words their way word sorts for older children

There are three different types of word sorts: sound sorts, picture sorts, and word sorts. Thus, word sorts contribute to orthographic or spelling knowledge, the engine that drives efficient reading as well as efficient writing.

Word sorts place instructional emphasis on the exploration of patterns that can be detected in the sound, structure, and meaning features of words. The more students understand about the structure of words - their spelling or orthography - the more efficient and fluent their reading will be. This process contrasts greatly to the simple memorization related to traditional spelling tests. By doing this, students construct their own knowledge of words, creating a lasting understanding of how language works. Each student must then figure out the patterns that exist within the stack, and sort the cards accordingly.

Students receive a stack of cards containing either pictures or words that have several types of contrasting sounds, patterns, or meanings. Word sorts combine both constructivist learning and teacher-directed instruction. By categorizing different words by certain elements, young children make sense of words and patterns within words. The process of sorting words into various categories is the heart of word study. 3 Adjusting Word Sort Instruction for Students with Learning Problems.They provide the resources (although you have to do some copying). I don’t know these authors personally, but I like that they have not just shared theory and then forced me to buy their program in order to implement these positive programs they are advocating for. In our culture of ownership and money-making and copyrighting, I find this to be refreshing. Although they sell classroom sets (which are quite nicely put together, might I add) you do not need to buy them in order to begin using the program. In order to address this need, Donald Bear, Marcia Invernizzi, Shane Templeton, and Fraincine Johnston have developed a program titled, “ Words Their Way: Word Study for Phonics, Vocabulary and Spelling Instruction.” May I begin my review by saying that this book is written and created so that you can begin to implement this program with your children or students without buying anything else. Now we plan twenty-five lessons, or one mini-lesson, followed by small group conferences planned on-the-fly for each child (if what I am saying sounds completely crazy, I am describing the “workshop model” of teaching, which I personally adore).

In our attempts to recognize and value the fact that each child is a unique learner who does best when taught at their own individual level, we have lost some of the ease of teaching: the ability to plan a lesson for the whole class and then carry it out. Finding a way to introduce word study to children of varying abilities in our world of authentic literature is challenging, at best.

Words their way word sorts for older children