1. Organizing For Word Study (Words Their Way)
EDC424

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. Setting Up Schedules for Word Sorts

6. Two schedules for Students

7. Offset Weekly Plan for Differentiating Word Sort Instruction

8. Expectations for Word Study Notebooks

9. 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

10. 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

11. Homework: Running Records Website