Back in August 2011, I posted about a new word study program I was starting called Word Journeys. I used that program for the entire year and loved it. I felt like my students were making so many gains in their word knowledge. In fact, the fifth grade teachers who taught that group last year were so impressed with them!
This past school year, my district adopted a new reading program which came with the Words Their Way program. It was a very easy transition for me, having used Word Journeys in the past, as the two programs are very similar. Though I'm wanting to revamp somewhat, I plan to stick to the shell of how I ran my word study program. At the beginning of the year, I give the Words Their Way spelling inventory. I start out with the "Elementary" form, then give the "Upper Elementary" form to those students who got more than 20 words correct. I typically end up with about four groups. I meet with each group once a week (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays) to discuss the new spelling pattern. I used to give a notes page for students to keep in their binders, but I was finding them on the floor, in their desks, and every other place except their binders! I put a composition book on the supply list this year and I want to try a word study notebook instead. So, at the group meeting, students will take notes in their word study notebook. They will record their spelling pattern, then brainstorm words that fit their pattern. Students will then be given their word sort. I give them a word sort page for them to record it on. I do not have students glue down their words because I want them to access the words for ABC order and to do other sorts throughout the week. The word sort is due the following day. This allows me to see if anyone is struggling so I can do some reteaching before it is too late.
I was also struggling with finding the word sort words all over the floor. I asked a 2nd grade teacher in my building how she handles this with her students and she told me that she found zipper pockets similar to these on sale and each student has one that they keep in their homework binder. She sets aside time at the beginning of the week for the students to cut out their words and put their name on each one before putting them in the pocket. If a word is found on the floor, it is very easy to tell whose it is. I like this and I'm going to try it this year!
Other word study assignments that students have due throughout the week are ABC order and Super Sentences. In the past, I have allowed my students all week to work on the assignment and have it due during the next group meeting. Last year, that did not seem to work and students failed to turn in the assignments. Mid-year, I started having the ABC order due on Fridays and Super Sentences due the day of their next group meeting and that seemed to work out better.
I feel very strongly that word study is the best way to teach spelling. Students are learning spelling patterns based on their individual needs. It really doesn't make sense to have students memorize "4th grade words" when they don't even have the concept of long vowel patterns.
Do you use Words Their Way or a similar program? What other word study assignments do students complete throughout the week?
This past school year, my district adopted a new reading program which came with the Words Their Way program. It was a very easy transition for me, having used Word Journeys in the past, as the two programs are very similar. Though I'm wanting to revamp somewhat, I plan to stick to the shell of how I ran my word study program. At the beginning of the year, I give the Words Their Way spelling inventory. I start out with the "Elementary" form, then give the "Upper Elementary" form to those students who got more than 20 words correct. I typically end up with about four groups. I meet with each group once a week (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays) to discuss the new spelling pattern. I used to give a notes page for students to keep in their binders, but I was finding them on the floor, in their desks, and every other place except their binders! I put a composition book on the supply list this year and I want to try a word study notebook instead. So, at the group meeting, students will take notes in their word study notebook. They will record their spelling pattern, then brainstorm words that fit their pattern. Students will then be given their word sort. I give them a word sort page for them to record it on. I do not have students glue down their words because I want them to access the words for ABC order and to do other sorts throughout the week. The word sort is due the following day. This allows me to see if anyone is struggling so I can do some reteaching before it is too late.
I was also struggling with finding the word sort words all over the floor. I asked a 2nd grade teacher in my building how she handles this with her students and she told me that she found zipper pockets similar to these on sale and each student has one that they keep in their homework binder. She sets aside time at the beginning of the week for the students to cut out their words and put their name on each one before putting them in the pocket. If a word is found on the floor, it is very easy to tell whose it is. I like this and I'm going to try it this year!
Other word study assignments that students have due throughout the week are ABC order and Super Sentences. In the past, I have allowed my students all week to work on the assignment and have it due during the next group meeting. Last year, that did not seem to work and students failed to turn in the assignments. Mid-year, I started having the ABC order due on Fridays and Super Sentences due the day of their next group meeting and that seemed to work out better.
I feel very strongly that word study is the best way to teach spelling. Students are learning spelling patterns based on their individual needs. It really doesn't make sense to have students memorize "4th grade words" when they don't even have the concept of long vowel patterns.
Do you use Words Their Way or a similar program? What other word study assignments do students complete throughout the week?
