Word study incorporates  phonics, spelling, and vocabulary. The ultimate goal of word study is for students to develop knowledge of spelling and also increase their specific knowledge of words. There are a lot of different ways to implement word work in the lesson plans like games and vocabulary strategies. Another common method for word work is having students sort words.
Learn more about our new word study curriculum, Words Their Way, by downloading the file below. The attached presentation was given by TCSD Literacy Specialist, Buffy Allen, at our Volunteer Workshop. Her presentation explored why the word study is important, how tutors can effectively instruct word study, and the different types of word sorts you can complete with your student.
word_study_presentation__teton_literacy_center.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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A Step-By-Step Guide for a Basic Word Sort
  1. Tutor introduces the Word Sort
    1. Tutor reads word cards to students, then the student reads word cards out loud. Tutor then asks if the student can recognize any patterns within the words found in the sort.
  2. Tutor Identifies the Sort's Guide Words and/or Headers   
  3. The Student Sorts
    1. Student sorts the words based on how he/she feels they correspond with the Header's from the sort
  4. Tutor and Student Discuss and Reflect
    1. Tutor Asks:
      1. Why did you put these words together?
      2. What sounds did you find in these words?
      3. How would you describe the patterns?
      4. Were there any words you had trouble reading?
***Watch the video below to see this process in action!