLIND SORT or CONCEPT SORT
Wednesday
Students will sort words with a partner. They will check each other’s work and discuss any difficulties.
Thursday
Students sort words. They might have a speed sort against the teacher or with a classmate.
Students perform a word hunt using literature currently being read.
Friday
Review game or activity using words of the week.
Spelling Test and Word Sort Assessment. (not with every unit)

3. Routines - Monday Have sort on desk to start Monday morning routine
Crayon / Initials
on back of paper
3. Cut & put in baggie
RE-sort and RECORD
right after lesson or during word study time
READING GROUP TIME
Bring sort & categories
On your own sort
Teacher lead sort (pocket chart)
Decide together where words should go

4. Word Study in Action
Word sorts are the heart of the program. Students use word sorts to group words into specific categories. As students complete the sorts, they compare and contrast word features, make discoveries, and form generalizations about the conventions of English orthography or spelling.
Video of Word Sort:
PowerPoint Presentations of Word Sorts:

5. Variations of Word Sorts
Guess My Category
Writing Sorts
Blind Sorts
Partner Sorts
Speed Sorts
Word Hunts
Brainstorming
Early Sorts tied to literature
EMERGENT BOOK has lessons for all of the following:
Concept Sorts (kdg-good intro to sorts)
Picture Sorts (Phonological Awareness
Alphabet Knowledge (Letter Rec, Font Sorts)
Beginning Consonant Sounds (Poems-Soft Kitty)
Concepts of Print Sorts

6. Examples of HOMEWORK Parent Explanation Cover Sheet
Parent Explanation Sheet
Parent Explanation Cover Sheet
Collect on Friday with parent signature
TIC / TAC / TOE
Be sure to include a separate SORT to leave at home

7. QUESTIONS??