WORDS THEIR WAY

Word Study Program

Resources

• Words Their Way - Second Edition Series.Francine Johnson, Donald R. Bear, Marcia

Invernizzi, and Shane Templeton• Alphabetic Spellers• Word Pattern Spellers• Syllables and Affixes Spellers• Derivational Relations Spellers

Why Use Words Their Way?

• Traditional spelling programs based on memorization of words – students tend to forget after the test.

• Often times traditional spelling programs are disconnected – words have no association.

• Words Their Way focuses on patterns in spelling, not just on rote memorization.

• Students learn to apply these patterns to other words.

So, how will studying word patterns help my students?

• Understanding patterns in words will help students identify other words in reading.

• This will help to increase their fluency.• Increased fluency = increased comprehension.• Applies to all levels of spellers/readers.

How Do I Know Where To Start My Students?

• Administer the Spelling Inventory.• Use the Spelling Inventory Feature Guide

while scoring test.• Where a student is less than 80% proficient is

where they start.• Exception is if student misses any in Emergent

or Letter Name – Alphabetic stage, they begin there.

I’ve Tested and Grouped My Students…Now What??

• Begin Word Sorts- Introduce Closed Sort to start off – is teacher directed – based on header cards provided for the sort student is working on. - Decide when you will have students work on words.

Do Students Just Sit and Sort Words?

• You should meet with student groups as often as possible – small group support.

• You will want to meet with lower groups several times during word study.

• All groups need support in beginning – then become more independent.

• Good time to meet – guided reading time.• Meeting only needs to take few minutes.

How In the World Do I Have Time to Do This?

• Once you get started it requires little extra work.

• Can be done during guided reading/Daily Five time – simply replaces old spelling programs.

• Students become familiar with the routines – become independent.

• Testing does not need to be every Friday – usually done around every 7-10 days.

Testing

• Can test students in small groups during guided reading – or round robin style all at once.

• If students do not master a list, (usually 80% or higher), they do that list again.

• If a student consistently does not master list, examine words he is missing – can add them on to next study if necessary.

Sequence of Program

• Students complete sorts and list assessments.• At end of section – administer assessment for

that area of study.• If mastered, student moves on to next section

was deficient in on Spelling Inventory.

Types of Sorts

• Closed Sort • Open Sort• Independent Sort• Speed Sort• SAW/ABC Order Sort• No Peeking/Blind Sort• Word Hunt• Buddy Sort• Word Master

Benefits

• ESL program also available – beginning patterns would work well if can’t purchase.

• Beneficial to all students – provides differentiation.

• Helps to provide balanced literacy in classroom.• Allows students to become familiar with word

patterns and therefore able to recognize greater amount of words.

• Can be tied into vocabulary studies as well.

Adaptations

• Can use Word Study Notebooks• Can use center materials – magnetic letters,

stamps, scrabble pieces, etc.