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Word SortsWord sorts engage students in analyzing words by sorting them into categories determined by the teacher or the student. This activity focuses children's attention on what they already know about words and encourages them to focus specifically on the similarities and/or differences of selected words. It provides children with multiple exposures to selected words and requires them to think about the words from a particular perspective. This multi-faceted approach to word study helps student develop an analytical and in-depth knowledge of words, which is especially beneficial for struggling readers. Why Word Sorts are important for struggling readersTeachers and parents can tailor word sorts for individual children, depending on student need, or the activity can be completely student- centered. For example, if a child has difficulty distinguishing between long and short vowel sounds, an adult may assemble a group of words that the child already knows and ask him or her to sort them into categories. For extra support, the cards could include a picture that goes along with the word. The same group of words could later be used to sort by initial consonants, number of syllables, or any other relevant word characteristics. Word sorts are a popular center activity because students can usually complete them independently or in small groups. What it looks likeWord Sorts are wonderful instructional activities because they are so flexible. In any type of word sort, students will need word cards and space (such as a table, pocket chart, or magnetic board) to spread the words around. Word sorts are a great extension to Making Words, word banks, vocabulary study, or most other word study activities. How to plan for a word sort activity: 1. Determine what your word sort will focus on. What do you want your students to learn? It is important that the students are already familiar with the concept that they will be working with (e.g., number of syllables, long/short vowel sounds, parts of speech, etc). Some examples include:
2. Decide which words will be used. The words could come from:
3. Determine what level of difficulty is appropriate. In general, the more categories there are, the more difficult the sort. For added challenge, you may want to include a category labeled "other" for words that do not fit in specific categories. This can be a good way to account for irregular words. For example, in a long A word sort, the word "says" would belong in an "other" category, because the vowel pronunciation is irregular. 4. Be sure that the students understand your expectations for both the process and the product of the word sorting activity. It is a good idea to model your expectations when you introduce it for the first time. Sample lesson plansWord Sorts for Beginning
and Struggling Readers - includes
downloadable
teaching materials The
Two Voices of the ow Spelling Pattern -
includes
blacklines
to use with instruction
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