Words Their Way
Each week all students will have 5 sight words to study throughout the week. These will be on the classroom website.
Then, based on your child's developmental spelling stage (determined through a spelling assessment), he/she will have a specific word family/spelling rule to study. 10 words on Friday's spelling test will follow the word family/spelling rule. A list of these words will NOT be sent home, as we want the students to be able to apply the spelling rule to various words (and not just memorize the words).
Each Monday, students will bring home a paper that will state which word family/spelling rule they are studying. This paper will have cards that can be cut out and kept at home to complete word sorts with. Because this is a developmental spelling program, your child may not have the same word sort as another student.
Here is what a typical week will look like in our classroom for spelling:
Monday - In a small group, students will go over all the words, making sure they can read them. Then, students will cut apart their word sort cards and will independently sort the words in their own way. These cards will be kept in a baggie at school. A second set of word sort cards will be sent home for students to keep at home.
Tuesday - Students sort the words again. They will work with partners to see who can sort the words the fastest. They may also try to sort the words in different ways
Wednesday - In small groups, students will play games with their word sort cards
Thursday - Students glue their word sort cards into their Spelling Notebook. Then, they go on a "word hunt" for words to add from their reading book and other books in the classroom. These words must follow the word family/spelling rule
Friday - Spelling test - 5 sight words, 10 words that follow the word family/spelling word. The words do not have to all be words that were used in the sort, as long as it follow the patterns. We are looking for transfer of learning
Here's how you can help your child study at home:
Encouraging him/her to show you how to sort the word cards. Then, together, look for different ways to sort the words.
If your child is competitive, you could time him/her during the sort. Each night see if he/she can sort the words faster.
You could also encourage your child to look for words that fit the word family/spelling pattern in newspapers, ads, books, and magazines at home. Simply letting students use a highlighter will usually increase their motivation! (Of course, you probably don't want them highlighting words in books. :)
Give your child a practice spelling test. Say the 5 sight words and have him/her write the words down. Then tell him/her some of the words from the word sort and come up with some of your own that fit the same patterns.
Students love spelling words in fun ways! Spelling words using pipe cleaners, play dough, popsicle sticks, letter stamps, letter stencils, or in shaving cream can be very motivating. Snack time can be turned into a spelling activity by using small items such as raisins, peanuts, or popcorn to spelling out words. Be creative and have fun with it!
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